Why is Vinted so Addictive?

A new, addictive era in my online shopping has begun. For I have discovered the Vinted app, and this is dangerous for not only my wardrobe but my bank account!

For me I have always loved fashion and especially unique pieces. I think fashion since I was an infant has really been inspiring for me. The dramatic change in trends over the years. From Juicy Couture tracksuits in the 2000s, jumping straight to cool mom jeans and adidas gazelles making their return. I partially blame TikTok for the trends recently, as burgundy has been the colour of the season for not just me, but all the TikTok users that influence me to buy.

However, with the prices increasing dramatically I have found myself falling into the trap of an increase in screen time, since my love for Vinted has expanded.

The cause of me to become so embellished on this app is everything seems to be inexplicably priced at either four pounds or six pounds. I very rarely actually buy anything, but if I carry on usingthe app at my current rate then I will almost definitely become malnourished, jobless and estranged from my family by the time the calendar flips over to 2025.

How have I not taken Vinted seriouslybefore?

Was it because I’d been scrolling through the listings aimlessly, watching creased garments sell within 5 minutes? Or being disheartened when one of my favourited items gets sold and I say to myself, “you should have just bought it,” when in fact I offered a pound less – amateur!

My first few days on Vinted encountered of liking a few things I fancied but never buying, until my ‘recommended for you’ section would make me endlessly scroll and then I’d start to make offers, because why not? They don’t know me personally, so surely, they wouldn’t be offended if I offered them a little less.

You must be a certain kind of person to be able to successfully bargain-hunt, to have the stamina to find the diamond in the deep, to go through one to two hundred dresses that have been photographed on ever-worsening backgrounds. “A Gucci men’s polo,genuine, new without tags, creased and hung- up on a plastic coat hanger, hanging in front of a mouldy shower curtain”.

I mean how can that be even appealing to me! What I have worked out though, is it is so handy and mind pleasing for when I see a missing staple in my wardrobe and know I can hop onto Vinted to find it much cheaper and basically brand new. The phrase consists of “what a bargain!” Whether that be a pair of leather look trousers or a brand-new bottle of perfume that is out of stock everywhere else!

When purchasing a new item, I like to vision myself wearing it, where to and with what else. I love to style clothes that are basic, but you can turn them into either a casual day-day look or a party, going out night look. For example, I have a plain black, ribbed jumpsuit, cute right? But what else can I wear it with? How about, a long camel toned trench coat, a cute pair of trainers and to accessorise, small gold hoop earrings, any coloured handbag and maybe a cap to casual it down. “What if I want to wear it going out?” Simple! Some kitten heels of your choice, clutch bag and a statement diamante necklace!

Fashion doesn’t have to be so complicated if you invest insome basic staples that go with everything and most importantly, make you feel confident!

Of course there is a downside to Vinted, if you purchase something returns are unavailable but refunds definitely aren’t! There is also the great option to re-sell and make yourself a little bit of money on the side, which (by the way) can go down very quickly as the money you earn goes into your Vinted balance but as soon as you purchase, the money is taken right out!

Will I stop my Vinted obsession? Who knows! But all I can assure for you is there is something incredibly satisfying about finding hidden gems and giving pre-loved items a new home.

I’m off to check my Vinted wish list now!

Neve Whiteside-Sutton, Cohort 45 Content Creator Apprentice at Galloways