The Art of Secondhand Shopping: A Guide to Thrifting

If you’re someone who loves the thrill of finding unique and one-of-a-kind items, all while saving money and supporting sustainable fashion, then you've come to the right place. Thrifting, or shopping at secondhand stores, can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it can also be overwhelming if you don't know where to start. That’s why we’re here to guide you through the ins and outs of thrifting successfully. You’ll be able to navigate the aisles of your local thrift stores like a pro, uncover hidden treasures and walk out with a new wardrobe. Get ready and discover the world of thrifting with The Edge.

Go in with a game plan & be open-minded

A thrift store is different from a typical department store or boutique. Thrifting requires focus and a game plan to ensure you are looking for what you need in a swarm of clothing. You have to go into the store knowing what you need to leave with because if you don’t, you will feel lost and spend hours looking through the racks. Before you go to the thrift store, look in your closet and see what you need so you don’t buy unnecessary items. By looking at your closet and establishing what you truly need, you can specify which section to use at the store and be more efficient in your thrifting process. If you need inspiration on what to purchase, go to Instagram or Pinterest and save some photos of outfit ideas so you have them to look at while scanning the store. Also, people are your best resource when finding a thrift store to know where they spot golden treasures. They can also tell you if certain stores sell quality name-brands and if the store commonly has discounts on clothes. Don’t feel like you have to go into this blind. Friends who thrift could be a great help when creating a plan. Be open-minded and trust the process. Thrifting is more than just shopping; it is a mental game that requires confidence, patience and flexibility. You might enter the store feeling confident about your plan, but it might not work out the way you expected because none of the clothes speak to you. Here is where being flexible comes into play: you have to be able to change your plan right at the moment. If you want to stick to your original plan, you might have to call it a day and come back again to see if there are any new items. Above all, trust the process because you want to purchase garments you genuinely fall in love with instead of settling for an item you might never wear.

 Don’t forget the accessories

The accessory section at a thrift store can become your new best friend. If unsure of your game plan, start with accessories before jumping to clothes. Finding an accessory or two might give you outfit inspiration that can help guide you through the racks of different sections. Also, the accessory section is set up a little neater than the clothing sections, so if you are feeling overwhelmed, this is the perfect place to start the process. If you need a new belt, thrifting is the way to go. Many unique options include braided, leather, suede, buckle and loop belts. Some of the best shoulder bags and hand purses come from thrift stores, so don’t knock thrifting for bags until you try them. The options are endless, with loads of different lengths, colors and materials to fit whatever occasion you need a bag for. If you get lucky, you will be able to spot some vintage name-brand purses. The jewelry section is an unexpected place for you during your thrifting experience, remember to pay close attention to watches! You can spot some vintage skinny wrist watches that are the perfect add-on to spice up an outfit. Shoes can be a hit or miss in a thrift store. You will come across shoes that are destroyed. On the other hand, you might find a pair that has zero wear or tears. Before deciding on a pair of shoes, examine them closely to see if they are well intact and look closely for any marks. You need to ensure they are perfect before purchasing, so walk around in them and see if they are up to the part. Silk scarves are a go-to for scarf tops or an accessory to tie around your bag or in your hair. You have the power to give these scarves a second life, so choose the route to save some cash and contribute less to overproduction in the fashion industry.

Browse the Sleepwear Section and Men’s Section

Don't just settle for the clothing and accessory section of the thrift store. Explore your options and come to terms with the fact that the items you fall in love with might differ from where you expect them. You won’t just see the typical pajama sets in the sleepwear section. Sometimes, this section is filled with satin dresses that no one will suspect are for bedtime. You can come across the next dress for an event, such as a date party or formal for the spring season. You can also spot some layering pieces, such as a silk and lace cami top you can wear under a jacket or blazer. When you feel lost at a thrift store and continuously go down the aisles of racks to find something, switch your direction and go to the sleepwear section. It is okay to take a different turn if something is not going as planned. The sleepwear section might be your saving grace when you have something in particular in mind you need to purchase. Another section you could browse is the men’s section if you are looking for a classic baggy white, blue or pink button-down. Forget buying a new button-down when you most likely find an array of options with name-brand options, such as Ralph Lauren and Banana Republic. The men’s section is sometimes filled with vintage bomber jackets, jean jackets and oversized blazers. Also, keep on the lookout for sunglasses and vintage baseball caps. Sweatshirts can be pricey, but you can buy some of the best quality and most comfortable ones if you give the men’s department a shot. 

With these tips, thrifting does not have to be overwhelming. Rather, it can be something you can take up as a hobby and an activity you try out with some extra time on your hands. Take it one step at a time, and you will eventually find everything you need in the array of clothes and accessories. Remember — patience is key. Now, get to it!