Here’s how I paid $3.50 for must-have leather look pants.

Published July, 2016

In winter like many of us, I can get into a bit of a style rut – tending to stick to my fav jeans, jumper and skate shoes for comfort and warm.

I have been noticing lots of people wearing leather or leather look pants this winter and if Kate Waterhouse is anything to go by they are a wardrobe must-have.

Many luxe wardrobe items can be expensive and sometimes may feel out of our reach. So, I’ve decided to share how I shop for wardrobe items for less in between events.

#1 When I know a wardrobe item that I’d love it goes on my wish list – that’s a list either in my head or on a note on my phone.

#2 Every time I am out and about in different suburbs and I see an op shop I cannot help myself I always pop in for a squiz. Leather look pants have been at the top of my wish list for a while.

Image courtesy of I Love To Op Shop

This week I was out with my daughter in Hamilton running an errand and noticed the sign on the Vinnies door “50% off all women’s clothing“. I was not walking past this opportunity.
My 3 tips for whizzing through racks of preloved fashion in a matter of minutes are: 

• Look in your clothes size only.

• Search for items on your list – forget the rest!

• Stick to your colour, style palette – see below for more ideas. 

So, with my list in mind I whizzed through the op shop racks and low and behold I found a pair of black faux leather pants that fitted perfectly for the bargain price of $3.50!

Don’t think leather or leather-look must-have items belong in your wardrobe? Read inspiration from Sam Woods with how to Look Good In Leather (or Leather Look Fabrics)…(At Any Age).

Rachel Prest

Rachel Prest

Director & Founder at Raid My Wardrobe

Rachel Prest is founder of Raid My Wardrobe. In 2010, she founded a preloved fashion event for women to refresh, recycle and reinvent their wardrobes. She began this blog in 2016 as a way to inspire, educate and encourage her community with more sustainable ways of fashion shopping, styling and creating. When she's not doing a wardrobe makeover or planning the next event you'll find her down at the beach, hiking or mountain biking in the bush or hanging out with her friends and her kids. Rachel is based in Newcastle, Australia.