If you read my post last year about the benefits of thrift shopping, you know that secondhand is the way to go-- why buy one, mass-produced item for $40+ when you can go on an adventure and discover something unique for $2?
Thrifting gives me such a good feeling-- all that possibility and history in one cramped space stimulates my creativity, and I love discovering that one great item, for a great price. Want to make the most of your thrifting adventure? We've made the beginner mistakes so you don't have to.
Whether you take it or leave it, here's my best advice for thrifters, no matter your level of experience.
1. Wear clothes that are easy to take off and put back on again, including shoes. You'll want to try things on, so save yourself time and trouble by leaving those difficult pieces at home.
2. If you wear sandals to the thrift store, bring a pair of socks along with you, in a pocket or a purse. When you check out the shoe section, you'll be glad you have them.
3. Always give yourself enough time-- usually an hour or more. You don't want to feel rushed, and the best part is looking through every rack. How can you know if there's anything new if you don't go through everything?
4. For optimal fun, go with a friend. Sure, you can thrift by yourself, but part of why I love thrifting is how much you can laugh at the things you find. The craziest pieces end up in thrift stores. Model the most ridiculous outfits for each other, giggle over how certain shirts ever made it into production. And, you can talk each other in and out of reckless buying: it's easy to over-purchase when everything is cheap. A friend can offer a second opinion on whether or not you really need that 80s denim dress.
5. Be organized. Start at one end of the store and work your way systematically along the rows, so you don't miss anything.
6. Try everything on. I've mentioned this earlier, but I repeat, you'll want to try things on. It's cheap, it looks good on the hanger, but will it look good on you? I know used clothes can seem really sketchy, but its worth it to try it on quickly, then buy and wash it. Otherwise, you'll end up with a lot of junk you'll never use. As you see things you think you like, grab them, and try them on either periodically or after you finish the clothes section.
7. Always browse the book section! When I thrift, I always comb through the clothes, books, CDs, and DVDs. You can find great quality books, especially classics, in thrift stores.
8. Try not to go with expectations! If you're looking for something specific, odds are you'll leave disappointed. Thrift with an open mind. Focus more on the journey--searching through a store's hidden treasures--than on any preferred result.
9. Don't buy things you don't really like. Yes, it's super inexpensive, and that can make you reckless-- especially your first time thrifting. Resist the urge to buy something you only kind of love, just because it's $5. Will you wear it? Will you wear it often? $5 of closet space is still closet space, no matter how little it cost you.
10. Return often! When new donations or inventory are put out on the racks, it's an entirely new adventure, ripe with entirely new treasures.
Thrifting makes me so happy, and I hope you can derive some joy from it, too. Happy hunting!
Got any other tips? What are your thoughts on thrifting--stories, opinions? Share with us in the comments!