It’s party time! Treat yourself to a classy charity shop outfit that looks good and does good

Pop-up partywear

“What am I going to wear?” It’s a cry that rings out across the land every year when the festive party season is on the horizon. The countdown is on to find something elegant and fashionable, that suits you and your budget.

Before you start scrolling online, did you know that a trip to your local St Luke’s charity shop could be the answer to all your ballgown and frock dilemmas, not forgetting fancy shoes, evening bags and a touch of bling to complete the look?

Partywear – along with Christmas jumpers – is a major focus for our shop managers and volunteers at this time of year. Their mission is to have you looking a million dollars for your special do, without breaking the bank.

To showcase some of the impressive choices available and the kind of amazing bargains that are waiting to be snapped up, our retail team set up a pop-up shop in the café at St Luke’s Turnchapel HQ ahead of our own Christmas party get-together. Collecting and displaying a selection of gowns, suits and accessories in all shapes and sizes, staff, volunteers and visitors were invited to have a browse.

Some of our staff have already had a lot of fun getting together to try things on and helping each other choose outfits that make them feel festive and ready to party.

As you can see from our fabulous photos, there are some absolute gems up for grabs – with dresses ranging from around £8 to £25 – and there’s plenty more waiting to be found on the rails in our shops.

The bonus of buying your party outfit from St Luke’s is that you’re not only solving your Christmas “what to wear” puzzle, you’ll be saving money, as well as actively supporting the compassionate end of life care St Luke’s delivers to the homes of patients and their families when they need us most, all through the year.

If you donate your outfit back to be recycled again after you’ve worn it, then it’s a double win for both St Luke’s work and the environment.