What to Look for When Thrifting
Shopping can be a lot of fun and sometimes you just have to treat yourself to that handbag that was just a little out of your budget. But every now and then, it’s nice to add a few pieces to your wardrobe without breaking the bank.
In the past decade or so, thrifting has become all the rage for young adults looking for unique, eclectic looks that won’t cost them an arm and a leg. *Que Macklemore’s Thrift Shop* Ordinary people and even big-time influencers are taking to social media to show off their newest thrifting finds and they are sparking a bit of a revolution. Yet, there are many out there who still feel a little overwhelmed by the process and are afraid that thrifting might not be for them.
This Buttoned Bear is here to tell you that thrifting is for everyone and all it takes to become a master at it is a little bit of patience, a dash of creativity, and maybe a friend or two to talk you out of some questionable choices. As an avid thrifter for many years now, I’ve created a Beginner’s Guide to Thrifting with sections to check first and items to keep an eye out for on your next thrift adventure.
Men’s T-Shirts and Sweatshirts
The first place that I always hit when I walk into any thrift store is the men’s t-shirt and hoodie section. This is where you’ll find a new swimsuit cover-up, graphic tees to wear tucked into jeans, your new favorite sleep shirt, and of course a new hoodie that you can live in for the foreseeable future. This section is thrifting gold and you’ll be sure to find something that speaks to your soul.
Women’s Blouses
This one is for all of my girl bosses out there who want to look the part without paying the price. Women’s blouses are where you’ll find tops for work, every day, and even going out for the night. Pro tip: check for snags and holes and make sure the material won’t have to be ironed after washing because girl bosses are too busy for ironing.
Men’s Jeans
For the guys and the girls, men’s jeans is the next section to check. Here you’ll find all your distressed denim for a fraction of the retail price. Be creative here and if you find a pair you love that’s just a little big, head over to the belts and find yourself a $1 dollar solution. This is also the section where you might score an adorable pair of baggy overalls.
Women’s Dresses
One of my favorite sections to peruse through is the women's dress section. Find your future wedding dress, your next party outfit, or an outfit to wear to family brunch in this section. Think creative here and try to imagine what you could do with some of the pieces you find. Could you put a sweater over it? A t-shirt under it? Should it be styled with a belt? This is also a great place to bring your friend to help you decide if that neon green slip dress is right or very, very wrong.
Bonus Edition: Book, Shoes, Dishes
After you’ve hit up these sections, I like to do a quick run-through of all of the books, where I often find my next read buried under old parenting or cookbooks. Shoes are easy to peruse through and I’m always excited to see what there is to discover from thigh-high boots to business professional sandals. Lastly, you can never have too many vintage coffee mugs or plates for your next dinner party. I suggest perusing through this section and picking out the weirdest mugs to give to your friends. Trust me, they’ll love it.
With Christmas just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to give thrifting a try. Whether you’re finding outfits to rock at Christmas parties or even trying to find that perfect gift for someone you love on a budget, head over to your nearest Goodwill and get thrifting. If you keep this guide in mind, you cannot go wrong.
And if you’re looking for a fun Christmas activity to do with friends, Buttoned suggests that you gather some friends, pick outfits for each other, and throw a dinner party using the most random dishes you can find at the thrift store. Share the pictures from the dinner party with @ButtonedBears on Instagram for a chance to be featured on our story!
Written by: Maddie McNamee
Edited by: Greta Gessert
Photos from: Pinterest