Is Thrifting for Me? Things to Consider before Making the Switch
There are countless benefits to thrifring. From saving money, to keeping things out of landfills, or even trying to score unique items for only a few bucks, thrift stores have a lot to offer. Unfortunately for many, the crowded racks, jam-packed shelves, and risk of spending the time to find nothing at all leave many shoppers running to fast fashion stores for some easy and “inexpensive” finds.
While I would love to change everyone’s mind about thrift store shopping, I understand that it’s not for everyone. I’ve compiled a list of things to consider before making the switch to shopping second hand.
Personal Style
Understanding your personal style is one of the most important things when making the switch. Knowing what to wear, how to wear it, and when to wear it allows shoppers to navigate what would usually seem like an overwhelming sea of racks and used items. There are two ways to evaluate your personal style.
1. Self-evaluate. Although you might not notice, we all subconsciously know what makes us feel our best. Whether it’s that LBD you keep going back to in your closet, or that pair of skinny jeans you wear twice a week. Style is all about what you wear. and how you feel in it. Find what speaks to you and run with it.
2. Hire a wardrobe stylist. One of the things I enjoy most about my job is getting to help women discover their personal style. One of the biggest benefits of hiring a professional is having the second opinion we all need. Think about it as a therapist. Clients vent about where they are now and where they want to be in the future. Stylists help determine how to get them there through their wardrobe.
Budget
Most (not all) people that choose thrifting over department stores are usually looking to get the most bang for their buck. Whether looking for a Dooney & Bourke handbag for 90% off, or looking to transform an entire wardrobe for a fraction of the price, budget determines a lot.
Understanding your budget can help you determine whether thrifting is for you, and what type of thrift store options you have.
Lifestyle/Time
When I mentioned earlier that thrifting is not for everyone, this is the section where it makes the most sense. Lifestyle has a lot to do with how and where you shop. Women with very little time and a good understanding of their personal style tend to have a good experience shopping online. Those with time but small patience and budget tend to navigate towards fast fashion stores where everything is laid out and ready for them grab. Then there are those with decent patience and time that can occasionally visit thrift stores to take their chances of what they’ll find (yes, this is me).
While having a successful thrift store shopping trip may seem like luck, there is plenty of strategy behind it. Be open-minded, go with a plan, and see if thrifting is for you.
Happy shopping!