Go op shopping for a whole new look

With more than 30 op shops located throughout the region, Central Coast residents are being encouraged to embrace recycled clothing.

Latest research by Seamless Australia shows a 12 per cent reduction in new clothing purchases since 2018.

Despite this, Aussies are still buying an average of 53 new clothing items each year – approximately four new pieces per month – and sending 222,000 tonnes of clothing to landfill each year.

Op shopping offers a tangible solution to the challenges of disposable fashion, with Ragtrader research revealing that 85 per cent of Aussies purchased second-hand clothing in 2024 – especially Gen Z and Millennials who are looking to save money while prioritising the environment.

TAFE NSW fashion teacher Deborah Hatley says treasure hunting at op shops can be rewarding and fashion-forward.

She advises working women to head to the men’s department and look for oversized quality blazers with broad shoulders, double breasted, and waistcoats.

“Think shoulder pads and bold collars,” she said.

“Sleeves can be removed to create drama.

“Personalise with trims such as the on-trend fringing, hand paint or stencil designs onto clothing using fabric paints, create bling with op-shopped diamante brooches.

“Wear with a bralette or a body suit.”

Hatley said interesting lingerie could be found at op shops.

“Look for corsets slips with lots of lace as outerwear or to wear peeking through sheer tops or underneath garments,” she said.

“Corsets can be layered over dress or blazer.

“Add embellishments and layers of ruffles to a purchased skirt for a unique designer vibe.”

She said white sheets could be used to create a Greek toga-style dress by draping and knotting.

“Head over to the fabric remnants section and find lightweight fabrics to cut up and make fabric flowers,” she said.

“There’s lots of inspiration online; make a creative, bold statement with this look.”

For outdoors, Hatley suggests buying tight-fitting neoprene to wear as bodysuits or leggings.

“Cut shapes out, or cut up to make midriff tops with sleeves, shorts, bandeau tops; neoprene doesn’t need to be hemmed so it’s a quick DIY,” she said.

“Use stencils to spray paint designs or paint stripes for extra drama.”

Hatley said denim was never out of fashion, with op shops providing a wealth of material.

“Look for old jeans to cut up and repurpose into tops, skirts or dresses,” she said.

“Denim is very versatile and can have edges left raw and fraying, which is great if you have minimal sewing skills.

“You can also patch, bleach, print or even slash the fabric to create unique on-trend looks.”

Hatley said this year’s trend colours were chocolate brown and citrus-bright shades of green and yellow.

Recent graduate of the Certificate III in Apparel, Fashion and Textile, Natalee Selwood, perfected these techniques during her studies at TAFE NSW and now has her own label – Beilby’s Beach Handcrafted.

For more information about TAFE NSW Fashion Design courses visit tafensw.edu.au