thrifting 101
how to thrift better
I’m an avid thrifter. I much prefer to go into a thrift store and find what I want than surf online or go to some fast fashion store (that being said, I still dabble in both but actively try to limit my purchases via them). My love of thrifting came from my mum’s love of it and just gradually evolved as I got older as I came into my own in regards to my style. Over the years I’ve gotten better and better at thrifting and found a lot of my key styling items through it. I’ve been frequently asked by friends to go with them thrifting, or teach them how to thrift, so I decided to create a thrifting 101 post on how I take on thrifting.
A small disclaimer before I begin: There are times that you will walk into a thrift store and find absolutely nothing. Don’t be disheartened by those days. That sounds so dramatic but really, it happens to all of us. I once went to the Melrose Flea Market and walked out empty handed (because it’s insanely overpriced, that’s the tea). It wasn’t the end all that be all though, its just about patience.
Join every thrift store’s mailing list
Always do research beforehand about the thrift stores in your area. A lot of larger-scale ones have mailing lists you can join! These will notify you when cool deals are coming up, and sometimes let you in earlier to them. Not only that, but joining the mailing lists in some places also entails putting your phone number in. For Savers, you can tell them your number every time you check out and you’ll gain points for shopping! When those points add up, you’ll get 20% off your purchase!
Create a Pinterest board before going
This is key for me when I go thrifting. If you go in blind, you will struggle so much to find things you actually like. I try to go in with a vague idea of what I want by pinning a bunch of outfits that look like what I can find at a thrift store. A lot of them you’ll never get exactly, but you’ll be able to get things similar to it and that’s what is so exciting! You’ll have something different than everybody else, but with the same style, you were looking for.
Plan to go to at least 2 different places
If you’ve made a plan to thrift on a certain day, try to go to at least 2 thrift stores. It’ll give you more variety in choices, but also help you get to know your local stores and see what stores are good vs. which ones to stay away from in the future…plus you never know what you’ll find at most of these! This is just a sure-fire way to come out somewhat victorious during a thrift-outing.
Wear basics (jeans and a t-shirt)
There is nothing worse than going to try on clothes and realizing you’re wearing something hard to take off. Or worse, bottoms that don’t match with anything. The easiest way to ensure you always have a way to style what you’re trying on is to wear basics to the store. Make sure you’re wearing some basic jeans or a skirt, and a shirt that can easily blend underneath anything. If you know you have a few outfits you want to try and complete, and you own one element of said outfit, wear that or bring it along in your purse! It’ll save you a lot of hassle and help you make on-the-spot decisions!
Know the best days and times to go
Do your research before you go out. Give some places a call and figure out when they take donations or when they put more donations out. Make sure to get out there earlier if weekends are your only available days because more common charity shops tend to be more packed on the weekends. Knowing the best time to go is key to having a successful and easy thrift. Going back to my first rule, also make sure you know the days when you’ll get your best discounts and that’ll benefit you beyond anything else!
Start with the shoes and accessories first
Charity shops always have fewer shoes and bags than anything else, so make sure that’s your first stop. You can always double back around and put the shoes back if you end up not liking them. However, if you fall in love with a pair from across the way and somebody else grabs them…what are you supposed to do then? I, without any doubt, check these sections first and then work my way into the other areas.
Don’t forget to check out the men’s department and the homeware
Some of my best items have come from both of these! Blazers, t-shirts, knick-knacks, and mirrors. All of the above. People tend to forget about both of these and miss out on some key pieces for your wardrobe, or even your home. If a large graphic t-shirt sticks out to you, look into altering it! Cut it into a crop top, wear it as a t-shirt dress, or check out Youtube for other ways to alter it to your liking. The homeware in charity shops are things you’ll never find elsewhere, honestly. I found English Brown Betty teapots (three of them)! in my local Savers and immediately called my mum. There are some special pieces, I promise you.
A little side note: if your local charity shop has a board game section, please please please check it out. I’ve found unopened, recent games for $2. It is worth it.
I found this little “dress” by going through the lingerie section a second time! I had missed it the first time, but am so so thankful I went through once more!
Be thorough
Nobody that is in and out of a thrift store in less than an hour has had a successful thrift. Be patient and be thorough when going down the aisles. It kinda goes with the above statement: be sure to peruse through the sections you might normally skip in department stores. You can find magical gems. It can be exhausting, but try to go down aisles more than once too. I’ve found some beautiful pieces that I missed on my first go-through. I promise you, you’ll see things in a different light the second time through the aisle.
If you have things to donate, bring them!
This entirely depends on the thrift store, but some will give you a discount if you bring a bag of items to donate. For example, Savers always gives you a discount that you can use that day. Besides the discount aspect, it is just a cool way to have your garments recycled and help the environment! Thrifting is a super way to help the environment, so you’ll feel great AND look great!