Are you trying to dress well on a budget? Do you want to look like an Instagram model without spending all $50 in your bank account? Well, have I got news for you. Thrifting is an inexpensive way to dress uniquely while saving tons of money. Here are a few tips if you’re not quite sure where to start.
1. Try to free your mind of expectations.
In love with “Stranger Things’ Nancy Wheeler’s rusted orange corduroy jacket from season one episode five? Thrifting is a great way to find something vintage on a budget, but don’t go on a special ops mission to Goodwill to find it, because the odds are you probably won’t. It’s important to have an open mind when thrifting so you don’t pass up anything super rad that you may not have noticed if you only kept one item on your mind. However, still check around; you never know what you might find!
2. Don’t restrict your time.
Thrift shopping is a personal treasure hunt, which means you need time to uncover your gem. It’s vital to make sure that you aren’t limited by time. To find the perfect item, you have to look through everything. Yes, everything! You don’t want to make the mistake of passing up the perfect item. Believe me…it could be hiding from you.
3. Venture into the men’s section.
The men’s section is where to find the most unique items for your wardrobe. Men’s jeans usually are made out of quality denim, whereas women’s jeans are made out of that funky stretchy material with no pockets (boo). It has great grandpa sweaters, baseball hats, and funny graphic tees. The men’s section is just poppin’ in general.
4. Go to multiple thrift stores and go often.
Each store has a different personality. For example, the South Side Goodwill carries a lot of comfy, sporty clothes while Avalon Exchange hosts some seriously discounted designer brands. Get to know each store in your area and what they have to offer. Accept the fact that thrifting is hit or miss and visit frequently–and make sure to always ask when they restock!
5. Donate.
Get rid of things you don’t wear! This will make room in your wardrobe for future purchases all while keeping it fresh and exciting. You won’t have to worry about wearing the same outfit over and over again, while giving other people good thrift finds. One girl’s trash is another girl’s perfect pleather jacket.
6. Wear an outfit that goes with everything.
I usually wear a white t-shirt and jeans when thrifting. This is helpful when trying to envision what the article of clothing in debate will look like. Be aware that this is important, because some thrift store might not have a dressing room and you’ll have to make do with what you’re given.
7. Don’t be afraid to get something crazy.
Thrifting is about having fun. Don’t settle for anything boring! Have fun with it, try on things that are outside your comfort zone, and wear whatever you want because life is too short to worry about what other people think. Just be you and roll with it. Plus, it won’t be too much of a strain on your wallet in doing so!
Thrifting is a fun, unique, bank account-friendly way to clothing shop. Its may seem a little overwhelming at first, but just remember these tips and you’ll be a thorough thrifter in no time. You can also turn it into a fun day for you and your friends, and you’ll all leave looking cute and having enough money for gas.