Thrift Shopping Tips
Going thrift shopping is a fun activity to do with friends where you can find unique pieces that perfectly fit your style! Not only that but its also an eco-friendly and a cheaper alternative to shopping at regular stores. However, depending on the store ranging from a Goodwill to your local vintage store, thrift shopping can be overwhelming. Here are a few tips to be a thrifting pro:
1. Go in With a Plan- Depending on where you go, there may be an overwhelming amount of clothes to pick through and you may not know what to even be looking for. The best way to avoid this? Make a list of things you're looking for (for example sundresses, high wasted dark denim, and windbreakers.) This way you can pick out the specific things you're looking for and be more likely to find it. Another idea is to have some sort of "style/mood board." This could just be pictures that you save in an Instagram folder of outfits on people that you like. This can help with a direction to find the style of clothing you're looking for.
2. Don't Settle- Thrift shops can be very particular and only have one of whatever you are searching for and sometimes it will be the wrong size color, etc. If there is something that you are unhappy about don't settle on the first piece you see that resembles what you are looking for. The great thing about vintage stores is they are always getting new clothing in and even if you go back in a few days there will be new clothing to go through and hopefully find the match of the article of clothing you want.
3. Wear Simple Clothes- This is surprisingly very important. When you're trying on clothing in the store its easier to picture how you could wear it if you are wearing something that goes with it. For example if you go shopping in a heavily patterned skirt, it'll be hard to picture how it'll look of you're wearing a bold statement top. Wearing a simple t-shirt and jeans is a great idea because those two pieces go with a lot so it'll be easier trying on your finds.
4. Know the Lay of the Land- As stated before, depending on where you shop, It can be very difficult knowing where to start looking or knowing how everything is sorted. Asking one of the employees to show you around is a great idea or looking around before starting to look at the clothing.
5. Check Prices- Before checking out it can be helpful to calculate the total cost of all your items. Goodwill and the Salvation Army have price tags on all of their clothing. But some local vintage places may not. So before you checkout you can get one of the employees to give you the price on all your items so you can decide if you want to purchase everything.
