I’ve been thrifting for a few months now, and I feel like I’m learning more and more thrifting tips and tricks every time I go. My main store for thrifting is Goodwill. That’s where I feel I get the most for my money. Plus, I’m pretty familiar with the store at this point. I’m sure at some point, I’ll start trying out other thrift stores as time goes on. Anyways, it seems that every time I post one of my thrifted looks on social media, I get so many compliments and questions about my outfits. That’s because thrifting pushes me to be more creative with my style, which actually brings out the best results when it comes to my outfits.
So, this prompted me to share my thought process from when I set foot in the thrift store, to how I create looks once I get home from the thrift store. I’ll also share some looks created from my latest thrift store finds below! Read on for more thrifting tips and tricks.
Check Your Own Closet First
The first thing I do before going thrifting is check my own closet to see if I need to remove any unworn items. Basically, I’m checking to see if I need to drop some things off at Goodwill while I’m walking in to shop. This is a great way to give your closet a quick audit. It may even alert you to the fact that you don’t need to go thrifting at all (because you DON’T need more clothes). It also allows you to get rid of those items in your closet that no longer serve you.
Set Some Time/Spending Limits
Next, I set a few limits for my trip before I even go. Here they are:
- Spend no longer than 45 minutes to an hour at the store.
- Purchase no more than 5 items.
- Set my spending limit to about $20 to $30.
- If I can’t wear the item almost immediately, it’s a “no-go”.
Look For On Trend Pieces
Now, I’m ready to get to it!!! My thought process with thrifting is simple, I look for very on trend pieces or very classic pieces – one or the other. The on trend pieces will catch your eye first. Think animal prints, neon colors, satin blouses, leather pieces, feminine dresses, utilitarian pieces, etc.
Keep An Open Mind
Most people who thrift say that you should keep an ongoing list of items that you want to find while thrifting. But, to be honest, part of the reason I love thrifting is, you never know what you’re going to get. There is pure joy in finding a random, yet gorgeous piece that cost you less than $10. And if that piece has a tag with the color of the week, that’s the gift that just keeps on giving! An open mind is what makes thrifting fun for me. So, my advice when thrifting is to keep an open mind.
Look For Classic Pieces As Well
I stated earlier that I look for either on trend pieces, or classic pieces. Classic pieces are those that never really go out of style. Some examples include, neutral colored blazers, black leather pieces, pencil skirts, wool skirts, turtleneck sweaters, denim jackets, etc. I’ve scored so many classic pieces that would have cost at least $100 at a regular department store. Yet, at the thrift store, they were less than $10. You just can’t beat that.
Create Outfits In Your Head Immediately
After, I’ve looked around for about 30 to 45 minutes, and my cart is practically full to the brim, I try everything on. While trying the pieces on, I start creating outfits in my head immediately. If I can’t think of how I’m going to style that piece off the top of my head, or if I just don’t like it, it goes back. I’m not buying anything if it doesn’t fit into my wardrobe. I usually leave with 5 items or less totaling less than 30 bucks!
Mix The Old With The New
Once I get home with the pieces I’ve purchased, I wash some of them, and take other pieces to the cleaners. When it comes to styling thrifted pieces, my main goal to create an outfit that looks completely fresh. It should not look like I purchased anything from the thrift store. I create a fresh look by mixing my thrifted pieces with newer pieces. For Instance, the look above and below was created with a thrifted skirt. However, the sweatshirt is brand new. And the other pieces were purchased within the last year. This combination helps me to create a modern, unique, classic, yet contemporary look that I love!
Rock That Outfit Like It’s Brand New
I feel like I have created some of my best outfits with thrifted items!!! So, when I put together a fly look, you better believe I’m going to rock it like its designer!!! No one will know the difference, and who cares if they do! I’m too fly to care! Happy Thrifting loves!!! I hope you learned a few thrifting tips and tricks today!
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