I absolutely love thrifting. It’s so exhilarating to uncover a hidden gem like an expensive designer garment or apparel that has been donated new with tags. After years of hitting the thrift stores, I feel I have reached the level of an expert thrifter in the game so I wanted to share the top 5 fashion items that you should consider purchasing directly from the thrift store this year.
Thrift Store Item #1: Leather everything
One of the things you should seek out in the thrift store are items made of genuine leather. This is not a vegan solution. However, it’s a bit more sustainable since leather pieces last a really long time. I would rather purchase genuine leather garments that have been donated to help extend their life vs purchasing additional faux leather pieces that tend to break down after a few years of wear. I have found some really dope pieces over the years like colorful leather skirts, pants, and jackets. These pieces are such good quality that they usually look pretty new. My most recent score was a pair of supple chocolate brown leather pants and a camel colored Moto jacket created by 7 for all Mankind. These items are usually a little more pricey ranging up to $40 but age well and can last for many years to come.
Thrifted Item #2: Blazers and Coats
Coats and blazers can be very expensive when purchased in traditional retail stores. You can add these cute layering items to your closet without breaking the bank by checking for great pieces to your local thrift store first. My closet is nearly overflowing with cool tweed blazers and multicolored blazers. I also have found some really nice designer coats as well. During a recent thrift trip, I purchased a Hunter brand longline puffer coat that retails for over $250 for $49 and a Michael Kors peacoat that I picked up for $25. I actually spotted the exact same Michael Kors coat in TJ Maxx a few weeks after purchasing mine and it was priced at $89.99. Score!
Thrifted Item #3: Belts
Belts are something that I try not to buy at regular retail stores anymore. I have found so many amazing belts in the thrift store for less than $5. Whenever I see a cute belt in a retail store they can cost anywhere from $20 and up. I can’t get jiggy with that now that I know better. You will rarely find a designer belt in a thrift store. However, you can still get these designer belts secondhand at consignment shops if that is your jam.
Thrifted Item #4: Trousers and Jeans
Trousers are another great piece to source from the thrift store. You can find great quality trousers in a variety of fabrics. I love to search for colorful options to add to my wardrobe since these items are usually less than $7. You can also score some really nice designer trousers as well. Jeans are plentiful. You can find a load on vintage mom style jeans that have become increasingly popular over the years as well and boot cut, relaxed, and flared jeans. There is no lack of denim in the men’s and children’s section as well. This is a great option for parents who have tots that grow quickly.
Thrift Store Item #5: Shorts/Skirts
Shorts are another great option to seek out in the thrift store especially if you like longer shorts. The trend these days is to have booty bearing shorts but that is not my aesthetic. I have found great vintage linen shorts and several tailored Bermuda shorts to add to my wardrobe. These items have never cost me more than $5 and they also look very chic.
Skirts are also plentiful in the thrift store. Be aware that vintage skirts run smaller than today’s sizing. A way to determine if a pair of pants, skirt, or shorts will fit properly is to take the waist of the item and wrap it around your neck. If the two ends touch, most likely the items will fit. It’s a weird trick but it works. It’s a great tip to use especially now that most thrift stores are not allowing customers to try on items in the fitting rooms as a precaution.
Other tips for shopping at the thrift store:
1. Search for items on sale days or by searching for items with the color coded tags that are on sale that day for the most savings.
2. Try to shop during the day in order to inspect your items with natural light. I like to stand next to the window and inspect my items for stains, tears, and quality. Sometimes the overhead light in thrift stores can cause a yellowing effect.
3. Shop with a list and shop often. If you don’t find what you are looking for, try again on another day or try another thrift store in your area.
4. Take a friend. It makes the shopping experience more fun and they can help keep you from buying up the store.
5. Be practical. It’s very easy to overspend in the thrift store because the items are so cheap. I have been guilty of this in the past. Be sure to purchase the things that you actually plan to wear in order to prevent wasting money and cluttering your closet.
Check out a video from my first thrift haul of 2022 here on Instagram. You can see the quality of the pieces that I purchased on half price day for yourself. Hopefully it will inspire you to check out the local thrift stores in your area for unique pieces. With the rising costs of every aspect of life at the moment, thrifting is a sure-proof way to get the best bang for your buck.
