As summer events continue, guests are choosing pre-loved and affordable luxury items on eBay to dress for their special occasions. But gone are the days of opting for monochrome pieces to play it safe, people are favouring statement accessories – it’s a Brat Green summer.
New eBay research reveals that societal pressures to dress in something special for each event are high, with half (45%) of consumers admitting the expectation to do so is driving them to make a new purchase*, with 1 in 5 Gen-Z and millennials spending at least £300 each per occasion.
eBay has seen this first hand, with increases in searches for a number of standout styles and items. In the lead up to summer, ‘neon bags’ increased over 50%, with lime green and red being particular favourite colours, ‘statements bags’ increased 40% as Jonathan Anderson’s Loewe continue to reign supreme, with searches for the brand increasing over 35%, and the versatile ‘Prada rattan’ also increased over 100% over the same period**.
As luxury brands continue to increase in price, pre-loved is the more affordable alternative. Pair this with “girl maths”, which is adopted by two in five shoppers to calculate the cost per wear of fashion for special occasions, and the long-term cost decreases each time it’s worn. Take the iconic Fendi Baguette which is available from £750 on eBay (more than 70% off retail), this works out at under £65 per wear if worn once a month, for a year.
Candice Brathwaite, critically-acclaimed author, advocate, journalist and TV presenter, is an icon when it comes to statement and colourful dressing, exemplifying how a pre-loved luxury can elevate any outfit. She shares, “When it comes to my summer looks, I’m all about bringing in bright colours and making a statement; who wants to be boring? I’m always hunting for that standout dress or bag to complete a full look and ensure I’m bringing main event energy to all events this summer. My long-term love affair with eBay has served me well for pre-loved fashion and luxury without the hefty price tag. From my bright green Prada Raffia tote to my bold Gucci Flora Jackie, these accessories always stand out without ever losing their style.”
The cultural shift towards pre-loved luxury sees a growing appreciation from both Gen Z and millennials to purchase better for less, and let their outfit and accessories do the talking, as 1 in 3 Gen-Z state that they choose pre-loved first as it allows them to find unique items*.As the original marketplace, nowhere offers more breadth of offering than eBay. Thanks to its Authenticity Guarantee service which vets and verifies luxury items, customers can shop their next summer event accessory with peace of mind, knowing they’re the real deal.
Mari Corella, eBay’s general manager, global sneakers and luxury, says: “As the summer event season kicks off, shoppers are seeking versatile sought-after branded pieces for many upcoming occasions; they have value front of mind, but also want to make a statement. Millennials and Gen Z in particular are leading the charge of this ‘better for less’ mindset, searching for unique, standout items to add to their collections.
With eBay’s unparalleled selection of pre-loved luxury items, acquiring these desired high-ticket pieces is now more accessible and affordable than ever. And trust me, there’s nothing like securing a pre-loved luxury piece that attracts compliments at every event!”
Shop pre-loved fashion and luxury for less on eBay, with Authenticity Guarantee available across luxury handbags, jewellery and watches. Find out more at eBay.co.uk with a dedicated onsite edit for summer occasionwear.
