I have worn second hand clothes my whole life. I don’t know why anyone would shop new

Lesley Wright, a 64-year-old from Hove, loves experimenting with her style. She first started wearing second hand clothes in childhood out of necessity, and she never stopped. This is why Lesley adores charity shopping and would encourage everyone to get involved in Oxfam’s Second Hand September.

My mum became a single mum when I was two. She had to work three or four jobs, so my nana took care of me. She was an old East End lady who used to take me to Petticoat Lane Market in Spitalfields, and Portobello Road to buy clothes. There were no charity shops back then, of course.

So when we moved to Wales when I was a little older, my clothes stood out because they came from London. And I was proud of it. I loved dressing up and being in the limelight.

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My life has been colourful and marvellous, and I’ve stuck with buying second hand clothes through it all. I’ve worked in criminal law my whole life, and I got my first black suit in a charity shop. You have to toe the line slightly, but I’ve had bright blue hair in court, and I try to keep my sense of style.

I’m still an old punk. I’ve been dying my hair since I was 13 and I’m kicking and screaming into old age now (I’m 64-years-young). My style is whatever I want it to be on that day. If it feels good and I know it’s doing good, I go out with my head held high and my purse full.

Fashion need not cost the world, and of course the climate crisis has never been more urgent. The impact of fashion is unbelievable. It’s responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions. It takes 2,700 litres of water to make one t-shirt, enough for one person to drink for 900 days. The facts are there.

Besides, I’ve always said second hand is not second best. A charity shop is a treasure trove. The stuff I get is fabulous. I’m a mad Vivienne Westwood fan and my Vivienne boots came from there. I could never buy any of her stuff new, but even she said that if you buy one good coat, it should last you a lifetime. 

I have always had a zest for life but it became more real when I battled cancer 10 years ago. I’m now 10 years free. I came back bigger and better than ever. I take on the world every day and go around with a smile on my face. I’m extremely happy.

I was packing down from Glastonbury when I got a call that my mum had been taken to hospital, so I’m now off work caring for her. She’s 90-years-young and she’s remarkable. She loves fashion too. Every time I come back from the charity shop, she wants to know what I’ve found. I volunteer in my local Oxfam too at the weekends and any spare time that I have.

I’m a sorter. I like going into the back. I’m full of unbundled energy. I don’t know where I get it from. I love it. It’s a whole little community. We get some fabulous donations. I don’t know why anyone would shop new. Not everyone is gregarious and outgoing, but you don’t have to be showy. It’s about wearing it and being proud and having a spring in your step.

Find out more about how to get involved in Oxfam’s Second Hand September campaign here.

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