Being surrounded by ostentatious, exuberant and dazzling party-ready looks, are par for the career course for British Vogue's fashion editor Eniola Dare. After all, the stylist spends her days on set, working with everyone from A-list celebrities to rising stars from across the creative arts, putting together attention-seeking outfits that appear across the pages of the magazine. When it comes to partywear, be it for a black-tie event, a dinner party or a work soiree, there's always a danger of splurging on a brand-new, one-wear piece you'll never put on again. But research from eBay in 2022 revealed that more than half the nation planned to shop secondhand throughout the festive season, a trend we're sure to see resonate this year too.

So how does Dare – who describes her personal style as "minimal, classic and transitional" – add a touch of exuberance to a canapé- and cocktail-worthy wardrobe? Here she reveals her four tips for shopping pre-loved partywear on eBay.

Make a statement

“It’s really important to have one statement item in your wardrobe,” says Dare. Think of a piece that can be styled up or down season after season, and it's just as appropriate for party dressing. For Dare, this rule is summed up in a sleek Vivienne Westwood skirt, sourced on eBay, with a fluid and draped silhouette that is perfect for a dinner party or a date night. “I can wear it with a T-shirt, or a vest top – I can wear it any time," she says.

Read more: Amy Bannerman On Shopping This Season’s Standout Trends On eBay

Filter your search

Dare's top browsing tip? Filter your search on eBay. “Know the brand, size and colour you're looking for,” she says. She herself has a penchant for searching for luxury brands including Prada, Gucci and Raey, as it's “the best way to find what you’re looking for”.

Read more: How This Vogue Editor Sourced Her Perfect Pre-loved Handbags on eBay

Accessorise wisely

Dare's advice for styling up a straight-from-work party look? Accessorise. Whether in or out of office, she styles a classic Ralph Lauren White Label and Raey jeans with statement Simone Rocha chandelier accessories and super-sleek, pointed Christian Louboutin heels. In 2022, 59 per cent of shoppers said they were hoping to receive a pre-loved present instead of something new. Why not gift someone you love a knockout accessory from eBay, complete with Authentication Guarantee?

Read more: Now You Can Buy Pre-Loved Jewellery On eBay With Complete Confidence

Invest in quality

“For a black-tie look, I always like to go for a quite classic style. It’s important for me to invest in something that is good quality, but has an interesting detail.” Enter a sleek, sequin-emblazoned Rick Owen gown, that for Dare and shoppers alike will transcend trends for years to come. “Vintage items or things that have been in past collections, that's where my love for eBay started, you can literally find anything you're looking for,” she says.

Authenticity Guarantee is independent from, and not associated with any brand sold on eBay.

Shop pre-loved party wear on eBay.co.uk

Credits:

Featuring Eniola Dare. Director Alyn Horton. Creative design director David Godfrey. Lead senior producer Geri Kinde. Producer Costanza Pereyra. Senior project manager Ellie Evans. Sales Ottilie Chichester. Make-up artist Mata Marielle. Hairstylist Sheena Adae-Amoakoh. DOP Jake Shühle-Lewis. 1st AC Richard Bartram. Gaffer Daniel Ali. Spark Jerri Jarmeh. Sound Alex Milsom. Colour grade Alex Berry.