Zoë Timmers used to spend her lunch breaks in Topshop on Oxford St. Now? She’s hunting for vintage dresses and timeless trousers in secondhand shops. As a regular Onanon buyer here’s how she shifted from impulse buys to pieces she truly loves - and why she thinks you’ll fall for secondhand too.

How would you describe your style in three words?

Thoughtful, easygoing and (hopefully!) quietly stylish.

How has your approach to style or shopping evolved over time?

I used to work in TV and spent many years based in Soho, London so would spend many a lunch break in Topshop and along Oxford Street - so it was about whatever was “in”. But as I’ve got older I’ve moved away from impulse buys and “fast fashion” and towards pieces that feel timeless and versatile. I now care much more about quality, both in how something is made and how it fits into my life. I’d rather invest in fewer things I truly love and wear often. I still have way too many clothes from my London days and since moving out to Oxfordshire I’ve been slowly letting them go.

Do you remember the moment or reason you first started shopping secondhand?

I used to go to Camden Market - a lot! And even as a teenager I would pick up the odd secondhand/vintage piece which I’ve continued to do over the years. It wasn’t one big moment, but more of a gradual shift. I became more aware of how much waste comes from clothing, and secondhand felt like a way to align my wardrobe with my values while still enjoying beautiful, well-made pieces. I also realised how much more unique my wardrobe became when I shopped this way. I would say my purchases these days weigh more in favour of secondhand than new. I love it, it’s a little like treasure hunting!

What secondhand piece from your wardrobe do you reach for again and again - and why?

I have a couple of pairs of Toast trousers that I honestly couldn’t live without (and one pair I bought at Onanon - they’re so easy to wear and work with pretty much everything. In the summer, I often end up reaching for my collection of vintage dresses, particularly 70s and 80s - they’ve become a bit of a warm-weather uniform for me - light, comfortable, and just the right amount of fun without feeling over the top.

Do you have a favourite brand you love finding secondhand?

Toast, definitely - they’re such good quality and their pieces feel timeless.

What would you tell a friend who's never shopped secondhand before?

I’d say start small - maybe one or two things you know you’ll actually wear, like a great pair of trousers or a jumper. Go in with an open mind rather than looking for something super specific, it’s often when you stumble across something unexpected that you find the real gems. And once you see how good the quality can be, you’ll be hooked! Then you can pair that secondhand item with something new!

From Fast Fashion to Timeless Finds: My Journey into Secondhand Style