Thrifting 101

Thrifting is arguably one of the best ways to shop—it’s affordable, eco-friendly, and supports the community. There’s an assortment of outfit pieces that’ll help you upgrade your wardrobe and characterize your fashion. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the art of thrifting, from where to go to spotting those one-of-a-kind gems, and finally, styling your vintage treasures.

Know Where to Go

First things first, you’ll need to know where to embark on your thrifting adventure. Start by scouting out local thrift stores in your area; you might be surprised at how many are near you. Here are a couple to begin considering:

Local Thrift Stores: Chances are, you probably have one right by you. Searching “thrift stores near me” will provide you with a couple of options to consider. Some honorable mentions include Goodwill, the Salvation Army, and Savers. These nationwide chains are great for cheaper basics, vintage accessories, and great sales.

Vintage Boutiques: As opposed to thrift stores, these boutiques are supplied with clothes from auctions, consignments, donations, marketplaces, and much more. If you’re looking for a wider variety, this is your go-to. They typically offer curated selections and high-quality vintage pieces.

Online Shopping: Don’t underestimate the power of the internet—online thrifting is just as beneficial. Apps such as Depop and Poshmark allow you to scout from the comfort of your home. It’s a great way to pass the time while relaxing while doing what you love most.

Spotting Treasure

Thrifting could be a treasure hunt. You never know what you may find; you might find nothing at all, or rather, you’ll find your new favorite pair of jeans. The key is to have a keen eye for those hidden gems. Here are a couple tips to help spot them:

Inspect Carefully: Check for quality by examining seams, buttons, and zippers for signs of tear. Don’t be too picky, though—a missing button or loose thread are often easy fixes if you’re willing to work on them.

Material Matters: Be on the lookout for natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and wool. While they might not matter to you now, in a couple of years, they’ll age gracefully and stay in good shape with the right care.

Envisioning: If you ever see a piece you consider getting, picture yourself with it on and ask yourself a couple of questions. Do you look good? How would you style this? Do you have anything to match? The last thing you want to do is buy something you end up regretting in a week, so purchase with caution.

Styling Your Finds

Now that you’ve bought the pieces, begin to put together the puzzle.

Accessorize: Often, when contemplating an outfit and whether or not you like it, it just needs a couple of accessories. Throw on a hat or hoop earrings to spice it up. Don’t shy away from the cherry on top!

Tailoring: It’s happened to us all—when you find a piece you adore, but it doesn’t fit quite right. But before returning it or giving it away again, get it tailored. Only a few altercations can transform that piece into one just for you. It could be a local shop nearby or a great excuse to begin a new hobby.

Confidence is Key: Rock your new finds with confidence. Sometimes, it’s not the outfit—it’s you. Your unique fashion sense will shine no matter what you wear, so if you like it, show it off! We’ll be cheering you on from the sidelines.

But, most importantly, be patient and take your time. You might not find something amazing on each trip, and that’s okay. But when you do, it’s worth it and all the more rewarding. So plug in your earphones, blast your favorite playlist, and happy thrifting!