Shopping second-hand fashion might feel uncomfortable if you’re not smart about the process. This week I’m partnering with Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona to help YOU shop smarter and save more! Check out my tips and tricks here below to help you dress for success wherever you are, and keep that money where it belongs – in your wallet!

1. STOP & THINK

Before I even step foot in Goodwill, I consider what I already have at home. Is my closet in need of some color? Do I need more bottoms or tops?  When I mix and match clothing I already have, I create unique combinations that keep me from buying more than I need. I rework clothing combinations for a new take on old clothes.

When I bought this blazer, I immediately knew I wanted to wear it with black jeans. After another weekend or two, I paired it with blue jeans and a classic handbag to give this outfit a whole new vibe.

2. CONSIDER COLOR

Next, consider the season and your color palette. I’m shopping for fall and want my wardrobe to be full of cream, yellow, orange, pink, and peach, with hints of maroon. When you know what you’re looking for, you save time spent in the store. Knowing which colors you want keep you from going crazy in the aisles. The process of elimination is as easy as, “Thank you, next” every time you come across a piece of clothing that doesn’t fit your shopping brief.

3. THINK ABOUT TEXTURE

After you thought about color, consider the texture of clothing you like most. I LOVE linen, and it works for Fall in Arizona, but it’s hard to wear because it naturally wrinkles. As a therapist, I need to look a little more put together. Think tweed, knits, corduroy, suede, and wool when looking for cool weather clothing. Wearing different kinds of fabric in one single outfit helps create a little interest.

My outfit here features a cashmere skirt, with silk top, and suede blazer.

4. FIND YOUR FIT

Then, think about fit. Are you someone who likes tight-fitting, loose-fitting, or oversized clothes? Fall is wonderful for a close-fit jean and oversized sweaters. You can feel lazy and cute at the same time!

For boxy tops, I tie bows at the bottom to make them more “me” style, or I tuck them into high-waisted pants to give them a more finished look!

5. A LITTLE EXTRA GOES A LONG WAY

After you’ve found that really nice jacket, don’t forget to add a purse or clutch. Thrifted fashion is perfect for trying out new trends without breaking the bank. I love this woven metal purse, but I’m glad I got to try it out for $10 instead of at retail price.

REMEMBER: ACCESSORIES CAN TAKE A BORING OUTFIT AND TURN IT INTO A MILLION BUCKS.

Don’t forget to shop the shoe section of the store too! Shopping for shoes, if kinda like dating — you want a beautiful soul, wait, I mean, sole. Clean, and not smelly. Scuff marks can be removed, and you can buy boots a bit bigger in size if you know you’ll need to wear them with thicker socks.

6. TAILORED IT TO YOU

Last but not least, this strategy is what really helps make the most of all your thrift finds! — Sew it! Hem it! Change it! I love a good coat, but I often find that that they are less tailored than I prefer when I shop thrift. Thankfully, all I had to do for my oversized blazer was remove the shoulder pads. Take in the sides of a fitted jacket even more, for that cute-waist sort of look.

TAKEAWAY TIPS:

1. Don’t go broke trying to look rich. Just because you have money, doesn’t mean you can afford it! Buy what you need. Donate back what you don’t!

2. Having a lot of clothes is different than having style. Hoarding is different than cultivating an aesthetic that express who you are, and how you feel.

3. Ask for the discount because there is no shame in being wise with your money! Offer cashier your student id, your teacher id, your work id – anything that shows you’re a human trying to make this world a better place. Chances are they don’t accept your dutch bros punch card as a discount card, but maybe they’ll think you’re really cool for trying and give you a break anyway!

For more fun THRIFT shopping tips like this GO HERE!

For more fun fashion tips GO HERE.

I would love to know what you all find! Share below or connect with me on The GRAM Here!

HAPPY THRIFTING!

MEG XO