Don’t fall for high prices this autumn

It will soon be time to swop your slinky summer dresses for longer sleeves and versatile scarves which can be added and removed throughout the day, depending on the temperature.

As the trees shed their leaves and bare their slender branches, so do we slowly move into the period where we need to shed our weightless summer dresses.

We all know that autumn in Cape Town requires some crafty fashion sense to keep ahead of the temperamental weather.

The sounds of music and laughter which filled the hot humid air along with displays of burnt orange, blues and shades of red in slinky sun dresses, are slowly being replaced by brown and mustard hues, paired with thick linen scarves and skinny jeans.

It’s quite an awkward season to be in because although there is a nip in the cold morning air, late afternoon tends to bring on the heat, creating the need to constantly have to shift between layering outfits up and down.

Deciding how many seasons to dress for in one outfit is one problem, but stocking your closet with winter attire does not have to be another burden, especially on your pocket, thanks to numerous resources which can make refreshing your winter wardrobe more affordable.

Platforms such as the Second Hand Facebook page allows you to browse the items which others have purchased at a whim or may no longer fit into, and find something that may be the perfect fit for you.

It’s like rummaging through a friend’s closet for the perfect party dress, instead of forking out between R400 and R800 on an item which may only last until the end of the season.

So get scrolling to find the gems which are often snatched up like hot cakes.

You also have the opportunity to post your own items you no longer wear for others to buy. This way, you’re able to assist someone else as you may just have that one item they need to complete their look, and you will be able to earn back some of the money spent on your new outfit or at least ease your conscience about that unbudgeted pair of sandals you may have splurged on. I consider this a “win-win” situation.

However, there are some cons to shopping this way because you’re not dealing with reputable companies; you’re dealing with individuals you hope will operate in good faith.

Someone selling you something that is not the brand they claim it to be or someone not pitching up to an arranged meeting on time are just two possible risks.

So make sure that you have clear arrangements with the person you’re trading with and do not deposit money into anyone’s account without receiving verification that your goods have been posted.

Check in regularly with the seller to ensure that they will be able to make the appointment you have arranged so that you’re not left waiting for nothing.

I’ve personally had many good experiences while shopping on the Second Hand Facebook page and currently I am rocking my sky blue chiffon Mango summer dress which I scored for R120, less than half of the store price (which my budget would otherwise not afford). So good luck and happy shopping!

You can email me on
athina.may@inl.co.za