Davina Wedderburn-Thompson’s Tips for Shopping Second-Hand, Plus-Size Pieces
Having spent years immersed in the world of fashion and presently serving as the Head of Brand and Communications for the British Fashion Council, there are few people better qualified to offer an expert take on contemporary style than Davina Wedderburn-Thompson. Her fashion ethos is founded on purchasing smarter and better, curating a wardrobe that prioritises both feeling and looking great. A devoted second-hand shopper, Davina talks with us today about her evolving journey and relationship with personal style, her work with the BFC and how to navigate shopping vintage and pre-owned when seeking plus-size pieces.
Hi Davina, we would love to hear a little about yourself and your work with the British Fashion Council.
Of course! I’ve worked in the fashion industry for many years, and I’m currently the Head of Brand and Communications at the British Fashion Council. My role involves shaping the BFC’s messaging, promoting British designers, and ensuring that fashion in the UK is as innovative, inclusive, and sustainable as possible. A big part of what we do is championing emerging talent and making fashion more accessible—whether that’s through education, business support, or consumer-facing initiatives.
Has your role at the BFC impacted your relationship with dressing?
I wouldn’t say that my role specifically at the BFC has, but my career in general – absolutely. Working so closely with designers and industry leaders has really reinforced the idea that fashion is about storytelling and self-expression. I’ve become much more intentional with my wardrobe, prioritising quality over quantity and seeking out pieces that truly resonate with me. More and more, where I can (not the easiest when you are plus size), look at preloved and for the past year or, have really got into mending pieces. Being part of conversations around sustainability and inclusivity has also made me more conscious of the brands I support and the impact of my shopping habits.
How would you describe your style at present? Which pieces do you feel consistently drawn to?
My aesthetic is simple and deliberately starts with comfort – it focuses on clean lines and an oversized silhouette and is a tonal mix of well-cut tailoring and elevated wardrobe essentials that are minimal, classic and more often than not, sporty. I love structured blazers, vintage denim, and anything with a strong silhouette. I tend to gravitate toward rich textures—silks, wools, and structured cottons—and I’m always on the lookout for pieces that feel both comfortable and elevated.
Why did you decide to start shopping more consciously?
It was a mix of personal and industry influences. Seeing the environmental and social impact of fast fashion first hand made me reconsider my own shopping habits. I also wanted to build a wardrobe that felt more curated and reflective of my personal style rather than being driven by trends. Shopping second-hand and vintage became a way for me to find unique, high-quality pieces while also being mindful of sustainability.
What’s your favourite thing about shopping second-hand?
The thrill of the find! There’s something really special about uncovering a one-of-a-kind piece that has a history. I love knowing that my wardrobe isn’t made up of mass-produced items, but rather carefully chosen garments with character. Plus, second-hand shopping allows for more experimentation—it’s a great way to discover new styles without contributing to overproduction.
You’ve spoken before about the challenges of sourcing pre-owned plus-size pieces—could you share a few tips to help our readers navigate this?
Absolutely! Shopping second-hand as a plus-size person can be more challenging, but there are ways to make it easier:
Look beyond standard sizing – Vintage and designer sizing can be inconsistent, so focus on measurements rather than the number on the tag.
Get familiar with tailoring – A good tailor can transform a great find into the perfect fit, so don’t be afraid to buy slightly oversized pieces.
Explore menswear and unisex styles – Blazers, button-downs, and outerwear often have more generous cuts.
Use online platforms – Websites like Depop, Vestiaire Collective, allow you to filter by size, making the hunt less overwhelming.
Find local vintage sellers who curate for plus sizes – we are seeing an increase in independent sellers on Instagram or at vintage fairs specifically cater to plus-size shoppers.
Look for Quality - If you can, avoid buying second-hand fast fashion and focus on quality brands. Seek out investment and rare pieces that you know are going wear well and last you a lifetime.
Be Patient - Second-hand stores often have a wide variety of items and therefore require more time to search through even more so when seeking out a plus-sized gem.
Be Open - Don’t overlook incredible pieces. I often go into thrifting with a very specific piece in mind and in doing have left behind some really great items. Don't be afraid to explore different styles beyond the latest trends to find unique and timeless pieces.
What changes do you feel need to be made to ensure the second-hand market can become more size-inclusive?
The biggest issue is availability—plus-size fashion has historically been underrepresented in mainstream retail, which means fewer pieces make it into the second-hand market. To change this, brands need to produce more high-quality, size-inclusive designs in the first place, ensuring that plus-size shoppers have more options that can later be resold. Vintage and resale platforms should also do more to highlight and celebrate plus-size pieces, making it easier for shoppers to find them. We need more visibility—seeing plus-size people styling second-hand fashion helps normalize it and encourages more people to shop sustainably – there are some KOL’s doing this already including Abisola Omole and Alessia Golfetto.
Finally, expanding the availability of standalone plus-size resale platforms is crucial for fostering inclusivity in the second-hand fashion market. Platforms like Roomy, founded by Jamie and Fallon, who has recently introduced Roomy Creator Closet to the usual Roomy Markets which sees the brand team up with an influencer to curate an incredible plus size shopping experience, exemplify this initiative by providing a dedicated space for plus-size individuals to buy and sell pre-loved clothing. Other. Great platforms include The Big Swap Events, The Heroes Haven UK, Shop from Crisis who are proactively dedicated a space in all stores to plus sizes, Re-loved Club and Sourcewhere, who offer an impeccable sourcing service – ideal for those investment pieces and rare finds! These platforms play a significant role in promoting size inclusivity in the second-hand fashion market, ensuring that plus-size individuals have access to diverse and sustainable clothing options.