Preloved pioneer Hanneke van Zessen: ‘Second hand shopping isn't scary. It’s sexy!’

It all started with a teenager, a limited budget, and a trip to the local thrift store. “I was 14, working a part-time job at a warehouse, and my budget was well, let’s call it character building. My parents occasionally took me to thrift stores, and that’s where the magic began. Suddenly, my tiny budget could stretch to a wardrobe brimming with character and individuality. Something that really fitted me.

As a teenager, I was curious about what others were wearing, but I didn’t feel the need to conform. My friends were more on the alternative side, and I felt the freedom to experiment. My high school prom dress? A rented vintage bridal gown. Talk about ahead of my time! Exploring secondhand options not only fit my budget, but really became an adventure.”

Later in life, Hanneke veered off course for a while. “During my student years, when nights out were a regular thing, I kind of let secondhand shopping slip - by which I mean I totally went off track. I'd buy a new shirt for practically every party. But when it came to interiors, I stuck to secondhand - whether it was furniture, decor, or everyday essentials. My student room was practically a thrift store!”

Thankfully, she found her way back and fast forward to today, her thrifting philosophy has transformed. “A few years ago, I started posting outfit photos on Instagram. At first, it felt strange to put myself out there like that. But I had just begun putting real effort into my outfits, and the confidence it gave me was something I wanted to share.

Taking those photos motivated me to keep going because snapping a picture every day encouraged me to put in the effort. That’s how I learned to style myself. I created the Instagramaccount Styleparels - a space where I could explore and share my clothing experiments and Pinterest-inspired looks. Two years ago, I added reels into the mix, and little by little, my followers grew.”

These days, Hanneke is a successful second hand stylist, helping people discover one-of-a-kind thrift finds. A self-taught stylist, actually. “At some point I wondered: could I style other women, too? I began taking women of all shapes and sizes to thrift stores, and to my surprise, it worked! Now, I’ve turned that passion into part of my job.

I visit women at home, explore what’s already in their wardrobe, and help them fill in the gaps with sustainable pieces, often from thrift stores or second hand finds online. My goal? To make someone genuinely happy with their wardrobe. Helping a woman look in the mirror and feel truly good about what she sees is one of the most beautiful things - and I’m so grateful to play a part in that.”

Although more and more clients are turning to Hanneke for her secondhand styling expertise, she often encounters misconceptions about thrift stores. “People tend to think second hand means smelly or stained, but the reality is, most items are in great condition – and some are even brand new,” she explains. “I don’t let a small stain or minor wear deter me. With all the effective cleaning products available today, a tiny flaw is nothing to worry about. As for small holes? I can easily fix those myself, or take them to a tailor.

Second hand shopping isn't scary. It’s sexy! And let’s be honest: those “new” clothes at the mall? A dozen people have probably tried them on before us.” Hanneke adds, “You’d be surprised at how fresh and clean secondhand items can be. What I find truly dirty? Child labor. It’s all about perspective, really.”

Hanneke discovered her style through trial, error, and a bit of photo cataloging. (Tip: snapping pictures of your outfits and seeing how they make you feel can work wonders!) “I started making notes of what outfits made me feel confident,” she shares. Today, her wardrobe is a joyful mix of bold colors, timeless classics, and vintage finds. The secret? “It’s not about following trends - it’s about figuring out what works for you and owning it,” says Hanneke.

Her best thrift finds are absolutely irresistible. “It's almost impossible to pick just one favourite, but I have to say, I hit the jackpot at the thrift store a while back. I found Ganni blouses in my exact size - something I could never afford new. One was black, the other red floral, priced at just €4.20 each. On Vinted, they go for €70-80, and new, they’d be €200. Ganni is one of my favorite brands, so I definitely felt like the thrift gods were smiling on me that day!”

That sense of excitement seems to follow Hanneke every time she’s thrifting. Her go-to item? A vintage blouse. “Wrinkle-free, with a beautiful collar, perfect buttons, and shoulder padding? Never would I leave that behind,” she says. She’s built a whole collection, from white to black, and she’s always adding more. Patterns? She might pass, but a perfect blouse is always a keeper. “I could probably dress eight different women for a year with all the blouses I’ve found - but when is it enough? Apparently never, haha.”

Curious about Hanneke’s top tips for thrift store newbies or looking for some styling advice? You can find them right here.