Three words, friends. Let’s. Go. Thrifting!
One of my absolute favorite ways to get fashion inspired, curate a unique wardrobe, shop in a more eco-friendly way, and find clothes with a history, thrifting is a year-round, no-matter-where-you-are event. You never know what magic you will find. (And you will probably never find the same thing twice. Isn’t that exciting?) Thrifting is a treasure hunt you can go on in your hometown and on every one of your adventures. I have been thrifting around the world from California to New York City to Hawaii to Italy. It’s always a new experience. Plus, sustainable fashion is always on-trend.
Some of my favorite spots to go thrifting are Goodwill, Savers, Buffalo Exchange, and one-of-a-kind second-hand stores. (Where you shop will change depending on where you are!) You can also thrift online through platforms like Depop and Poshmark. Depending on where you shop, you’ll find different kinds of clothes, and you might even find vintage pieces for super low prices. Each store has its own possibilities and deals!
All in the Name of Fashion!
Shopping at your local thrift store is a great way to make your closet a little greener. Every piece of clothing has a story, and by second-hand shopping, you can give that garment a new life while keeping it out of a landfill! Clothing is extremely reusable whether you find the perfect piece on a thrift store rack or take something home to upcycle. One more easy way to be environmentally cautious and work toward more ways to go green is to simply apply a reduce, reuse, recycle mindset to our fashion.
You might not know this, but your closet has a big impact on the world. CBS reports that “The apparel and footwear industries together account for more than eight percent of global climate impact, greater than all international airline flights and maritime shipping trips combined.” Can you believe that!? Massive consumption (and unfortunately disposal) of clothes, shoes, and accessories means the fashion industry is booming, but so is its footprint. Secondhand shopping is one small way to reduce it.
Anyone can go thrift shopping. It’s about having fun, supporting our communities and environment, the fashion thrill, and capturing your style through sustainable fashion!
Thrifting Tips and Tricks
Look for colors, prints, and fabrics that stand out to you!
Sometimes thrift stores can be overwhelming. Depending on the size of the store and the range of times they have, it can be hard to even pick where to start. I’ve gone thrifting more times than I can even count, and every time I walk into a store, I get so excited about the possibilities! My fashion senses go crazy, and I usually can’t stop smiling. There’s no real recipe for where to begin. Just make your way to whatever catches your eye first and keep going from there!
Don’t limit yourself to one section. Shop them all!
Women’s, men’s, shoes, jewelry, records, furniture, anything that catches your eye is fair game. Go for it! Thrifting is all about digging. Have you really been if you didn’t comb the whole store for interesting items?
Pro Tip: Some of the best blazers I’ve ever found have been in the men’s coats and jackets section of the store.
Go early.
Thrifting successes are truly found at any time of day, but if you can, shop in the morning! Right when the stores open, there may be a better chance of finding interesting items after a restock refresh from the day before.
Don’t give up!
Not every thrifting adventure is a success. It can totally be hit or miss. If you don’t find something on your visit, don’t get discouraged! There are so many thrift stores to shop and clothes to discover! Plus, most stores restock weekly, so the items are constantly changing. If you don’t succeed, keep positive and try again, fashionista!
Have fun.
This is the most important tip! Thrift shopping is one of the coolest hobbies a fashion-minded person can have. It’s exciting, and just knowing that you are giving a piece of clothing that’s already been out in the world with its own special story another life and helping out the environment, makes it that much better. Thrifting is a game of chance and perseverance. It makes fashion a whole lot more fun.
What are your favorite thrift shopping finds? Show us! Tag me (@royalcouturexo) and Showstopper (@goshowstopper) on social media with the hashtag #RoyalCoutureXShowstopper to show us your rescues, upcycles, and one-of-a-kind looks.
Xo,
Christy Lyn
