Although I am not an expert, I do find thrifting to be one of my passions. I’ve been thrifting since I was a kid. As I’ve grown thrifting has become an art, something that takes time with immediate reward. My favorite part is finding pieces that help me express myself while being sustainable. Sustainability is one of the perks that keeps me going.
Everybody wants to know the secrets of thrifting. How do you do it? I know thrifting can be intimidating at first, but so is working out or meeting new people. It takes time to get used to. With a little patience and practice, you’ll be a master thrifter in no time. I know I just said “with patience and practice,” but it takes more than that. Today I will be sharing some of the tips and tricks that I have gathered over the years.
Before your thrift trip:
- Donate
Before thrifting see what items you own and don’t wear. I do a closet clean out every six months to get rid of things I haven’t worn that season. This allows there to be more space in your closet for new and exciting things. Doing so also helps out your local thrift store because your trash will become someone else’s treasure. Some thrift stores give out store credit however it is not guaranteed.
- Inspiration
The whole point of clothing is self-expression. To express yourself and be who you want to be. Sometimes I like using Pinterest to find inspiration and creating boards always helps with that.
- Set a budget
Setting a budget helps regulate how many items you get. With a budget, you’ll get products that you want and will wear.
- Wear comfortable and neutral clothing
Some thrift stores have dressing rooms, but many have closed them for different reasons. Being comfortable is important because it is shopping and who wants to be uncomfortable while walking and standing? Wearing neutral colors allows you to envision yourself wearing said item without having patterns or colors clash. Lastly, wearing thinner clothes helps with slipping on and off items while standing in an aisle which is super common, so don’t be afraid to try.
During your thrift trip:
- Out of box
Don’t limit yourself to one part of the store. Search in men’s, women’s, and children’s sections. I recommend the men’s section for baggy shirts, pants, and jackets. The women’s section is good for dresses and skirts. And when looking for baby tees I find the children’s section can be a goldmine. Plus, they have funny graphic shirts so you can get a little laugh in while you’re at it. Be open.
- Don’t rush
Thrifting is not to be rushed. It is something that requires patience and time. Remember, you are searching through hundreds of people’s clothes and not everything is going to be a hit. Just because you go to the thrift store doesn’t mean you have to walk out with something (it can be a cool pastime). All good things come with time.
- Make yes/no/maybe piles
This is one of the last steps because you are almost at the end of your journey. The yes and no piles are obviously what you want and don’t want. The maybe pile is where it gets messy because you want it and don’t. I like to see if I can imagine an outfit that I could put together. Preferably with clothes I already own. Remember you can ponder until you get to the register to pick.
These tips I find I use almost every time I go thrifting and they always work. Remember, thrifting isn’t supposed to be hard. Enjoy yourself. Find new styles that make you feel your best. My last tip is to embrace who you are and enjoy it! Nobody can live life like you can, especially in a newly thrifted outfit.