To me thrift store shopping is one of life’s simple pleasures. I have shopped at my local stores for years and have found the outcome to be very rewarding. There’s nothing like getting a compliment on something and knowing you paid under five dollars for it.
In this time of economic instability, thrift store shopping has become more than just a hobby. It has become a way of saving more on clothing to use on something else. There are so many things that I have found helpful over the years when shopping at thrift stores and consignment shops. Here are a few tips:
- Know what you are looking for. It’s fun to go into a store and have so many inexpensive choices, but before you fill your cart with what you think are bargains, remember it’s not a bargain if you’ll never wear it.
- Know what colors flatter you and head for them. In the stores that I shop, clothing is separated by color. I know that I should pass the blue over in favor of peach and browns. Going to the colors you are drawn to will also help narrow down your choices and time, leaving you less overwhelmed with all the choices.
- Stay away from black and white. I have found that blacks seem to be faded and whites are dingy. You could bleach your whites, but are you willing to?
- Focus on shirts and outer wear. Pants are the most changed clothes. Slacks and pants seem to change with each season. One year bellbottoms are in, the next the “skinny” jean is making its debut. Last seasons pants are the things that people are going to be giving away. But a good t-shirt or buttoned down shirt will last for years.
- If you do plan on buying pants, bring a tape measure with you. Bringing a tape measure with you allows you to make sure a pair of pants will fit before putting them on. It will save you a lot of time in trying things on that are going to be too small or large
- Think outside the box. When looking at things at a thrift store, have your creative hat on. Could you change the buttons on a shirt or coat to give it a different look? Would the jeans you tried on work better as cutoffs than pants? Would putting lace on a collar or taking off some embellishments make it the perfect shirt? Just be sure you’re willing to put the work into it.
- Avoid shoes, but check out handbags. Used shoes can be tricky. I stay away from shoes. By the time you get them, someone else’s feet have molded around to them. This is a little creepy to me, so I walk right by. Purses, however, are a different thing. I have purchased more than one purse at my local thrift store. Purses are easy to clean up, and can add a hint of spice to an otherwise boring outfit.
- Do try things on. If you don’t have time, just make sure the shirt is big enough. You can deal with something too large, but something too small will never be worn.
- Know when to spurge. Sometimes you just have to buy a good suit that you can wear to an interview. You could wear a shirt underneath from a thrift store, and even well-maintained shoes and purse. But for something that you need to last for years you’ll want to pay extra. I also tend to spurge on pants. It’s harder for me to find pants that fit well than it does for a shirt.
Still not convinced? Thrift store shopping is not only great for your wallet, but for the planet. Think of all the resources that went into making clothes at your local store. Now think about how you can stop some of the production by going to thrift stores instead of your mall or chain store. By putting a stop to buying new clothing, they will reduce their orders and make the environment one step cleaner.
One warning. Think before you purchase too much. You want to leave the store happy with your purchases and knowing that you got a deal. Regrets when you get home will only make you more likely to run back to the mall and spend more than you can afford.
Now go together and put together the perfect outfit.
