I have to confess, one of the greatest feelings is when someone compliments me on a piece of clothing that is thrifted. Most of the time people can’t believe I scored such a fabulous item at a thrift store.

Thrift shopping is a smart way to save big money on inexpensive, high-quality and unique style clothes. Not too long ago I bought a pair of sling back heels by designer Sergio Rossi that retail between $580-$760 but I only paid $10 for them at a thrift store near me. Yes, you read that right, 10 dollars!!! I did have to take them to my cobbler (love saying that word) to replace the sole on the very tip of the shoe, but other than that, they were PERFECT! The repair cost $15, so you can say that I paid a total of $25 dollars for those designer shoes. Still substantially less than the original retail price. I have bought a great deal of winter coats and blazers with name brands only found at Bloomindales and Saks Fifth Ave that are in immaculate condition.

When thrift shopping, you can definitely find high-quality, one in a million unique pieces of clothing and accessories at AMAZING deals. Your money can definitely go a long way.

 So, in an effort to help you become the best thrifter you can be, here are my five thrift shopping tips so you can also unearth some gems and save money while staying in style:

  1. Location. Start by visiting different thrift stores around you. Even though these stores could have the same name (Ex. Goodwill) they don’t carry the same clothes and styles. Some might have good finds and others a big goose egg, don’t be discouraged. Keep coming back. They add new items almost daily. Ask the folks that work there what days are best. They will give you the full scope. You will probably find something you love the next time you visit.

 

  1. Have a strategy. Before thrifting, I suggest evaluating your closet to determine what clothing items you need. Then stick to that list once you’re in the store. If you are looking for a coat, head to the rack of coats. These stores can be huge and very overwhelming. Save time by walking by the racks while scanning for patterns and fabrics that you like. Stick to your goal! That said… sometimes you walk by something unexpected and well… you gotta do what you gotta do.

 

  1. Is it worth the fix or alteration? When buying used, you can use the money saved to get those more valuable items altered or fixed. Perfect example is the pair of shoes I mentioned above. Paying a total of $25 for a $550 pair of shoes was a no brainer! That was really the only time I had to repair an item I bought. I have gotten pretty lucky when shopping for coats or blazers, they either fit as is or need a small alternation. Depending on the fabric all they might need is a trip to the cleaners.

 

  1. Know your style. When visiting a thrift store you will be tempted to try-on various textures, styles and colors. Don’t buy items just because they are at a tempting low price, you more than likely never going to wear them. Stick to your style, your favorite colors and most importantly your needs.

 

  1. Think before you buy. Before you check out your items, count the styling possibilities these items can bring by answering these three questions:
  • Do they match other items already in your closet?
  • Can they be worn to different event/situations?
  • Would I wear it just once or for years to come?

 

If you answer “yes” to all three questions, buy it!

If you answer “no” to any of these questions, leave the item.

I hope you find these tips helpful next time you visit your nearest thrift store, they have certainly helped me save money, time and stay true to my style. Happy hunting!

 

SHARE: