Whether you’re going to the UConn Swap Shop or a nearby Savers, a thrift trip is one of the best ways to shop for both unique statement pieces and classic outfit staples! Regardless of what you’re shopping for, this sustainable solution for the planet, and your wallet, has rightfully increased in popularity over the past few years. But to make the most of your shopping trip, let’s go over some useful tips so you walk out with the best of what the store has to offer.
- Wear something comfortable
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As the home of many hidden gems, thrift stores are not meant to be pursued lightly before lining up at checkout. Hence the phrase “hidden” — you’re going to be there for at least an hour to sift through the racks sufficiently enough to ensure you’re not leaving any potential favorite pieces behind. Wearing leggings or sweatpants with a comfy shirt prepares you for this process, which will also come in handy if you need to try something on without a fitting room — a task that’s a lot easier when you’re already wearing a functional outfit. Because of this it’s also a good idea to wear slip-on shoes, and most importantly, a bag that you can have over both shoulders. You’ll need both hands to sift through the racks and carry all your clothes, and handling a backpack is much easier than a purse over your shoulder.
- go with a friend
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For when you hold up an item and can’t decide if it’s the greatest piece of clothing you’ve ever seen, or the strangest. Of course I 100% encourage you all to embrace your individual style, however that feels good to you! But sometimes we need a voice of reason to encourage us to put an item back that we may not actually wear, and another set of eyes to check for tears or stains. Despite this, don’t be afraid to try something unique! Thrifting is a great way to expand your style beyond what’s marketed in fast fashion, and if you’re really excited about a piece of clothing, don’t put it back just because you’re afraid of how people will perceive you while wearing it. Fashion is one of the greatest ways we can express ourselves, and trying something new is a lot less scary when it comes at a reduced price.
- Try the “will i wear it?” rule
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While everyone’s budget is different, a handy trick to decide whether or not something is worth purchasing is looking at the price and predicting if you will wear that item enough times to account for it. For example, you found this super cool flannel for a markdown of $12, but it doesn’t match up with your usual style. If you think you will wear it at least 12 times, it’s worth a shot! If not, maybe put it back for someone else. If an item is just going to sit in your closet, there’s no point taking it home. Thrifting can easily become wasteful if you’re just buying things because they’re cheap. Make sure you can see yourself actually incorporating it into outfits, which will save you a lot of time, money, and closet space.
- don’t just look at the clothes
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Some of the greatest finds are not crazy sweaters or funky pants, but unique jackets, purses, shoes, and other accessories. A statement piece can elevate an outfit from good to great, and these sections are where some of the most unique items can be found. How fun is it to discover something knowing it’s one of a kind? This excitement alone should encourage you to wear the items you found, improving your personal style and how you feel while wearing these clothes, which a thrifting trip should only elevate!
- Recap at the end
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Once you’ve taken many laps around the store and have an armful of items, go through everything you’ve accumulated and possibly narrow down what you want to take home. Consider the quality of the items, your personal budget, new style opportunities, and make final decisions on what to put back on the rack for someone else, and what you can’t wait to wear to class the next day. As fun as thrifting is, ensuring that we are not wasteful in the process is just as important to acting sustainably, and making sure you will wear what you purchase is an essential step.
Now that you’re the next fashion icon on campus, try those clothes out! After a good wash, display your new gems in fun outfits for everyone to see and rack up those compliments, happily telling people who ask where you got that from, “I thrifted it.”