Juliette Hogan: Sustainability and Secondhand

It has been wonderful to see both the fashion industry and consumers embrace the repurposing of pre-loved garments. When we fall out of love with a specific piece, it doesn’t mean that the piece isn’t worth loving. It just may no longer suit your lifestyle, shape or style, but it still absolutely has the potential to be someone else’s treasure that they have been searching for. And most importantly, it stops it from ending up in landfill.

Look for trusted and good quality brands, good quality fabrications and construction that will stand the test of time. You will be able to find a better deal for quality brands second hand rather than buying fast fashion new. There can be satisfaction in that; knowing you’ve made a positive environmental choice and meaning you will have a more emotional connection to that piece and in turn giving it both more care and more wear.

Be patient. If there’s brands out there that you know and love, or a particular gap in your wardrobe that you need to fill, set it up as a favourite search and eventually the right piece will come along.

There is this notion that second hand clothing will look ‘vintage’ and that’s not necessarily the case. At Juliette Hogan we are known for our timeless and classic design aesthetic. Nothing gives me more joy than our customers being able to style treasured JH pieces from collections past back with fresh seasonal injections. 

This approach really resonates with me and is applicable whether buying new or second hand. Classic, staple wardrobe pieces are the important building blocks of our wardrobe. Whether that’s a great pair of trousers, a tailored blazer, an amazing piece of merino knitwear, or the perfect pair of jeans. Having those good quality, and hardworking staples makes styling in with fresh and fun pieces so easy.

You should look to purchase things that you know you’ll wear and suit your existing style, and you know will work in with your existing wardrobe and how you like to dress. The benefit of purchasing second hand often means that it will be something unique that not everyone has.

When buying second-hand clothing, prioritise trusted brands, detailed images, and inquire about the garment's condition. For high-quality fabrics, look for natural fibers like cotton, linen, wool, or silk, ensuring they show minimal wear and have been well-cared-for. Evaluate the weave, weight, and colour fastness, and check hardware for overall garment quality.

As a brand we definitely have an enduring colour palette that has stood the test of time, meaning pieces from 10 years ago can be worn easily with pieces from today. We have, and always will, feature easy neutrals alongside seasonal highlight hues. Our signature prints generally feature these neutral base tones and give a fresh interest with cohesive colour combinations. For investment pieces  I will always look to more timeless neutrals (black, beige, grey marle, crisp white or denim). They are trusted, hardworking, timeless and easy to style.

With the way that I design and dress myself, less is always more. Accessories can be a useful tool to completely elevate an outfit, give it new life, or inject more of your own personal style. This could be as simple as a quality belt or a pair of sunglasses.

A quality and well tailored pair of black pants; the hardest working item in a wardrobe, and a crisp white t, a blazer, and quality knitwear.

Embracing the secondhand market is a crucial step towards a more sustainable fashion choice in New Zealand. Opting for quality secondhand items over fast fashion contributes to extending the lifespan of clothing and reducing the environmental impact. It's important to recognize that this choice prevents clothes from ending up in landfills. 

While affordable secondhand options provide an alternative to fast fashion, this alone is not the ultimate solution. It’s also important to mention here that when shopping new, invest in quality new items to build a wardrobe with lasting value. 

An investment piece is a high-quality, timeless item that justifies paying extra due to its durability, versatility, and enduring style, offering long-term value and satisfaction. For me that is a Classic Trench, the perfect black pant, a tailored blazer, or that dress you just know will see you through key moments time and time again.

As a consumer, choosing secondhand over new items is your entry point to making a difference. I encourage you to make informed choices, embrace secondhand options, and play a part in fostering a more sustainable fashion future.

The most sought after pieces at Juliette Hogan are often our original and emotive print stories and the foundation from which our seasonal collections are built. We will also ensure that we only offer limited runs on some event wear pieces or winter coats so these are often snapped up quickly. While these unique or exciting pieces can sell quickly, our quiet and hardworking staples (tailored suiting, quality knitwear and simple luxe separates) essential for building a versatile wardrobe, are consistently among our most popular items, emphasising the enduring appeal of tried and true classics.