A weekend bachelorette trip to New Orleans called for something drastic. A city that is so steeped in supernatural stories, dining that spans multiple cultures, townhouses with winding wrought-iron gates, and never-ending music deserves better than a straight-off-the-rack combination.
I bounced around secondhand stores and snatched up a tiered tulle skirt, a bandana-patterned dress, and black lacy pants, then paired them up with some thrifted items already in my closet for a weekend-ready wardrobe on a budget.
It was a satisfying hunt, but the feeling was nothing compared to my response any time someone complimented my outfit: “Thanks, it’s thrifted!”
That usually starts a conversation about how it takes so much patience to thrift, and how it’s a meandering process that ultimately ends in disappointment.
What we wear tells the world who we are. Clothing is more than textiles and thread; it’s the medium we use to create personal art pieces every day. Thrifting encourages this mindset and reawakens your personal style along the way.
Placer.ai, a website that tracks in-person retail traffic, found that secondhand stores are now outperforming traditional retail and luxury stores. Shoppers are looking to find more variety while spending less money. They’re also keeping sustainability in mind and clothing waste out of landfills.
Here are a few tips for getting the most out of your thrift trips:
Pre-shopping
Start by identifying brands and designers you like, and look for common themes. Social media, past online purchases, even your own closet are good places to track your taste. Maybe there’s a color palette that emerges, or certain silhouettes — like jewel tones or oversized, flow-y shapes.
Hoping to get a shopping cart full of Gap or Land’s End? Searching for genuine Chanel? Think bigger.
Trying to pinpoint a specific brand can often end with disappointment, but branching out to find similar styles can help you determine what you love and what you don’t. This allows you to cast a wide net and, before you know it, you’ll have an armful of clothing to try on.
Automatic ‘yes’
There are two kinds of items that I never hesitate to throw in my cart.
The first is clothing made from quality materials, such as genuine leather, silk, wool or suede. Even if it needs some slight repairs or cleaning, I know these items will stand the test of time — and probably already have!
I also will always grab designer pieces for a similar reason. Luxury fashion comes with a high price tag because of the sturdy materials used to make it, the mindful assembly of the clothing itself and the timelessness of designer names.
But beware of fakes! A quick online search using keywords like “how to spot fake Celine” will bring up photo guides and videos that will show you if you’re getting duped.
On that note, there is lengthy discourse in the worlds of fashion, thrifting and eco-friendliness about whether or not it’s OK to thrift fast fashion brands like SHEIN or Fashion Nova.
On one hand, it’s a decision that certainly keeps clothing out of landfills. On the other hand, this clothing is typically not durable or well-tailored. Some style commentators have labeled these brands as undesirable, and wearing them perpetuates their presence in the fashion world.
If the clothing speaks to you, take it home! Just know that cheap materials and rushed production equal a short lifespan.
Come prepared
Using the pre-shopping work you’ve done, jot down a list or create a mood board using a website like Pinterest. My shopping list has a photo of a Balenciaga Le Cagole shoulder bag (manifesting!) at the top of it as a visual cue to help me stay focused on the styles I want to find.
Keep in mind that not every thrift store has a public restroom and that fitting rooms are not always available. There will be full-length mirrors available, however, so wear clothing that you can try on clothing on top of. Opt for comfortable clothing, such as workout leggings or a form-fitting T-shirt.
Bring socks to try on shoes or any accessories you’re looking to pair. If you’re dedicating a full morning, afternoon or day to thrifting, bring water and maybe even a snack if you’re like me and easily distracted by hunger.
Start small
Tight on cash, low on closet space or just want to dip your feet into thrifting? Bold belts, fun hats, cascading scarves and other accessories can give new life to clothing you already own. Stores are full of trimmings like these and, in my experience, most are under $10.
Grab any clothing that sparks your interest — you truly never know what will flatter your body until you try!
Don’t pay too much attention to the size on the tag, especially if it’s vintage. Clothing sizes have fluctuated over time, especially in women’s clothing. The 1940s brought about standardized sizing in women’s clothing, for example, but the Department of Commerce completely eliminated size standards in 1983.
Thrifting involves taking chances and opening your mind to new possibilities. Try on anything and everything that piques your interest. Let your mind roam free — wherever it ends up is where your personal style lives.
Haley’s picks
Hope of the Valley
With locations across Southern California, this chain is outnumbered location-wise by Goodwill and the Salvation Army, but stores are much larger with a massive selection of women’s, men’s and children’s clothing and accessories.
Each Hope of the Valley location has 25% off the entire store every Monday. Purchases benefit the nonprofit Hope the Mission.
The Council Shop
These stores tend to be a little smaller, but have high value. The Canoga Park location is a hidden gem and, like other Council Shop locations, there is a separate section for reasonably priced, sought-after brands and designers.
The National Council of Jewish Women Los Angeles operates Council Shop, and funds generated from the thrift stores support its programs and services.
St. Vincent de Paul
This is the thrifting Mecca of Los Angeles — with another location in Long Beach. St. Vincent de Paul is unofficially the biggest thrift store in Los Angeles, and some have even argued in the country. This is not a quick in-and-out thrifting trip and will require some time to sift through the long, packed racks.
Discounts are always changing. Blue tags may be 25% off one day and 50% off on another.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a Catholic organization that has been around Los Angeles since 1904 and offers food, shelter, clothing and emergency assistance to those in need.