St Andrews charity shops: how to find wardrobe staples on a budget

If you have nothing to do on a Sunday morning or need a mental health break after endless hours in the library, I have an idea for you: slide in your headphones, buy an overpriced iced latte and tour St Andrews’ charity shops! With the approach of fall, it is a common experience to dig into winter wardrobes only to reveal dusty sweaters, jeans that don’t fit and overworn trendy puffers. While at this point many dive into online shopping, I suggest a more sustainable and certainly less expensive course of action. Second-hand shopping in this town is full of hidden gems: from the popular UGG boots to trench coats to ball dresses, all wardrobe staples can be found amongst the overflowing racks of charity shops. To make your life easier we have provided a comprehensive guide to help you find your way around.

Barnardo’s

Starting strong with one of my personal favourites, Barnardo’s is located towards the end of Bell Street and has the best selection of boots. From cowboy boots to heeled boots to rainboots, this charity shop caters to all styles. Many of them are leather, ranging from shades of brown to black, perfect to pair with wide-leg trousers and bootcut jeans. A special mention goes to their selection of UGG boots: several pairs, in great conditions, with a cost of around £30 (retail price is £230)! While it is quite packed, all clothes are colour coordinated so they are very easy to sift through and you are ensured to find basics in every colour.

British Heart Foundation

Also on Bell Street is the British Heart Foundation or winter coat heaven. If you enjoy the cold wintery days solely for the feeling of being wrapped up in a thick warm coat, I suggest you make this one of your main stops.  From quilted jackets to long coats to leather bombers, you will find it all! And if you are still not warm enough, there is a great selection of woolly hats and gloves. 

Salvation Army

Salvation Army is one of the smaller charity shops and is located on Church Street (near Fisher and Donaldson). If you are looking to spice up your fall wardrobe with some fur (sustainable of course), this is the place for you! Here you will find a vast selection of faux fur coats and vests as well as teddy coats that are perfect for the coldest winter days. These can be worn as statement pieces on top of a neutral base or paired with prints and colours for a more eclectic look. If your style is more minimalistic, there is a good array of men’s blazers that can be dressed up or down for a model off duty, Hailey Bieber aesthetic. This is also the spot for fall skirts; you will find them in different colours and patterns, perfect to pair with tights and boots. And when you are done with your shopping you can pop in next door and reward yourself with a much-deserved fudge doughnut!

Oxfam

Located towards the end of South Street, Oxfam is the place to go for jeans. While it may take some digging, there is a great selection of medium-wash jeans, both skinny and straight leg. And before you head onto the next, don’t overlook the shoes: amongst the cheap plastic stiletto heels, you will find canvas sneakers and cool high tops that are great everyday staples.

Cancer Research

A few steps away is Cancer Research, another one of my favourites. Walking through the doors of this shop you will be greeted by a flash of shimmer as the evening dresses are conveniently located near the entrance. The selection incredible: short or long, sexy or conservative, dark or colourful, there is something for all occasions. Amongst the brands, French Connection appears to be the most popular, with classy and sleek designs from their events collection. The men’s attire also doesn’t disappoint.  If you are looking to attend the horse races, Cancer Research is worth a stop: tweed, Schoeffel-like vests and military green coats are abundant and will get you covered for the event. This shop also has a good variety of men’s shirts (plain and striped), perfect for fall layering.

Sense Scotland

Compared to the others, Sense Scotland (Greyfriars Gardens) does not have as much variety, especially when it comes to women’s clothing. While it is packed, the clothes seem to be taken out of a mature, perhaps a little antiquated, wardrobe. If you are not into that aesthetic, turn to the men’s section which holds a good selection of button up shirts and dress pants. It is also worth mentioning the £1 sunglasses, often in the style of typical 90’s frames, and the funky jewellery which can work to elevate and spice up your look. On a negative note, it is quite disorganised so you might have to dig in between wetsuits and golf clubs to find the good stuff.

Save the Children

Our guide comes to an end with Save the Children (also on Greyfriars Gardens); perhaps the most sophisticated charity shop in St Andrews. Both the exterior and interior are extremely curated, resembling the local shops in town. The clothes are very well presented, coordinated by colour, and the racks display a wide array of floral prints. In the dress section you will find all variations of the infamous little black dresses (LBD): beaded, silky, bodycon, with paillettes etc. While most items align with prices of other charity shops, the cooler pieces are definitely more expensive.

The tour is now complete. Your drink is long gone, your legs feel a bit shaky, and your shoulders are heavy from the weight of your recent purchases, but you are heading home with a richer wardrobe and a clearer mind.