As the spring season is quickly approaching and coats are coming off, it’s time to build up that cute, sustainable wardrobe you’ve been dreaming of all winter. You’ve already perfected your ‘outfit inspo’ Pinterest board, and you’re ready to shop. The sheer amounts of overconsumption that you see through Instagram and TikTok daily makes you want to try thrifting your clothing this time around. You’ve made it all the way to the local thrift, but where do you start? Here are a few helpful tips for thoughtfully thrifting pieces you’ll actually wear.
1. Make that Pinterest board
The greatest place to start with wardrobe makeover is having a vision.
Collect some pictures or start a Pinterest board of outfits or specific pieces of clothing that you like. Now that you have an idea of what you like, don’t stop there. Ask yourself what you like about each piece. Is it the fabric, the neckline, the fit, or the length? Knowing specifically what you like about the pieces will help you be able to spot those attributes in other clothing items. Remember to be realistic with your outfit inspiration. You may love the look of a bodysuit, but you never end up reaching for that item in your closet because you prefer a more comfortable, loose feeling. Knowing this, you might alter your Pinterest board to include more loose pieces that you like the look of to make your board more wearable.
2. Pick a price point
Whether you’re a college student or you have a little more spending capacity, it’s important to establish a thrifting price point.
Decide on a limit for how much you’re willing to spend on any individual article of clothing. For some that may be $5. Some may be willing to spend around $20. This decision allows you to have a better understanding of where you should shop. Those with a lower price point may want to try out thrift chains who accept all donations and resell them at a low price. Those with a higher price point might go to a local resale boutique that often are more picky about their selections, pay low prices for donations, and sell them for a higher price. It’s also good to know that resale boutiques often have condition standards on the pieces they accept, while clothing at the thrifts vary in condition and use.
3. Wait for the perfect piece
We all want to avoid buying clothing that we never end up wearing.
The best way to avoid that scenario is to wait for the perfect piece. If you’re in the store and find a piece of clothing that is similar to one of your inspiration pictures, run through that list of reasons why the initial piece appeals to you. If this new piece checks all the boxes, it may be the perfect piece to pick up. However, if the piece is missing the bell sleeves or high neck that you were drawn to, even if it is similar, it may not be the best fit. When a clothing item almost has the qualities you want, you’re much less likely to wear it than the real deal. That money could be better spent on a piece that you’ll wear over and over again rather than one that will end up in the back of your closet. Sometimes, the excitement of finding a cool piece can get in the way of thoughtful purchasing. It’s worth it to wait for that perfect piece.
4. try it on
Another way to avoid the back-of-the-closet clothing condemnation is to try on every piece before you buy it.
Though simple, trying on each piece will ensure that you like the proportions of the item and how it fits on you. Sizes differ so greatly from brand to brand that it is hard to estimate what will fit. This is the downside of online shopping. A piece never quite fits how you think it will, leading to more clothing waste. When possible, find that thrift dressing room, and try clothing on before you buy it.
We all want to find a wardrobe that represents who we are and what we like. These tips are not just limited to thrifting. All of these tips can be applied to shopping for new clothing in order to be a more conscious consumer.