Fashion people share the story behind the luckiest piece in their wardrobe

“It’s a symbol of experience, intuition and a little bit of magic.”

Do you believe in luck? I didn’t – until I found the perfect pre-loved Chloé dress online for $150. It’s soft and feminine and strangely, it seems like something good happens to me whenever I wear it. People are kinder, the day feels brighter and I’m happier. Maybe it’s the power of a good outfit or maybe it’s luck, but I’m never parting with that dress.  

For some people, luck comes in the form of numbers. Others ring in the new year in red for good fortune. Some (sickos) hold tight to a rabbit’s foot keychain. But for fashion people, luck can look like a thrifted handbag with a hidden prize, a vintage blazer that always guarantees you the job or an heirloom charm bracelet that you can’t leave home without. 

For more pre-loved fashion advice and stories, head to our Pre-Loved section.

I’m a firm believer that if an item is lucky, the luck will endure and grow, even if the item swaps hands. So, in theory, this makes pre-loved items even luckier. To test this theory, I asked five fashion people to show me the luckiest item in their wardrobe.

Josephine Ainscough, graphic designer and content creator

These Adidas shorts, although ordinary, are what I’d consider to be the luckiest item in my entire wardrobe. I thrifted them (huge win) while travelling through Europe (even luckier) and to top it off, they just happen to be my favourite shade of blue (triple luck).

I vividly remember manifesting the perfect pair that morning. I told myself, ‘I’m going to find a fun, baggy pair of basketball shorts that actually fit me.’ And there they were, at maybe the second store I wandered into, practically glowing on the rack.

Since then, these shorts have been with me through so many phases of life, different cities and have found their way into some unexpected outfits. They’ve been worn to death, washed a million times and somehow still come out strong and swinging every season. A true ride-or-die.

@joainscough

Alisa Yamada, photographer

Finding this bag at the thrift was pretty lucky in itself. Gold details, weirdly long handles and enough room to fit all the things I convince myself I might one day need. It was perfect. The cherry on top, though, was that as an avid hidden-pocket enthusiast, I naturally went through all of the little compartments and found, among some loose green buttons, a $20 note. 

The buttons haven’t come in handy yet but I know there is a random DIY project with their name on it. The $20, though, meant that the bag paid for itself. Plus, my new favourite, self-funded accessory, also treated me to a coffee. It was literally the luckiest day ever. I should have bought a lottery ticket.  

@alisa.yamada

Diana Nguyen, merchandise planner

This vest is my lucky charm. I’ve owned it for over six years now, long before the pandemic, and it has stayed with me ever since. I found it at the same Vinnies in Mount Pritchard where I’ve been thrifting for the past two decades. That store has become a treasure trove of hidden gems for me. 

If I could choose a superpower, it would be the ability to scan every rack in a charity shop and instantly spot the best pieces. It only takes me a couple of seconds to know if it’s going to be a lucky day or not. That instinct, my thrifting sixth sense, has been honed over 20 years of practice. 

It’s not just about fashion; it’s a deeply personal ritual, one I’ve perfected with time, patience and a sharp eye. This vest, in particular, holds sentimental value and represents years of refining a unique skill. It’s more than just clothing. It’s a symbol of experience, intuition and a little bit of magic.

@di.yen

Nicki Han, graphic design and content specialist

I don’t know if it was the energy of visiting Seoul, South Korea or the sentiment behind the piece, but I felt incredibly lucky wearing the Aytama Top from Mume to celebrate my 26th birthday. It’s a piece I’d been eyeing for a long time and something about that moment, being in a city I love, reflecting on how far I’ve come, felt like the perfect time to finally wear it.

Mume is a slow fashion brand I’ve admired for a long time, for its craftsmanship, thoughtfulness and the way each piece feels so intentional. I’ve always leaned into conscious consumption and personal style over passing trends, so supporting brands like this just makes sense to me.

The Aytama Top represents my style to a tee – classy, but it’s still fun and makes a statement. Wearing it instantly makes me feel super confident. It’s the kind of outfit that doesn’t just look good, but feels good.

@_nickihan

Robbie Najdovski, patternmaker

This piece is marked 222, my number. I acquired it at a late-night flea market. The stall was nearly packed down, the light was fading and I wasn’t really looking for anything. The chain is approximately 80 grams in weight, constructed with a silver casing and an inset lapis slab. It has a dual-face composition – one planar, one sculpted. No provenance, no maker’s mark. Just form and a feeling.

Lapis lazuli, marketed as a metaphysical enhancer of perception, is historically linked to protection, clarity and vision. Its value here is not only symbolic, it’s tactile. Cool against the skin. Chosen without hesitation. An object with gravity, literal and psychic. Marked by number. Worn without question. That’s what makes it lucky.

For more on thrifting a lucky gem, head here.