5 Brands Every Fashionista Should Buy Secondhand

Have you ever spotted a gorgeous, gleaming Hermès Birkin on someone’s arm and thought, “One day, that’ll be me”? Or you’re scrolling through social media and swoon over Chanel’s iconic Classic Flap… and then you see the price tag. Ouch.

If you have luxury taste but hate the designer price tag, it’s time you learn the secret that fashionable insiders swear by: consignment shopping.

Shopping secondhand lets you nab top-tier designer pieces for a fraction of their original retail cost. And it’s not just great for your budget; consignment shopping also gives you access to one-of-a-kind pieces like vintage gems, limited-edition runs, and iconic styles that are no longer sold in the designer houses.

So if you want to add more designer pieces to your wardrobe, it’s time to join the preloved revolution! Below, we’ve rounded up the five luxury brands that are best bought secondhand, rather than new, plus insider tips on what to look for when purchasing preloved.

1. Chanel

Picture this: you walk into a Chanel boutique and lock eyes with your dream bag… but then you nearly faint when you see the sky-high price tag. Unfortunately for fashionistas like you and me, Chanel notoriously avoids sales, and they even frequently raise their prices. So what’s a girl to do? The preloved market is your best bet for snagging that aspirational double-C logo without breaking the bank.

Tips for Buying Chanel on Consignment

• Notice the Hardware: Vintage Chanel often features 24k gold-plated hardware. Bags made after 2008 no longer have this feature, but their gold hardware is still beautiful.
• Check Authenticity: Look for the serial sticker inside the bag and, if available, the authenticity card. A trustworthy consignment store like Current Boutique should offer authentication.
• Consider the Condition: Slight scratches on lambskin can often be buffed or smoothed out, so don’t shy away from a mild “gently used” condition, especially if it means major savings.
  
  

Shop Chanel on consignment here.

2. Hermès

Hermès is the gold standard when it comes to exclusivity – just ask anyone who’s been on a Birkin or Kelly waitlist. Securing a new Hermès anything directly from their brand boutique can sometimes be even harder than winning the lottery! But by shopping secondhand, you skip the long waiting game and can find investment pieces that hold – or even increase – in value.

Tips for Buying Hermès on Consignment

• Decode the Stamps: Hermès bags have date stamps that reveal when and where they were crafted. All bags made after 1945 carry this stamp, so it’s a solid way to verify authenticity and overall value. (Keep in mind that many good fakes forge this stamp, so having a stamp isn’t enough to verify authenticity.)
• Notice the Saddle Stitch Seams: Hermès artisans use a distinctive saddle-stitch technique. The perfectly angled stitching is a hallmark sign of genuine craftsmanship.
• Consider the Investment Potential: Limited-edition colors or specialty leathers like Ostrich or Togo can skyrocket in resale desirability in the future. Keep an eye out for these unicorns!
  
  

Shop Hermes on consignment here.

3. Louis Vuitton

There’s a reason Louis Vuitton’s LV monogram is instantly recognizable worldwide – it’s a timeless classic that never goes out of style. Between collabs, limited releases, and the brand’s constant innovations, the secondhand market brims with fun LV finds, from vintage Speedy bags to rare runway exclusives.

Tips for Buying LV on Consignment

• Check the Patina Aging: Louis Vuitton’s well-known vachetta leather trim ages beautifully to a honeyed patina color. Check for uniform coloration or subtle variations – both can be lovely if the piece was well cared for.
• Unearth Limited-Edition Gold Mines: Unique collections like the Stephen Sprouse Roses or Murakami’s colorful monogram are hot collectors’ items that you’ll likely only find preloved.
• Look for Date Codes: Authentic LV pieces typically have a date code referencing production time and location. If the code is missing or in a suspicious format, consider it a red flag.
  
  

Shop Louis Vuitton on consignment here.

4. Gucci

From retro logos to bold florals and animal motifs, Gucci’s style repertoire is vast and ever-changing. This makes the preloved market a playground for fashionistas looking for both classic and quirky Gucci designs. Whether you’re into Marmont belts, Horsebit loafers, or something from a rare runway collection, buying secondhand can land you fabulous Gucci pieces at a more wallet-friendly price.

Tips for Buying Gucci on Consignment

• Look for the Serial Number: Genuine Gucci bags and wallets usually have a heat-stamped serial number on a leather tag. Make sure the numbers are evenly spaced and match known Gucci formats.
• Consider Logo Quality: On authentic Gucci pieces, monograms, embroidery, or prints should line up seamlessly with no sloppy overlaps.
• Go Vintage: Earlier collections often featured subtler logos and less flashy embellishments, which can be ideal if you’re craving an understated chic.
  
  

Shop Gucci on consignment here.

5. Yves Saint Laurent (YSL)

Minimalist glamour is Saint Laurent’s calling card, especially with iconic items like the Sac de Jour and the Kate bag. While these might not command the same sky-high prices as certain Hermès or Chanel items, they still make for a significant investment new. It’s worth searching for these modern classics at a more attainable price point from your favorite consignment stores.

Tips for Buying YSL on Consignment

• Check the Logo: The YSL emblem should be perfectly symmetrical and precisely placed. If it looks wobbly or off-center, it’s probably fake.
• Look at the Leather Details: Saint Laurent uses resilient, grainy leathers that stand up well to everyday wear. These leathers are usually easy and affordable to fix, so don’t pass up a great deal for a scuff or two.
• Scrutinize the Inner Branding: The interior lining should have the correct label and serial number.
  
  

Shop YSL on Consignment here.

How to Maximize Your Secondhand Splurge

1. Shop from Consignors that Authenticate: Rather than having to know every detail about every brand, shop at a trusted consignment store that authenticates the pieces for you. At Current Boutique, we have a meticulous authentication process and promise so you can shop with total peace of mind.
2. Condition is Key: Items are often classified from “Like New” to “Gently Loved” at consignment stores. Consider the price versus the condition to see if it’s the right buy for you. At Current Boutique, we take extra care to fix up all our pieces as best we can, like buffing out scratches or polishing hardware, so many of our pieces won’t be “flippers” like you might find at a thrift store.
3. Consider the Resale Potential: Iconic designs from heritage brands generally maintain or appreciate in value, so you could recoup much of your investment if you choose to resell down the road. Learn how to choose the perfect investment bag here.
4. Enjoy the Hunt: Part of the thrill is stumbling upon rare pieces or discontinued styles. Browse often, keep an open mind, and have fun searching for your next treasure!

Elevate Your Wardrobe Without the Guilt

Secondhand shopping isn’t just a way to save – it’s a fun, sustainable way to fill your wardrobe with gorgeous, high-quality designer pieces. From Chanel’s elusive gold hardware to Hermès’s impossible-to-get exclusives, consignment shopping gives you a direct line to the style stratosphere without the sky-high costs.

At Current Boutique, we’re proud to connect fashion lovers with the iconic pieces they’ve always wanted – at wallet-friendly prices. We want you to feel like a million bucks without spending a million!

Shop your favorite high-end designers here to score your next glamorous find!