Autumn Style Tips: Colour, Layers & Accessories to Feel Your Best
Autumn is here, and it’s the perfect time to refresh your wardrobe with layers, colour, and personality—without buying new. Here’s how to mix, match, and make the most of what you already own while staying stylish and sustainable.
Autumn in the Blue Mountains is pure magic—crisp air, golden leaves, and the perfect excuse to play with layers and colour. As the temperatures dip, it’s time to get creative with your wardrobe. Here’s how to embrace autumn style while keeping sustainability and budget in mind.
1. Light Layers for Maximum Versatility
The best way to navigate fluctuating temperatures? Layers! Start with breathable fabrics like cotton or linen, add a cosy knit, and finish with a stylish jacket. Look for quality second-hand coats from brands like Dangerfield, Princess Highway, Oxford, and Country Road—great finds at great prices.
2. Play with Colour & Patterns
Earthy tones are autumn classics, but don’t feel locked into them. Jewel tones, soft pastels, or a pop of bright colour can lift your mood and make your outfit stand out. Pattern mixing—think checks, florals, or stripes—adds a playful touch to your wardrobe.
3. Accessories: The Easy Upgrade
Scarves, hats, and statement jewellery instantly refresh an outfit. A bold scarf can add warmth and personality, while a vintage belt or funky earrings make a simple outfit feel curated and stylish.
4. Shop Smarter & Sustainably
Making the most of what you already own is the ultimate sustainable choice. Before buying new, dig into your wardrobe and experiment with mix-and-match outfits. A simple alteration—shortening sleeves, adjusting a hem—can revive forgotten favourites. If something doesn’t work anymore, consider swapping, reselling, or donating.
5. Budget-Friendly Finds
Style doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Second-hand shopping is the perfect way to score quality pieces for less. Keep an eye out for timeless staples like trench coats, wool jumpers, and denim jackets that will last for seasons to come.
Embrace the season with confidence, creativity, and a little sustainable thinking. After all, great style doesn’t have to cost the earth!
Come Visit Forever Friday in Katoomba!
If you’re into quality pre-loved fashion, sustainable style, and epic bargains, Forever Friday is your new favourite spot. We’re part of the Katoomba op shop scene, with new stock added daily—so there’s always something fresh to discover.
📍 Find us at 132A Katoomba Street, Blue Mountains
🛍 Open Thursday to Monday
Join the second-hand revolution—your wardrobe (and the planet) will thank you!
How to Build a Stylish, Sustainable Wardrobe on a Budget
Building a stylish wardrobe doesn’t have to cost the earth—literally or financially. Here’s how you can embrace second-hand fashion while staying effortlessly chic and budget-savvy.
Fast fashion may be tempting, but nothing beats the thrill of scoring unique, high-quality pieces while keeping your wardrobe planet-friendly. If you're looking to refresh your style without breaking the bank, here’s how to build a sustainable wardrobe that’s affordable, stylish, and totally you.
1. Start with What You Have
Before buying anything new (or pre-loved), take stock of what’s already in your wardrobe. You might rediscover forgotten gems or find creative ways to style pieces differently. A good declutter also helps make space for future finds.
2. Set Your Style Intentions
Rather than shopping impulsively, think about the colours, silhouettes, and fabrics you love. A curated wardrobe means buying with purpose rather than just grabbing whatever looks good in the moment.
3. Shop Pre-Loved First
Second-hand fashion is not only budget-friendly but also a treasure trove of unique finds. Whether you're browsing op shops, vintage stores, or curated pre-loved boutiques (like Forever Friday in Katoomba!), there’s always something special waiting to be found.
4. Quality Over Quantity
Choose well-made pieces over cheap fast fashion. Natural fibres like cotton, linen, wool, and silk last longer and often feel better to wear. A timeless, durable item beats five flimsy ones any day.
5. Embrace Clothing Swaps and Rentals
Swapping clothes with friends or attending local clothing swaps is a great way to refresh your wardrobe for free. Need something special for an event? Consider renting rather than buying something you’ll only wear once.
6. Get Creative with Upcycling
Give old clothes new life by altering, dyeing, or customising them. Whether it’s turning a maxi dress into a chic midi or adding funky buttons to an old blazer, a little DIY can make a big difference.
7. Follow the 30-Wear Rule
Before buying something, ask yourself: Will I wear this at least 30 times? If the answer is no, it might not be worth adding to your wardrobe.
8. Stay Inspired & Shop Smart
Sustainable fashion isn’t about limiting yourself—it’s about making intentional choices that reflect your personality and values. Follow local pre-loved stores, check out styling inspiration, and embrace the joy of slow fashion.
Come Visit Forever Friday in Katoomba!
If you’re into quality pre-loved fashion, sustainable style, and epic bargains, Forever Friday is your new favourite spot. We’re part of the Katoomba op shop district, with new stock added daily—so there’s always something fresh to discover.
📍 Find us at 132A Katoomba Street, Blue Mountains
🛍 Open Thursday to Monday
Join the second-hand revolution—your wardrobe (and the planet) will thank you!
How to Op-Shop Like a Pro (and Have Fun Doing It!)
Whether you're browsing at an op-shop, hunting for vintage finds, or exploring a second-hand boutique, shopping second-hand is not just about scoring unique pieces—it’s a fun and eco-friendly way to refresh your wardrobe while doing good for the planet!
