Don't buy Massimo Dutti's new summer collection.
Secondhand alternatives to fast fashion temptations.
A couple of months ago, I wrote this. To spare you opening yet another link: it’s a newsletter titled ‘Don’t buy Zara’s new collection. Buy this instead’. It’s about the insanity that is today’s fast fashion model, the constant churn of new (weekly!) collections, how good it is at convincing you that you need to buy new clothes all the time, and an attempt (on my side) to provide secondhand alternatives to prove that you don’t need to buy new in order to ‘belong’. That it’s all marketing. That everything you would ever want is already on some resale site, somewhere.
This summer, since I got to Spain, I’ve been to Massimo Dutti a couple of times. I know, here I am once again talking about Massimo Dutti — sorry! But really, it’s because I am surprised at how good it’s gotten in the last couple of years. Ever since Inditex dissolved their mid-scale brand Uterqüe (which used to be my favourite), and merged their design team into Massimo’s team, the brand has regained its cultural relevance. Their clothes feel effortless, cool, chic. Perfect for vacation dressing.
Anyway, the point here is: I have been victim to Massimo Dutti’s temptation to buy their new clothes in order to feel good about myself. Multiple times. And so this issue is more like a letter to myself in which I say: don’t you know? It’s all marketing. Everything you would ever want is already on some resale site, somewhere. You could find the same stuff on Vinted. I dare you.
So here I am. If you, too, find yourself in a similar situation, I hope this is useful. I have enjoyed doing this massively, so I’m thinking of making this a regular series, with different brands and different collections (let me know if that’s something you’d like?).
This time, I was inspired by Elle, from the excellent Elle Dresses Well, to feature the secondhand pieces I picked styled with items you probably already have in your closet. She did it in her recent round up of eBay vintage pieces under $100, and I thought it was a fantastic idea. It is hard to visualise a piece’s potential through blurry photos on resale sites. I feel like that is one of the biggest barriers to shopping more secondhand.
So, following Elle’s example, I have tried to keep the styling simple so that you can use similar items that you probably have already. I love this because it feels like a way to both create an experience that brings secondhand shopping closer to the feeling of shopping new, and encouraging using what you already own and making the most of your closet. A healthier relationship to shopping.
Every secondhand piece I’ve picked is cheaper, better quality or cooler than the original versions from Massimo Dutti’s new collection. Surprisingly, there is also a lot of picks from Massimo Dutti itself! Some are even from the new collection and still online on the Massimo website.
P.S. If you enjoy this format, let me know and I will make more roundups like this!
Here we go.
If you want…Maxi skirts with lots of volume:
Secondhand alternatives: Massimo Dutti red maxi skirt (€60 RRP €53, Size M) and Massimo Dutti off-shoulder red knit top (€25 RRP, €19, Size XS)
I love all the dramatic maxi skirts. This red skirt and top are actually both from the summer collection and still in stores. If none of you buy the skirt, I might. See it on the model here. I love it styled with this red top then dressed down with flip flops and some raffia/wicker.
More options:
Similar skirt but in white, €63, Size M
Mango low waist satin skirt in white, €37, Size S
Seconhand alternative: Massimo Dutti chiffon khaki skirt (€55, Size M)
This is an older collection Massimo skirt, but it could perfectly be in stores today. Styled with a ribbed top of a similar tone and flat sandals.
Secondhand alternative: STAUD ‘Vanessa’ dress in olive (€434 RRP €76, Size XL)
You could also use maxi dresses with lots of volume to for the same sort of effect. Styled here with a crochet sweater on top to create that skirt kind of effect! I love the versatility.
If you want…Sleek tops that drape:
Secondhand alternative: St. Agni asymmetric backless one shoulder slip cami (€349 RRP €74, Size L)
This new collection has so many flowy tops that drape down the neck like this one. This white St. Agni one is also backless. Dressed down here with a pair of white linen trousers, black flip flops and some red statement earrings for some spice (but it can also be easily dressed up for dinner, going out, etc.!)
More options:
Reformation one-shoulder top with cut-out, €47, Size XS — (doesn’t drape, but it’s ruched on the side so I think it counts!)
Mango draped cami, €11, Size S
If you want…Beachy dresses
Secondhand alternative: Massimo Dutti pale yellow slip dress (€38, Size XS)
This dress is so cute, it may as well be from the new collection (it’s not). See it on the model here. Styled with some nude flip flops, a raffia shoulder bag and some pearl earrings, or on top of a bikini for the beach.
More options:
Massimo Dutti yellow knit dress, €23, Size XS
Secondhand alternative: Massimo Dutti black crochet halter dress (€42, Size S)
With a fun wicker basket, an anklet and some flip flops.
More options:
Posse black knit halter dress, €105, Size S
Vintage black backless dress, €53, Size XS — (a more dressed up option!)
Secondhand alternative: Mango brown maxi dress (€80 RRP €53, Size S)
This dress is great both for the beach and afterwards. Styled with a summery necklace and some flat nude sandals.
More options:
Massimo Dutti khaki slip dress, €74, Size M
Shona Joy brown cutout strappy dress, €158, Size XS — (I love this one).
Faithfull The Brand brown cutout dress, €124, Size XS, and a similar one but strapless, €95, Size XS
If you want…Wide leg tailored trousers
Secondhand alternative: Aonao wide leg pleated white pants (€42, Size S)
These pants from Aonao are way more interesting than the Massimo ones, if you ask me. Perfect with a plain tank top or a relaxed knit t-shirt and some flat sandals!
More options:
That is all for now! There are lots of more picks I didn’t use this time, so if you’d like me to make a part two, let me know in the comments!
See you on Sunday for Sunday Best <3
Love,
Bea