Thrift Away
a guide for your next thrift trip
Thrifting feels like a mysterious game when you dig through the aisles without knowing what pieces you will find. The question we all ask ourselves while thrifting is: will we find more than what we came for, or find nothing at all? As an avid thrifter myself, here are a few tips to help you find your perfect pieces.
Thrifting requires time and patience. Allow yourself ample time to explore the store so that you’re not rushing to shop. Some of the best pieces I have found took hours to find. Yes, there are lots of aisles, especially at chain thrift stores like Goodwill, but do not get overwhelmed! Start in one section, like women’s outerwear, and go from there. Hidden gems may not always stand out from the long racks of clothing.
Do not go into the thrift store with set expectations. It is incredibly rare to find an exact piece you have in mind, and in the end you may be let down. Have a general idea of what you want to find, and you will likely find similar items.
For example: I spotted this fabulous faux fur knit cardigan from Zara and had to have it, but didn’t want to spend too much for the statement item. I decided to go to Goodwill to see what similar cardigans they had in stock, keeping my eyes peeled for a fun color or anything unique to add a little something to a plain cardigan. After thoroughly searching through countless racks with my friend, we found the perfect duplicate that was a little bit big, but I made it work!
When walking into any thrift store, you should probably grab a cart. Holding a bundle of accessories and clothing in your hands can get overwhelming!
My last tip is all about the price tag. Yes, it is easy to get caught up in the fact that these items are cheaper than other retailers, but do not let that sway you into purchasing every item you like! When I find either a staple item or a statement piece, I think of two ways I could wear it so that I know I am not just wasting space in my closet (or five dollars).
Here is a list of my absolute favorite places to go thrifting:
Buffalo Exchange
Goodwill
Dynamite Clothing
If you are struggling with thrifted outfits, here are some looks that I put together for this fall. I hope these tips will help you make the most out of thrifting. As always, wear what you feel best in and go rule the day!
Happy thrifting!