With brown corduroy pants, baggy jeans, and oversized jackets taking over Instagram, there’s no better place to find all of the current fashion trends than the thrift store. As an avid thrifter, I have found a few helpful tips to get in and out of your local Goodwill with a bag full of some winners.
- Check out the electronics department for your next film camera.
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With film photography becoming increasingly popular for today’s generation of young adults, this means a decent investment in buying a disposable camera and getting those photos developed. However, you can save a good amount of money in the long-end by finding a point and shoot at the thrift store. I’ve found multiple cameras in the electronics section or camera section at the front of the store, which is where I found my trusty camera I take everywhere. I have found this camera to not only produce great pictures with Fujifilm Superia film, but also function as a reusable disposable. While it may take some trial and error to find a working camera, you can save some time and money by looking at the thrift store before turning to Ebay cameras retailing for way more than they cost.
- Don’t worry too much about finding the right size.
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When it comes to thrifting, clothing sizes rarely need to be too exact. With so many of the clothes already worn, I have found the “holding a shirt up to me while on the hanger” to work fine for a lot of the tops I’ve gotten at the thrift store. Also, with so many pieces from years back, a lot of the clothes missed the tight and fitted style of the 2000s. While pants are definitely a completely different story, shirts are pretty safe for the most part.
- Bigger can be better.
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If you want the oversized, baggy and comfortable fit for your clothes, the thrift store is the perfect place to pick up some dad style clothes. Whether it be oversized flannels or baggy sweatshirts, the thrift store is home to some of the most comfortable clothes to lounge in or rock on the streets. The worn-in feel is something many stores just cannot achieve as much as they try, so why not save some money on a one-of-a-kind piece in the men’s section of Goodwill?
- Pay attention to the sale of the day.
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When you walk into the thrift store, there is often a sale of the day identified by the color tag on the item of clothing. By checking out the clothes on sale, you can save a few more bucks than you already are by getting your pieces at the thrift store.
- Don’t forget about the comfy, casual stuff too.
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With so many TikTokers and Instagrammers stopping in to find the vintage jackets or unique pieces, we are so often underestimating the thrift store’s wide array of sweatshirts, PJ shirts, and more. I mean, who wants to spend $40 for a comfy T-Shirt? Taking a walk down the T-shirt aisle can get you some great, comfy pieces for lounging around in.
- Think about colors.
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A lot of times, thrift stores are organized by colors. Knowing the colors you are looking for whether it be the trendy brown or some basic black tops can help narrow down what you’re looking for.
- Going in with a plan doesn’t hurt.
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Thrift stores are big, which means sometimes, it can be overwhelming walking in the door. It may seem impossible to know where to start, so going in with a plan of what to look for can be beneficial. Even a basic idea of knowing that you want, tank tops or jeans, can help a lot!
- Don’t underestimate the music at the thrift store.
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Be on the lookout (or listen) for some new songs to listen to. Whenever I head to a thrift store in the city, I always happen to find a few new songs for my latest playlist!
- Find your next homeware there.
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With everything being unique and cheap, there is no better place to find your next mugs and plates from than the thrift store.
- Have your next photoshoot
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Scrolling through Pinterest, there are always a ton of people taking dope, artsy and fun pictures in the aisles of Goodwill. Don’t underestimate the pictures that these clothes and places can create.