Jane has decided to do her bit for the planet and her wallet, and start her op shopping journey - go Jane!
After taking her clothes to a community donation collection point, she’s about to walk into a Good Sammy store for the very first time.
So, now what? Does she immediately start hunting for those pink fringed cowboy boots she’s been lusting over forever? Probably not a good idea. Expecting to find a sparkly wish list item on her first hunt will only lead to disappointment and a false idea that op shops never have what she wants.
Of course the Good Sammy store doesn’t have those boots Jane so desperately wants; they’re a very specific wish list item - but it probably does have everything she needs. Yes, I’m talking wardrobe essentials.
According to fashion bible, Vogue, wardrobe essentials are “our favourite, most versatile pieces we consider to be foundational for any closet. Pared-back but never boring, these are the mainstay items we find ourselves turning to season after season.” They are simple wardrobe must-haves that suit everyone and can be worn multiple ways throughout the year and dressed up or down. But despite Vogue’s recommendations, you don’t have to pay designer prices to own these wardrobe staples. You can find them all at your local Good Sammy.
Wardrobe essentials are great items to look out for - especially when you’re new to op shopping, like Jane. I guarantee you won’t leave empty-handed or disappointed because these essentials exist in almost every op shop – and they’re not that hard to find. Just look at the 15 essentials I found at my local Good Sammy during one visit.
1. The all-purpose knitwear
Vogue recommends COS cashmere sweater $250
Good Sammy Uniqlo knit sweater: $12
2. The classic white shirt
Vogue recommends J.Crew classic-fit Thomas Mason shirt: $379
Good Sammy Trenery shirt: $6.50
3. Go-to denim
Vogue recommends Levi’s Ribcage straight ankle jeans: $156.59
Good Sammy Mavi straight leg jeans: $6
4. The chic sneakers
Vogue recommends Nike Daybreak sneakers: $150
Good Sammy white sneakers: $6
5. The classic striped tee
Vogue recommends Kule the Modern striped tee: $68
Good Sammy Portmans striped tee: $5
6. The tailored trousers
Vogue recommends The Frankie Shop Bea pleated fresco trousers: $225
Good Sammy Country Road Pants: $18
7. The practical carryall
Vogue recommends LL Bean open top tote: $58.53
Good Sammy Charlie Brown leather tote: $12
8. The ballet flat
Vogue recommends Maison Margiela black Tabi ballerina flats: $860
Good Sammy Khoko ballerina flats: $15
9. The plain white tee
Vogue recommends Leset cotton-jersey white T-shirt: $105
Good Sammy Tiger white T-shirt: $5.50
10. The understated shades
Vogue recommends Ahlem Champ de Mars Sun sunglasses: $570
Good Sammy black sunglasses: $2
11. The all-year-round boots
Vogue recommends Aeyde Black calf boots: $545
Good Sammy Midas boots: $15
12. The classic crossbody bag
Vogue recommends Saint Laurent Le Maillon leather shoulder bag: $3,710
Good Sammy black crossbody bag: $4
13. The goes with everything belt
Vogue recommends Anderson’s textured leather belt: $238
Good Sammy navy leather belt: $3.50
14. The striped sweater
Vogue recommends: $527
Good Sammy striped knit: $8
15. The structured blazer
Vogue recommends Khaite Delphine double-breasted wool blazer jacket: $2,940
Good Sammy Preview blazer: $9
The total of the 15 Vogue-recommended wardrobe essentials items is an eye-watering $10,782.12. The Good Sammy total, on the other hand, is a much more reasonable $127.50 – crazy, huh?!
Op shopping is a lot less overwhelming if you have a general idea of what to look out for and these essentials are a great starting point.
So don’t dilly dally. Head to your nearest Good Sammy and start hunting for those essentials today. You never know, the Op Shop Gods might reward you for your efforts and bless with you with something special like a pair of pink fringed cowboy boots.
