Regardless of your past views on thrift stores, you too can learn to navigate the wild west aisles of Goodwill, the vast unknown corners of the Salvation Army, and all the independent shops that have intimidated you with their random selections in no clear order or sizing structure. No other place can you find one-of-a-kind treasures nestled next to perfectly new Zara pants for a fraction of the in-store price. To begin your journey, you need to be prepared. Below you’ll find 8 tips to get you ready to dig and find the scores of a lifetime.
The right shopping outfit
After the pandemic closed changing rooms everywhere, some stores still do not have access to changing rooms. You want to be wearing something that will allow you to somewhat try clothes over or under. This integral outfit is as follows:
A fitted tank top, long flowy skirt, and shoes that are easy to slide on and kick off. Don’t worry if this is not your best look, it’s just your portable dressing room. Try on sweaters, jackets and blouses easily over the tank. Pants and skirts under the flowy skirt. It’s like your own personal changing room. It’s easy to do the top layers but takes a bit of boldness to try on anything under the skirt. Most of the time you can find an uninhabited area of the store and other women are doing the same, usually near any mirror that can be found.
Wear the good undergarments
Don’t make the mistake of wearing a sports bra and then later on find out that the blouse you loved doesn’t actually fit when you wear your regular bra. Wear your favorite bra that gives you a nice shape so you can see how things really fit.
Makeup makes a difference
Neutral, natural makeup is the way to go. It’s tempting to go bare-faced but don’t do it. When you look in the mirror with no makeup on, you won’t be happy with anything you try on because you won’t feel polished and it will feel like a mismatch. Add enough polish to feel good. Don’t put on so much makeup that you’ll get it on the sweaters you pull over your head. Faux pas! No no!
THE BARE MINIMUM: If you’re my age or old enough to have lived through the 90s, at the very least you probably should fill in those brows.
Don't forget simple jewelry
A basic necklace, small hoops or studs, a delicate bracelet. This is all you need. It makes a huge difference in seeing the potential of an item. Otherwise, you look unfinished and naked. You’ll never recognize your unicorn item if you feel unfinished and incomplete. If you need help choosing some stylish pieces in good metals, you can check out my picks here:
My Curated List of Subtle Everyday Accessories
Earring picks: https://a.co/62aPRS6
Quality Fabrics Only!
Walk slowly, only looking as you pass. Don’t touch or sort through everything, it will exhaust you. As you walk, scan for quality fabrics and interesting prints. Only pick out the good fabrics or interesting patterns. Never buy anything with cheap, too worn, or bad looking fabric. And don’t get me started on jersey. You don’t need anything made with jersey, put it down! (Jersey is t-shirt type fabric that looks cheap, is stretchy and you already have plenty of it at home.
“Good Fabrics” are silk (it’s easy to wash and throw in the dryer), nice cottons, cashmere, leather, wool, linen. Polyester can either be terrible or wonderful, use your judgment by seeing how it feels and drapes. Just make sure it’s not sitting tight in your armpit -you will regret. Rayon is light and breezy but wrinkles like crazy so use your discernment. An “ok” fabric can be acceptable if you really love the item, but you’ll find better items if you keep your eye out for great fabrics.
“Only buy clothes that make you squeal with joy and fit perfectly, whether they are on sale or not.”
Don't be tricked by sale prices
Sure, maybe blue tags are 50% off, but don’t let that trick you into buying substandard items just because they are cheap. Only buy clothes that make you squeal with joy and fit perfectly, whether they are on sale or not. Trust me, never break this rule.
Check out my Instagram reels where I take you thrift shopping with me and show the finished outfits: http://instagram.com/unblahyourself/
You can't buy everything
You may end up with a cart full of clothes and have trouble editing it down to the real treasures. Hold each item up and if it doesn’t perfectly fill a specific purpose you were looking for, or make you squeal with joy, put it back. You have no room in your life for mediocrity. Don’t we all have enough mediocrity in our closets already? Leave space in your life to be filled with only perfect and wonderful things that you will find on future thrifting trips. If you didn’t feel that excitement over any item, know that it’s ok and better to walk out with nothing.
Three in = Three out!
Stick to the rule: However many items you bring home, you must get rid of that many out of your closet. If you adopt this is as your rule, you will limit yourself with your purchases. You won’t buy junk thinking you need that t-shirt for cleaning or something for the gym. Let me be your BFF and tell you, no you don’t need that. Once you have a bunch of items you love, treat them that way by using some closet helpers like these:
Velvet hangers for matching, non-slip, lightweight hanging.
Use these to space your clothes out nicely so you can see them.
Good luck finding the items that make you squeal with joy! (and nothing less)
*This article contains some affiliate links, which means if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. This helps support my blog and you get a nice, curated list of lovely things to choose from. Thank you for the support!*
