My Top 10 Tips for Thrifting

It doesn’t take a lot of money to have an amazing wardrobe. In fact, I think it’s important to point out that over half of my wardrobe is thrifted for pennies on the dollar. I’m frequently asked how I find such great thrifted pieces, so I thought I’d share my top 10 tips for thrifting.

My Top 10 Tips for Thrifting

The biggest question I get ALL the time is, “what store do you thrift in?”, so naturally the first tip on my list is ….

1. It’s Not the Store: Sorry guys thrifting has very little to do with the store you are shopping in. No matter the thrift store, flea market, or vintage fair I can find treasures. Instead, I believe it comes down to cultivating an eye for the things you like coupled with the tips below and you too can find joy in thrift shopping.
2. Shop Ahead of Season: Any given thrift store outing is dependent upon what’s in the store. Naturally it follows that in cold winter months no one is shopping shorts, sun dresses, tanks and so on…so summer picking is the BEST during winter and vice versa. Also, people making donations are not going to donate the clothes they are currently wearing, so you’re not going to find many coats and sweaters this time of year. 
3. Shop on Discount Days: Bang for your buck!! Most thrift stores have color coded discounts daily by time (e.g. 25% off 8-12 pm) or weekly discount days. I try to limit my thrifting days to the discount days and times to maximize my savings.
4. Hunt for Treasures: The Thrill of the Hunt! Each time I thrift I am not looking to fill a cart of clothes to bring home with me. Not to say that doesn’t happen, but my goal is to find the 1 or 2 treasures of the day.  The gem that will elevate my wardrobe. One of the biggest tips for thrifting I can pass along to you is, don’t buy something just because it’s cheap. If you don’t absolutely LOVE it, then it’s not worth bringing home.
5. You Can Tailor: Make it Fit! Ever since I began thrifting at 12 years old I have been tailoring clothes to fit me or rather having someone hem, trim, and take-in my clothes for me.  Obviously, the overall fit needs to be there but it’s such a simple thing to hem pants or take-in a skirt. Most cleaners can handle these types of minor alterations. In fact, I recommend this for all shopping. The best way to build a wardrobe you love is to tailor your clothes to body type not the other way around.
6. Stick to the Classics: Classic Never Goes out of Style!! The key to building your wardrobe is having a strong foundation.  Thrift shopping, in my opinion is the best way to build that. I always go for classic pieces and colors to keep building and expanding that foundation.
7. Know your Body Type: Get in Where you Fit in!! Knowing what flatters your body is ALWAYS key, even when retail shopping. So important when thrifting too.  In a sea of unsorted clothes you need to train your eye to grab pieces that not only are treasures but that will also look good on you. When these 2 criteria align, it is MAGIC!!
8. Dress for Success: A lot of thrift stores and flea markets are not going to have fitting rooms. Trying on before you buy can be tricky but not impossible if you plan ahead. I like to wear leggings and a fitted shirt to quickly slip clothes over to try on.
9. It’s Okay to Walk Away: Never be afraid to walk away with nothing.  Thrifting is about a good eye, timing, and luck.  When none of those things are on your side, it might be time to walk away. It’s easy to say well this sweater is only $5 bucks, but why bring home anything you don’t absolutely LOVE.
10. Lingerie, it ain’t what you think: I have found some of my favorite thrifted pieces in the lingerie and pj’s section.  Like, the dress I wore on NYE 2019 was a Victoria’s Secret’s nightgown from the 80’s…$18 bucks to boot.  Cami’s and nightgowns can easily be worn as clothes.

Bonus Tip: Check your garment thoroughly for stains, rips, and damages that you can not clean or repair.  Remember why bring home something you can not use…no matter how cute it is. And if you haven’t already, be sure to check out my Tips for Shopping 2nd Hand Blazers. 

I hope you enjoyed these tips for thrifting! Is there anything else you want to know about thrifting? Please share in the comments below.