SECOND HAND SEPTEMBER 'I'm proof that you don't need to buy new to look great'

Former fast fashion addict, Zara Canfield, from Thame in Oxfordshire, now searches through charity shops to find the perfect preloved piece

- OLIVIA DEVEREUX-EVANS

Zara Canfield, 30, works as a volunteer marketing manager at Oxfam and has been buying only secondhand clothing since 2019. Here, she explains why she loves preloved...

Back in my early twenties, I was the definition of a fast fashion addict. We all know how the story goes - you buy one thing online and you're hounded with discount codes enticing you to buy more. I fell straight into the trap, getting something new for every event in my calendar.

A change in career inspired me to do things differently. I was working for a children's charity, but by 2017 I felt ready for a new challenge and took a job at Oxfam.

Two years into working for the organisation, I was managing the campaigning team for festivals and launched Second Hand September, asking people to re-wear and recycle their clothes for 30 days.