How to Thrift Clothes for Your Wardrobe Updates

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How to thrift clothes — a skill set one can acquire if they really want to spend less, save more and get one of a kind pieces.

Vintage shopping is much the same. Just pricier.

This past May and June, I got back into thrifting for myself, and it was so much fun.

I really enjoyed my time sifting through the racks of clothing and pulling things out to try them on.

Finding that I was buying gems for my wardrobe for a fraction of the price.

Not to resell.

To keep.

I also found this as a great way to move my closet forward in all aspects.

Find What is Missing in Your Closet

I find that meaningless shopping (for myself) usually means I feel like I am missing something in my wardrobe.

The goal becomes finding what is missing.

I start to ask myself questions.

Is it this, or is it that?

Why do I feel like that would be a crucial item to add into my wardrobe?

Then, I make a list of what items I would like to add.

Before adding anything to cart online, I try to make sure that I go thrifting as a first step precaution.

Yes.

Before I go on any clothing website, I do my due diligence to see if I can acquire my closet needs/wants at a thrift shop.

Know What You’re Shopping For

Going in with a clear mind and an idea of what you are looking for is a game changer.

Get specific.

This is where knowing yourself becomes key.

What was on the runways that resonated with me on a personal level?

What trends did I not like for myself?

What do I crave for my wardrobe without needing to reference anything outside of myself?

I started there, and the rest was easy.

What Items I Found

I love shopping thrift for beat up t-shirts and newer used vests, skirts, pants, blazers and handbags.

Luckily, these items were in stock when I did go shopping.

Even finding an (amazing) oversized AE sweatshirt that is perfect for hikes, dog walks, runs and chilling at home.

I also found a soft, vintage, worn-in maroon crew neck — a green bomber jacket and a vintage black and neon color-blocked windbreaker.

Finding my spring/fall finds during the spring and summer months, and it was so amazing.

The euphoric bliss of finding what you are looking for is the best.

I even scored a corduroy jacket back in May.

So good.

By the time August rolled around I had a pretty good feel of what was still missing from my closet.

I still felt like I bought a decent amount of stuff from online and in-store.

But this really helped.

The Decade Recap

I don’t feel like millennials, or anyone for that matter, had the headspace to revolutionize their closets due to the pandemic.

Since exiting my 20s and entering into my 30s, I feel like I am finding my footing with how I relate back to myself in a way I recognize.

The pandemic had us ingesting a lot of content.

Everything can begin to feel a bit homogenized, and trends are moving faster than ever.

It can feel a little lacklustser at times.

Even uninspired.

And I may write about that trend here — but I only try to share what I like.

I enjoy a trend as much as the next person, but even I have been asking myself, “is this too trendy?”

I have bought some trendy items.

Yes.

Does it make me happy? At times, it does.

But honestly, I think that has the trappings of youth (I have had) versus the evolution of being in my thirties.

I never want to lose my style — as your style is how you express yourself.

But the truth is…..are we all dressing the same? Are we?

Growing up, I remember watching women in their forties at bars.

I remember clocking the women I wanted to be.

I also just visualized the type of adult I would be as a child.

As a kid, I envisioned myself as a teen, and as a teen, I envisioned myself as an adult.

I wanted to love her. I wanted to like her. I wanted to recognize her.

The adult with a youthful mind, but the maturity of an elder and the grace to know what was truly me.

To compete with only myself.

To not be triggered by youth that fades, and to just be the best version of myself.

Thrifting & Fashion

It’s funny because the more I think of how I want to be as I age.

You may laugh at what I did buy.

That’s okay.

For me, it is the balance of enjoying a closet that is equal parts function, fun and playfulness.

But balance and practicality are becoming more important as I age.

Thrifting is a part of that.

What are you thrifting for this fall?