Building a new wardrobe after having kids can sound daunting, but there comes a time when every mum needs to step out of that uniform (baggy joggers and faded T’s, you know the one) and into something a bit more presentable.

It can be easier said than done. For a start, fashion trends are so fleeting that what looked great last year just won’t cut it for the new season. Add that to the fact your old clothes might not fit your new shape, and you could well find yourself with an expensive problem.

Why pay more?

For an image overhaul that is easy on your pocket, you could do worse than to give your local charity shop a try. Celebrities like Kate Moss and Sienna Miller have led a revolution in retro-chic, but why pay a premium for vintage on the high street, when the real deal is lurking in a Cancer Research outlet near you? We all want to look good, but as your body continues to change, there’s little point in spending a fortune on something that won’t fit in a few months. And what better way to promote recycling than with an ethical shopping option that won’t break the bank?

Finding a bargain

If you’re recoiling at the thought of those funny smells and old jumpers, think again. Charity shops have come a long way, and can be rich picking grounds for unusual one-offs, sometimes in fantastic condition.

Many people donate unwanted presents or rash purchases, so you will often find items that have hardly been worn. You can build an eclectic and individual wardrobe by picking up key pieces, and when your friends enviously ask where you got that fabulous skirt, you can tell them – safe in the knowledge that they can’t go out and buy exactly the same. You might not get the same selection as you would in a major chain, but that’s half the fun. The plus side is that you can be creative with your purchases and take risks you might not consider if the clothes were more expensive. 

Charity shopping tips

By following a few simple rules you could transform your look and start flaunting your new charity-chic.

1. Treat it as a treasure hunt:  Make sure you shuffle through every rail, and treat charity shopping as a day out. You could find treasure in the most unlikely places. And the more often you do it, the better you’ll get at bargain-spotting.
2. Be selective: Look for quality fabrics like cashmere or silk, and learn to spot stylish pieces and designer labels among the high-street cast-offs. Just because it’s cheap, doesn’t make it a bargain.
3. Location, location location:  Charity shops reflect their environment, so head to the posh end of town for the designer bargains.
4. Visit regularly: Turnover is often high, so make a trip each week to make sure you get a good look at new stock, and talk to staff to find out which day deliveries come in.
5. Feel good about yourself: If you decide you aren’t so keen on your purchase after all, you can always take it back to the shop, safe in the knowledge that at least you’ve donated it to a good cause.
6. Start swapping: As families start to tighten their belts, canny shoppers know swapping is where it’s at. Even retail giant Topshop is getting in on the act, encouraging customers to exchange items they no longer wear, and hosting workshops on how to give old clothes a fresh look. Head online to auction sites like eBay for new ways to look good for less. Freecycle now has nearly 1.3 million members reusing clothing and other items, while clothes swapping site whatsmineisyours.com has more than 15,000 members trading outfits online.