In my last post, you learned how to discover your personal style. Now that you know what you like, you need to know how to find it at the thrift store. Here's some tips to make the most of your thrifting experience
First, make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to shop. You never want to feel rushed while thrifting, because that will lead to stress.
Once you figure out what kind of item you want, for example, a shirt, you need to make sure you don’t miss a single shirt. That means widening your search parameters. Let’s say that like me, you identify as a woman and usually wear a size large. You should look at sizes medium through 2XL in both the women’s and men’s section. You never know what you could find! Sometimes items run large or small or are misplaced in the wrong section.
It’s not enough to look at every section. You need to look at every item. Yes, every single item. What I recommend is pushing all the hangers on the rack to one side and then you can easily file through the hangers pushing them into the empty space you’ve created. Some things that never would have caught your eye when you’re just glancing at the rack may turn out to have potential when you actually get a good look at them.
When you are loading up your cart, this is not the time to be picky. Put anything you think might work into the cart even if you’re not so sure. You never really know how something will look on you until you try it on.
Recently, I was on the hunt for a black turtleneck for fall layering. I grabbed every single black turtleneck they had on the racks to try on. It doesn’t make sense to guess which one I like best by just looking at it on the hanger. It’s easier to find the perfect one when you have lots of options to physically try on your body.
Once you’re in the dressing room, it is time to be ruthless. If you try something on and you don’t love it, you don’t need it. Even overconsumption at the thrift store is still overconsumption, which is something we try to avoid when aiming for sustainability. But if you love something, you should totally get it!
Thrifting can be very hit and miss. I normally take loads of clothing into the dressing room and only about twenty-five percent actually works out. Don’t let yourself be discouraged by this! It is all part of the process.
Personally, I think the “hunt” involved in thrifting is really exciting. You feel accomplished when you find an awesome piece that speaks to your personal style.
By following these tips, you are setting yourself up for success! Thrifting should be fun, not frustrating, and if you go in with the right mindset, it will be fun!
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