Listen Up New Thrifters: These Tips Are For You
It’s no secret that I love thrifting and second-hand shopping - heck, I launched a whole ass shop around it *ahem shop as of late ahem*
See the thing is I’ve been thrifting since middle school so lord knows I have a tip or two to share. And every time I share thrifting on my stories or talk about it on social I inevitably get a DM or two from girls that would love to second-hand shop but they don’t even know where to start. So I’ve decided to put together somewhat of a guide for the thrifter 101. Keep reading for some tips!
pre-game research
Listen, thrifting in New York is like the Hunger Games, may the odds be ever in your favor. So I’ve had to get crafty and so can you. I constantly look for the best thrifts in and around my area by researching neighborhoods. Extra, I know, but it’s paid off! What you’ll want to find is neighborhoods with a decent senior citizen population (bc they’ll get rid of the best pieces, duh) and cross-match that with a mid-to-high median income. Oh the gems you’ll find!
don’t go in a rush
Always, always, always go with plenty of time. You’re gonna need it to find those gems! I personally don’t hit up the thrift unless I have at least an hour and a half to kill. You’ll want to spend as much time as you can really sifting through those racks to make sure you don’t leave any goodies behind. If you have a friend that knows your style well and you theirs, bring ‘em! You’ll rummage through the store a bit faster that way!
Make a list
Now I know I said you’ll want to go through the entire store to make sure you’re not leaving a gem behind however, if there’s a piece you’ve been hunting for or a category you want to spruce up in your wardrobe, like say pants, this will help guide your shopping experience. I keep a running list of pieces I want to find at the thrifts on my phone notes and these are usually the sections I hit up first. It’ll also help avoid thrifting fatigue if you hunt for those pieces you really want first - everything else after that is an added bonus, right?
Side note: don’t limit yourself to said list, either! Go in with a “you get what you get, and you don’t get upset” mentality.
try everything on
I know depending on where you live this may or may not be an option due to da rona, but if you can please please please try things on in-store. You’d be surprised at how many pieces you’ll initially pick up because they’re right up your alley but then a zipper is broken or there’s a massive hole on a sleeve. These are things you don’t know unless you try them on or really inspect your loot piece by piece. Also, sizing was way different back in the day so some pieces may fit that you think didn’t or the other way around. Just give ‘em a try!
be conscious of your consumption
Remember, thrifting - aside from being a way to build our closets more creatively - is also a way to slow down our (fast) fashion consumption and do less harm to momma earth. So please, don’t buy pieces just because. Really sit there and ask yourself if you truly want that piece and why? If you can’t come up with a good answer, put it back. Turn around and walk away.
I have a rule that if I can’t see myself styling the piece at least three different ways I won’t buy it. And it’s saved me a ton of money and a lot of unnecessary consumption.
So there you have it guys and gals! I hope this guide encourages you to go out and build your closets more creatively! And if you don’t want to invest the time, always know I’m happy to do the work for you through my shop ha! No but really, check it out.
xo, Chels