For nearly two years, the pandemic has seen many of us stuck indoors lounging around in tracksuit bottoms and slippers.

Working from home has meant perhaps making an effort with a bit of make-up and a clean top for the odd Zoom meeting.

Reporter Nicola Jordan found out what she could buy for £50

And with no going out with mates to the pub, glad rags have gathered cobwebs at the back of the wardrobe.

But now we are allowed out-out, it can be a shock to the system in more ways than one.

Not only do last season's fashions look tired and outdated, but with the cost of living going through the roof, there's not enough cash to splash on new gear.

So armed with £50 I decided to venture into my local charity shop in Rochester to see what I could get on a tight budget.

I was greeted at the door of the Wisdom Hospice shop by manager Kim Pratt and her assistant Penny Marshall – both immaculately kitted out in stylish ensembles.

I fully expected to be rummaging around other people's musty-smelling hand-me downs with the vague hope I might find some nice accessories or perhaps a top I could dress up.

But to my surprise, I certainly got more than I bargained for with the first rail I came across offering a vintage clothes section, an array of silky, lacy and beaded jackets, tops and dresses.

A Karen Millen cocktail dress took my eye and I hesitantly looked for the price label.

To my amazement, the little black number was just £18 – a far cry from the £200-plus I had forked out for a dress by the same designer for my daughter's wedding. Well, I was the Mother of the Bride, that's my excuse.

With a guided hand, I began selecting items off the racks and it soon became clear I could get a whole top-to-toe outfit for my 50 notes.

I teamed up a Chanel-style black and white striped jacket, a red blouse with bow neckline and a classic black skirt – ideal for the office.

And I still had enough for a chunky red shoulder bag, patent black heels and a belt.

The Karen Millen number was a real steal and I topped it with a fake fur coat and silky scarf – a snip at £20.

I left pleased with my choices and will certainly be going back for some more retail therapy.

After lockdown many High Street stores went bust but charity shops are very much back in vogue since re-opening.

John Hale-Brown, head of retail for the Rochester-based Wisdom Hospice charity, which has three shops in Kent, has reported an increase in business since lockdown rules have been relaxed.

He said: "Currently, we compare our sales figures pre-pandemic and all our shops are up.

"This is probably a combination of cost of living, sustainability, younger customer trends and also the fact people want to be out and about and shopping after spending so long stuck in doors."

He added: "Many younger people recognise the impact of fast fashion. They know they can get good quality items at a fraction of the price.

"The rise of the conscious consumer has definitely had a positive impact for us especially since the start of the pandemic.

"What is amazing to see is a younger shopper who's consciously making the effort to come to our shops.

"Our vintage section in Rochester in particular is and a big draw. The current '90s fashion trend is really helping to drive this.

"Charity shops also create a social event for shoppers going from one shop to the next, just like they would if they went to Bluewater.

"There is also the opportunity to create your own style, whereas places like Primark are very generic in what they can offer."

Mr Hale-Brown believes the once considered stigma of buying second-hand has disappeared.

He said: "Charities, including ourselves, have worked hard to adapt and change and keep up with mainstream retailers.

"The rise of online platforms, like eBay and Depop, has helped drive this as well with vintage fashion.

"I have no problem in admitting that I used to be one of those children who would wait outside while my mum went looking in a charity shop.

"It's completely changed even from when I started my career in charity retailing nearly 20 years ago."

The hospice, off St William's Way, has a daily target of £2,500 to support its 15 in-house terminally-ill patients and 400 people in their own homes.

It opened its first shop in Sittingbourne in 2013 as part of a joint venture with Heart of Kent Hospices and it also has an outlet in Chatham High Street.

Kim Pratt swapped her shop job at Bluewater to run the branch in Rochester High Street.

She said: "When I said I was going to work in a charity shop people said 'what are you doing that for'?

"But I love it here, it beats working in a soul-less shopping centre. And it's making money for those who need it."

She said she has noticed an upturn in business since lockdown restrictions were lifted: "People have become more eco-friendly.

"We don't use the phrase second hand but pre-loved.

"People are donating and buying at the same time. That way they can swap something if they want because they have not paid much for it."

She said: "At this branch, we aim for the good quality, high-end labels.

"It's popular with students who don't have a massive income and who are prepared to think outside the box and be brave and accessorise.

"You can put your own stamp on what you wear."

Kim said an increasing number of young mums were buying "rough and tumble" and nearly new clothes for their children.

But added: "There is no real demographic. We have built up a regular customer base.

"We have one lady with a top job in a bank in London who comes in once a week because she knows she can get something up market and different."

The Wisdom Hospice shop is one of a string of charity shops in the High Street, but Kim thinks the competition is healthy.

Kim said: "People come deliberately to look at our shops. And when they do, they stop off for a coffee and some lunch which keeps the high street vibrant – and its better than having empty shops."

Here's what I picked up on my budget shop:

My casual/work attire was a Chanel-style black and white striped jacket, £9.50, red blouse with tie neck £9, classic black skirt, £6, red handbag, £12, shoes, £8 and belt, £3. Total: £47.50.

Evening wear was a bargain Karen Millen cocktail dress, £18 (this sought-after label can fetch up to £300 in a High Street store), faux fur coat, £20, shoes,£8 and bag, £4. Total: £50.