Second-hand shopping isn’t just a budget-friendly way to refresh your wardrobe—it’s a full-blown treasure hunt! Whether you're browsing an op-shop, hunting for vintage gems, or exploring a curated second-hand boutique, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of finding a unique piece that fits just right. Plus, shopping second-hand keeps clothes out of landfill and gives pre-loved fashion a new lease on life. But let’s be real—it takes a little patience and a good strategy. Here’s how to op-shop like a pro and have fun doing it!
1. Take Your Time – The Best Finds Require Digging!
Unlike regular shopping, op-shopping isn’t a quick in-and-out mission. The real treasures aren’t sitting at eye level, waiting to be found—they’re hiding between the racks, mixed in with different sizes, or tucked away behind something else. Take your time, check every section (yes, even the men’s and kids’ racks!), and visit often because stock changes daily. If your arms aren’t aching after a good shop, you probably haven’t dug deep enough!
2. Get Up Close and Personal – Check the Quality
Standing at the door and scaning of the racks won’t work. You’re looking for pieces that will stand the test of time, so check the fabric, seams, and overall condition before heading to the checkout. Natural fibres like cotton, wool, and silk tend to last longer, and well-stitched seams mean the garment isn’t about to fall apart after one wear. A tiny flaw? No worries! If it’s fixable (like a missing button or small tear), you’ve just found yourself a DIY project.
3. Try It On – Because Sizing is Wild
Women’s sizing is unpredictable, and different brands and eras fit differently, so trying things on is a must. Wear something easy to change out of (leggings and a fitted top work great), and don’t be shy about bringing a big haul into the change room. What looks meh on the hanger might be absolute gold once you put it on!
4. Keep a Log – Avoid Buying Yet Another Black Top
Ever bought something, only to realise you already have five similar pieces at home? Keep track of your wardrobe by making a note in your phone of what you own and what you actually need. This helps you shop with intention and avoid ending up with a pile of clothes you’ll never wear.
5. Needs vs. Wants – The Golden Rule of Thrifting
Just because it’s second-hand doesn’t mean you need to buy it. Ask yourself: Do I love it? Will I wear it often? Does it go with my existing wardrobe? If the answer isn’t a resounding YES, put it back for someone else to love. Sustainable fashion is about reducing overconsumption, not just shifting it to the op-shop!
6. Don’t Feel Guilty – There’s Plenty to Go Around!
A common myth is that by shopping second-hand, you’re taking clothes away from people who need them more. The truth? Charity shops are overflowing with donations, and they need customers to keep things moving. In fact, many charities struggle with the sheer volume of clothing they receive! So, shop guilt-free, knowing you’re helping the circular fashion movement and preventing clothes from heading to landfill.
Final Thought: Make It an Experience!
Thrifting is more than just shopping—it’s a creative, eco-friendly, and budget-savvy way to express your personal style. So grab a friend, make a day of it, and embrace the thrill of the hunt. Who knows? Your new favourite outfit might be waiting on the next rack!
Happy op-shopping!
Come Visit Forever Friday in Katoomba!
If you’re into quality pre-loved fashion, sustainable style, and epic bargains, Forever Friday is your new favourite spot. We’re part of the Katoomba op shop scene, with new stock added daily—so there’s always something fresh to discover.
📍 Find us at 132A Katoomba Street, Blue Mountains
🛍 Open Thursday to Monday
Join the second-hand revolution—your wardrobe (and the planet) will thank you!
Why Buy Second-Hand Clothes? Sustainable Style in Katoomba’s Op Shop District
Whether you call it op shopping, thrifting, or vintage hunting, buying pre-loved clothing isn’t just about scoring unique pieces—it’s a way to save money, reduce waste, and make fashion more sustainable.
If you love fashion, bargains, and saving the planet, shopping second-hand is a no-brainer. Here in Katoomba, in the heart of the Blue Mountains op shop district, we’re all about giving pre-loved fashion a second life—and looking effortlessly cool while doing it.
1. Second-Hand Style = Unique Style
Why wear the same fast-fashion piece as everyone else when you can find something truly one-of-a-kind? Vintage clothing, retro gems, and well-made classics are all waiting for a new home. At Forever Friday, we hand-pick every item, meaning you’ll find curated second-hand fashion that stands out.
2. It’s Sustainable & Ethical
Fast fashion churns out billions of garments every year, but the reality? Most of it ends up in landfill. Choosing op shops and second-hand clothing means you’re reducing waste, cutting carbon emissions, and keeping textiles in circulation. It's fashion without the guilt—because looking good shouldn’t cost the earth.
3. Quality That Lasts
Ever noticed how vintage clothing from the ‘80s still looks amazing, but that fast-fashion tee you bought last year is already falling apart? That’s because older garments were made to last. By shopping second-hand in Katoomba, you’re investing in pieces with better fabric, construction, and timeless style.
4. It’s Seriously Affordable
With the cost of living soaring, finding ways to save without sacrificing style is more important than ever. Why pay full price when you can snag high-quality, designer, and vintage fashion for a fraction of the cost? Op shopping in Katoomba is the ultimate treasure hunt, and at Forever Friday, we keep prices reasonable so you can build a stylish, sustainable wardrobe without breaking the bank.
5. It’s a Thrill!
There’s nothing quite like finding that perfect second-hand gem—a gorgeous vintage dress, the comfiest jeans, or that band tee you never thought you’d see again. Shopping second-hand is fun, surprising, and addictive in the best way.
Come Visit Forever Friday in Katoomba!
If you’re into quality pre-loved fashion, sustainable style, and epic bargains, Forever Friday is your new favourite spot. We’re part of the Katoomba op shop scene, with new stock added daily—so there’s always something fresh to discover.
📍 Find us at 132A Katoomba Street, Blue Mountains
🛍 Open Thursday to Monday