HOW TO THRIFT SHOP FOR BEGINNERS

I wasn’t always a big fan of thrift shopping. I tried it a few times in college and found a few things but was only there because my friends dragged me along. Also, at the time I had no idea what my style was and how I wanted to look. After moving to Atlanta I was on a journey to not only chase my dreams but to find out who I was on a deeper level. My style and fashion was a top priority on the list. So I started thrifting because I was on a budget! It can get expensive shopping for clothes. I started creating multiple looks out of one item and trying to find ways to switch it up. After coming across different fashion Youtubers that styled thrift store looks I got inspired. I changed my mindset about the thrift store and got creative. I know walking into the thrift store can be so overwhelming and from a glance, it's like ewww what is this stuff. So I’m here to share a few tips on how to thrift shop. 

CREATE A MOOD BOARD

Before walking into the thrift store you need to plan out your trip. What are you looking for? Creating a mood board can help give you an idea of what to search for while shopping. I like to create my mood boards on Pinterest. You can even search thrift store fashion in the search bar to get ideas of the different looks you can create. The mood board will give you an idea of how to style the items you’re looking to purchase. Recently, I went to the thrift store to find a button-down top and high waisted jeans. When I entered the store I went straight to those sections and after I browsed other sections for accessories like belts and bags.

BE PATIENT DON’T SPEND TO MUCH TIME IN ONE STORE

When setting time aside for thrift shopping you have to be patient. Everything won’t be easy to find as if your shopping at a non-thrift store. Sometimes you can find one thing in one thrift store but another in a different store. 

ASK YOUR THRIFT STORE OF CHOICE WHAT DAYS DO THEY RESTOCK

This will help you plan your trips. The point of thrifting is to budget and find trendy stylish items! You want to visit the store when it's fully stocked and when they are having SALES!!! Some stores will restock on a certain day or a specific time. 

DONT FORGET THE MEN's SECTION AND GET CREATIVE WITH YOUR LOOKS

I shop in the men's section for graphic tees, button-down shirts, and hoodies. You can create an oversized look with men's clothing and make it fashionable. My favorite look is styling a men's button-down top with a belt around the stomach, corset, bandeau top, with heels or your shoes of choice. You can get creative with your thrift store looks and no one will be able to tell you purchased your items from goodwill lol. 

WHEN SHOPPING COME PREPARED TO TRY ON ITEMS WITHOUT A DRESSING ROOM

Some thrift stores won't have a dressing room or they may be closed due to COVID. So you must wear items that you can put clothes over easily. I typically try my tops on in the store especially the men's top to make sure it's not extra baggy. For my jeans, I'm true to a size 4 so I do pretty well with selecting jeans without trying them on. Before COVID if I wasn't too sure about the style I would still try them on.

DON’T THROW THINGS IN THE CART JUST BECAUSE ITS CUTE AND CHEAP

If you watch my “come thrift with me vlog” I almost made this mistake. I came across a cute sweater jacket and then had to think about it before I went to the cashier. Do I want this? Sometimes we pick up things just because we know it's cheap and often try to find a way to use it but most times it will end up laying around the house. So make sure whatever you put in the cart to ring up you love it and know how you want to style it.

DON’T LIMIT YOURSELF TO YOUR LOCAL THRIFT STORE

I prefer to shop outside of my area when thrifting. Different stores will offer different items. Some stores may have more or less.  Limiting yourself to the stores in your neighborhood may discourage your thrifting experience. Especially if you visit and you never feel accomplished. This means it's time to travel and explore outside of your comfort zone.

HERE ARE SOME ITEMS I THRIFTED

IMAGE 10283 THRIFTED MENS TOP AND STYLED IT AS A DRESS

IMAGE 10284: THRIFTED THE CHEETAH FUR

IMAGE 10285 THRIFTED THE BLUE LEATHER SKIRT AND STYLED AS A FALL OUTFIT

IMAGE 10286: THRFITED GRAPHIC TEE + WIDE LEG PANTS

Are you into thrifting? Is there anything that holding you back from taking that trip? Lets talk in the comments.