As a self titled professional thrift shopper, the opportunity to create looks with charity shop clothes for Wales Air Ambulance was a dream come true. They do amazing work and make 2000 missions each year to save lives, supported entirely by donations and their charity shops. So to inspire you to get shopping, I’ve styled some looks inspired by classic trends that will be easy to recreate with some pieces I selected from their Pontypridd store.
The Pleated Midi Skirt
The trend: Midi skirts have become a wardrobe staple and are flattering for so many different shapes. This season it’s about pairing it with a light jumper and comfy shoes, for an everyday autumn look.
What to look for: A pleated skirt thats a longer length, either printed or plain and a lightweight jumper. These skirts are always in charity shops, as they were popular many moons ago and most come with an elasticated waist so you can roll it to the right length.
How I’m wearing it: Both me and Alice (Media Officer and fellow Blogger) fell in love with this skirt and felt it was similar to a Whistles one this season. I paired it with a simple white jumper, boots and a backpack and I like that it’s really wearable, comfy and easy to recreate.
Cost: Skirt £2.50
Festival Babe
The trend: Mix and match, festival chic with lots of short shorts, crop tops and layers of accessories.
What to look for: Printed shorts, vintage t-shirts, jewellery and anything printed or colourful. Think about the potential in garments too, this is the one trend where customising is very much encouraged.
How I’m wearing it: I found these printed shorts and instantly loved them, they’re really comfortable, easy to wear and I love that they sit on the waist. I paired them with a simple black crop top and layered my accessories to finish the look.
Cost: Top £1.50 Shorts £2
90s Grunge
The trend: 90s grunge is all about reviving the looks of the naughties in a contemporary way. One of the key looks is layering a tee under a dress, it’s really easy and adds an instant edge to something girly or dressy.
What to look for: Strappy, long line dresses, that aren’t too tailored or fussy.
How I’m wearing it: I found this dress in the store and felt like it had a lot of potential but I wasn’t sure how to style it. It was actually my mum who suggested the tee and I think it works really well. Layering is an easy way to update a look and adding a choker brings it bang up to date.
Cost: Dress £3.50
Oversized Vintage Shirt
The trend: Oversized vintage or inspired shirts which are loose fitting and in luxe fabrics.
What to look for: A shirt thats not fitted and either oversized or at least two sizes up from what you normally wear. If it’s available choose something in a silk or a luxurious fabric for a more high end look. Make sure to check in the mens rails too because getting the perfect size isn’t crucial and you might find some unusual prints.
How I’m wearing it: For some reason this shirt gave me SATC vibes, so I had to pair it with heels and really dress it up. I think this is such an easy and effective look, who doesn’t have a staple pair of jeans and heels in their wardrobe? And it’s totally effortless and comfortable at the same time. Alternatively you could pair this with trainers and a back pack for a casual day look.
Cost: Shirt £2.50
Italian Red
The trend: The italian Red dress is more of a classic look than a trend but it’s completely timeless. Think of it as the wild sister of the LBD.
What to look for: Anything in a bright but warm red, a dress is perfect but a shirt or skirt would also look amazing paired with black. If it’s a dress make sure it’s a good fit or could be easily altered, you want it to flatter your figure.
How I’m wearing it: I decided to try and dress it up with black and gold accessories as an evening look. Using on trend shoes and a statement belt helps to bring it up to date and look more expensive.
Cost: Dress £3.50
Military Girl
The trend: This look is all about strong, military inspired silhouettes and finishings layered with leather and hardware.
What to look for: Black, khaki or nude pieces with flap pockets or studs.
How I’m wearing it: I decided to wear this dress as is rather than layering it. I like that its form fitting but comfortable and works perfectly with leather boots and a statement bag.
Cost: Dress £3.50
Oversized Shearling Coat
The trend: An oversized, shearling or suede coat, combined with heavy layering.
What to look for: A suede, shearling or fur lined coat/jacket that is oversized or bigger than your normal size. If possible stick to warm tones, burgundy, brown or camel that has large pockets.
How I’m wearing it: I’m in love with this coat, it works perfectly with a chunky knit jumper and I decided to wear over the knee boots to try and dress up the look.
Cost: Coat £6
All the items used for this post will be going back to the Pontypridd store and will be available to purchase, if your quick enough! Please support your local store and share your thrifted looks via instagram @air_ambulance.
I’ve had to admit something to myself recently that I never, EVER, thought I would have to. However it’s very sad and so true that I’m a little bit of a ‘jeans and a nice top’ girl. I feel like this is the fashionably comfortable equivalent of wearing your pyjamas to Tesco. It’s just so good, the jeans are stretchy, it’s a well put together outfit but it’s so low maintenance. As if I had to iron a single thing, that’s the problem with pretty dresses. You don’t have to shave, tan, hold in the wind jeans and a nice top, it’s good as it is. I may be the worst Cardiff fashion blogger but at least I’m honest about it.
1. Embroidered shirt 
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