Clothes – now that’s a word most girls can appreciate! Back to school means spending money on textbooks, transportation, food… But if you’re anything like me, then new clothes and accessories are definitely not to be overlooked. If you aren’t exactly rolling in the cash – and don’t worry, most of us girls aren’t – then why not take a chance and try shopping for used clothing? Walking into a thrift store can be overwhelming at first, but it takes practice and perseverance to really master the skill. If you’re new to this, then the essential tips and tricks outlined in this article will be very helpful for the first time you choose to hit the thrift stores. And if you aren’t new, well then, think of this article as a refresher!
1. Be thorough
Shopping at a second-hand clothing store means two things. One, that you’re bound to find awesome used pieces to go with your current wardrobe and two, that you’re going to run into some funky, smelly clothing that are so far off from your style that you’ll wonder why you bothered stepping into the place. The key to thrift store shopping is being thorough. Not necessarily rifling through every piece on every single rack, but keeping a firm eye on colours and designs that stand out to you will ensure that you aren’t missing out on that perfectly cozy oversized cardigan or those cool trendy sunglasses you could have sworn you saw one of the Olsen twins rocking. If you aren’t a patient and persistent shopper, than “thrifting” isn’t for you! Trust me; it definitely isn’t for the fainthearted.
2. Try your clothing on
If there’s anything I’ve learned from thrift store shopping, it’s that trying on any clothes or accessories before buying them is an absolute MUST. Walking out of a store with something you are smitten with, only to find out that it 1) doesn’t fit 2) fits but looks ridiculous or 3) has a stain or rip you didn’t notice at first glance is the absolute worst. Not only that, but most thrift stores have a no refund or exchange policy, so not bothering to fit it on can actually cost you a few bucks. If you aren’t exactly keen on the idea of trying on used (and unwashed) clothing, my advice would be to wear a slinky tank and spandex shorts underneath your normal clothing. That way, the clothes won’t touch you and you’ll still be able to get a pretty good picture of what they would look like on if you weren’t wearing any layers underneath.
3. Keep an open mind
You can walk into a thrift store with the intent to find the perfect pair of cut-off shorts, and come out rocking a vintage purse and some new sunglasses. Keep your eyes open! One thing I’ve learned from frequenting thrift stores is that you rarely find what you’re specifically looking for, but some of the best finds come along by accident. And even so, because thrift store prices are usually very cheap, buying material from the store and revamping them can be a fun and creative experience! Try finding an old pair of jeans for a few bucks, and cutting them up to make some distressed vintage shorts. Why not grab some unused fabric and fashion a circle scarf out of it? The possibilities are endless. And because of the nature of the store, new and exciting products come in weekly, so every time you visit their stock is full of surprises!
Not only is a thrift store useful for finding interesting and eclectic pieces of clothing, but also an array of many other things! Books, vinyl’s, vintage furniture, obscure art pieces, you name it. The key to any shopping experience is to find items that speak to you (and are in your price range). Shopping at a thrift store can be a fun and exciting experience, especially with a few friends and some time on your hands!
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