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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Texas chapter.

For my baddies that are trying to rebrand their wardrobe without breaking the bank, keep reading. If you have never tried thrifting before, or you have and you just didn’t feel like it was for you, THIS IS FOR YOU! Thrifting is the perfect way to start over and create a new image for yourself. It’s saving you and the world some money (hint: it’s eco-friendly). So, what are you waiting for? Let’s go! 

Before you start your thrift journey, it is a good idea to create a Pinterest board of potential outfits you are trying to mimic because you never know what you could find. Secondly, prepare yourself to go through a lot of racks, so dress comfortably and be patient. Lastly, bring a reusable bag for all of your unique finds. 

Now that you have made your preparations, it’s time to thrift. Put on your fav playlist and get to shopping. Don’t get too overwhelmed by how many racks there are. Just breathe and start with the accessories. When you are ready to move to the clothing racks:

  • Find a starting point (Ex: Shirts)
  • Stay committed to that section (hidden gems may be at the end of the rack) 
  • Look for good quality and color
  • Pay attention to brands, vintage, etc.
  • Look for color tags and daily deals
  • Be open to upcycling and finding potential in pieces
  • Don’t be afraid to explore new sections (Ex: Kids)
  • Don’t get discouraged; remember dedication is key

Here’s a guide of what could possibly be found in each section

  • Women’s Tank Tops: Sweater Vest
  • Sleepwear: Lace Tops, Slip Dresses
  • Men’s: Graphic Tees, Oversized Tees, Blazers, Baggy Jeans
  • Undergarments: Corsets, Bralettes 
  • Kids: Crop Tops, Tanks
  • Workout Gear: Tennis Skirts, Lululemon, Nike

When thrifting, you may find some really cool and unique pieces. You may even find name-brand pieces that are way cheaper than they are at retail price. If I haven’t convinced you yet, here’s one last thing. Pieces at thrift stores can be so vintage that you may never find them again in retail stores. So no one will be wearing what you are wearing; you get to be uniquely you. Now I hope I have persuaded you to try out thrifting and embody the baddie on a budget title. 

P.S. It can also be a stress reliever, so if you have a big test coming up put on your playlist and destress while spending a little money. 

Dajaiya Pegue

Texas '25

Hi! I'm Dajaiya Pegue, a senior at the University of Texas at Austin, pursuing a pre-law psychology major with minors in sociology and Black studies. I'm passionate about writing on topics that resonate with the Black community and aim to create spaces that uplift Black writers and Black women.