To be our best dressed self, we need to empty our bank account and spend as much money as we can to have the wardrobe of our dreams. Right? Absolutely not! As much as we all love a good, retail-therapy based expensive shopping spree, being fashionable does not have to correlate with picking up every penny on the street we find.
They are not a new concept, or only just now popping up in our cities, but they have become a hidden treasure we often take for granted. The thrift store! Goodwill, Savers, Plato’s Closet, and those little boutiques we walk by without turning our heads–they are livesaving for the fashion guru looking to spend less money, find unique pieces, and build a sustainable wardrobe. Though they can be overwhelming at first, knowing how to approach thrifting can turn our bank accounts and closets from a crying session, to the best we have ever looked (and been financially).
Whenever I make a trip to the thrift store, I always make a list of what I am exactly looking for that day. Most thrift stores are organized by style of clothing–long sleeve shirts, dresses, jeans, etc. Having an idea of what pieces you would like to find aids in not being overwhelmed or distracted by how many items are on the racks and the shelves. Going section by section according to your size allows for a smooth trip to the thrift, and prevents from being disappointed early on in the experience.
When you thrift with a plan, oftentimes you discover pieces you had no idea about, or were even looking for. The beauty of thrifting is the diversity of fashion available from the many donations they receive from all different kinds of individuals. Not only will pieces resonate with your own personal taste and style, but other people’s donations inspire you to try clothing you have never worn before. Especially if you have found yourself still in a stage of fashion exploration and discovery, the thrift stores are a wonderful, underrated starting point.
And the extraordinary aspect of thrifting? The low, affordable price tags! I have had many shopping sprees at various thrift stores, some with a cart full of items, but the receipt is never a scary sight. Instead of going to the mall and spending $100 but only having three new pieces, I can go to the thrift store with the same amount and have five new outfits.
Allowing ourselves to accept the idea of secondhand and gently used clothing can be life-changing for the fashion lover. We discover new pieces that allow us to discover ourselves and our fashion sense while saving our credit cards. When we enter the store with an open mind and a plan, our wardrobe can be completely elevated overnight. Like my personal favorite thrift store, Savers, says… “Making secondhand second nature!”
