Our Senior Marketing Manager, Angela Spiteri, shares how she’s keeping her summer wardrobe stylish, affordable and planet-friendly.
Summer’s in full swing, and after months of layering up it feels great to give my bright, bold sunshine clothes their time to shine. From weddings to festivals to holidays, there are so many opportunities to dress up – but also a lot of temptation to splurge on new clothes.
Just like Christmas, summer can bring a surge of waste, But the good news is, that more of us are making more planet-conscious choices. Here in Wales, we’re already the world’s second-best recycling nation, and nearly 70% of us buy preloved clothing at least some of the time. Imagine the difference we could make if we turned that into a regular habit?
The best part is dressing sustainably doesn’t mean sacrificing style or fun. If anything, I think it makes fashion more creative, expressive and a lot more affordable. So here are my go-to tips for looking stylish, feeling great, and doing your bit for the planet this summer.
Holiday wardrobe: Preloved picks and rediscovered gems
There’s always that urge to stock up before a trip, but before I buy anything I always start by “shopping my own wardrobe.” A quick mix-and-match session usually uncovers hidden gems and old favourites I’d forgotten about – and it’s amazing what you can create without spending a penny.
When I do need something new, Vinted is my go-to for affordable, preloved holiday looks. It’s just as easy as online shopping, but way more exciting when you find unique, bold low-impact pieces. Before my recent trip to Greece, I picked up some fab pieces including a gorgeous £2 rainbow dress which has become one of my summer staples, as well as many other fab finds.
Top tip: If you’re buying preloved online, allow a bit of extra time for delivery.
Charity shops and vintage stores are also great for finding standout pieces with a story, especially when I want something with a bit of character.
Festival Fashion: Sparkle sustainably
Festivals are the perfect chance to unleash your creativity with bold outfits – It’s all about the sequins, bold colours, and playful accessories.
It’s surprising what festival looks you can whip up with items you already have hanging around in your wardrobe. A floaty skirt teamed up with a bold top and chunky boots or bright trainers = instant festival glam. Throw in a flower crown and a touch of sparkle and you’re good to go.
When I want to spruce up my festival collection, I always start with preloved – there’s an endless selection of second-hand sequins and unique finds.
Occasionally, I treat myself to a new festival piece, but I choose slow fashion, not fast fashion: unique, handmade pieces by indie makers that may cost a bit more, but feel special and are made to last. Some of my favourite festival items have been with me for 15-20 years and still stand out at festivals today.
Weddings & Special Occasions: Embrace something old and something borrowed!
Weddings are a wonderful chance to glam up, but often those outfits only get worn once. Instead of buying brand new, I try and mix, match, and styling pieces I own in new ways to create a fresh look.
If I do need something different, borrowing from a friend is always a good shout. And for fancier occasions, renting is another brilliant option. You get to wear something gorgeous and glam without the expense, commitment or clutter. It saves money, wardrobe space, and waste. Win-win-win.
Kids’ Clothes: Preloved & hand-me-downs
Between growth spurts, grass stains and general chaos, summer fashion for kids can feel never-ending. That’s why I turn to preloved first – especially for holiday bits and school uniform.
Whether it’s passed down from friends, picked up at local swap shops, or bought second-hand online, it’s saved us a small fortune over the years. We’ve given (and received) bundles of hand-me-downs that are still in great condition, ready to be loved by the next little adventurer.
So whether you’re dancing in a field, jetting off somewhere sunny, or just chasing the kids around a park – do it in style, save money, and keep it sustainable.
