Thrifting On A Budget: Tips & Tricks

Whether you're prepping for the big game next weekend, fleshing-out your elaborate birthday plans, or taking a much needed vacation… finding the perfect outfit can be tough.

Especially when you're shopping on a budget.

Making your clothing visions come to life can be hard, especially when the idea of buying new clothes can feel so daunting. Well, there is some good news. Buying clothes doesn’t have to drain your wallet.

Meet your new best-friends: Thrifting and second-hand clothing stores. 

And if shopping in-store isn’t your thing, don’t worry there’s online options too.

There are plenty of reasons you might need a new outfit, but here are some of the most popular (and most successful second-hand shopping trip) occasions:

What occasions are best for thrifting?

Gamedays (Superbowl Party or going to support your favorite team at the stadium)

Vacations (From the mountains to the beach, there will be plenty of options)

Work Events (Sometimes you need to dress up a little more for a special event, or maybe you need a closet refresh that’s a little more business professional)

Birthdays or Holidays (You want to have the perfect dress or suit for your special day, or you need something that screams…happy holidays!)

Season Changes (You know the feeling when it gets too warm to be wearing your big coat but not quite time to bring out your tank top, or forgot to pack snow friendly shoes. Sometimes you just need something to bridge the gap between changes in the weather, or just need something new.)

Social Events (You got a night-out planned that you need a new outfit for or you need a new pair of jeans to spice up your look for a party coming up)

You Want A Change (Maybe you just need a good-old retail therapy kind of day that doesn't break the bank, or you just need a few new items to refresh your current looks)

Second-hand shopping can be intimidating at first. You walk into what is usually a large ware-house with rows and rows of clothing. Some are not very organized. However if you follow these tips, it should make your thrifting experience much more enjoyable.

What are some thrifting/second-hand shopping tips?

Come into this with a game plan. You need to know what you’re specifically looking for. Whether it’s an idea: I need more professional tops, or button ups. Or more specific: I need a red shirt for the Chiefs game.

Look at the deals of the day. Most thrifts have a sign with a specific color tag that’s on sale that day. This way you can look for options that are even cheaper!

Skim the racks. Don’t stand and look at every single item. This is where your game plan comes into play. In the back of your mind, you know what you came in for. That way your eyes will focus on the colors, patterns, or shape of the items you’re looking for and not waste hours of your time.

Don’t be afraid to look in other sections you might normally not gravitate towards. Sometimes there are good tops in the pajama section, or pants in the dresses…etc.

Shopping for gameday?

Go to thrifts! Especially if you are shopping in the town where your favorite team plays. But if you are shopping somewhere that isn’t where your team is located, that’s okay! Thrift stores are great stops to find sports memorabilia of any kind. 

Here’s a great tip: Start in the men’s t-shirt section.

From shorts, to skirts, pants, and dresses, you don’t have to wear a jersey if you don’t want to, you can create a look that has your team colors in mind! 

The biggest hint to give when it comes to resale shops, is that you should look in cities not only where your team is from, but also in areas where your age demographic is more populated.

For example, if you’re a college student or in your twenties, you might want to shop at a second-hand store near a college campus. That way, you will find clothes more in line with trends of that age group!

Where Are The Best ‘On A Budget’ In-Person Shopping Spots?

Goodwill & Salvation Army

This is going to be your main area to start in for any kind of basics.

A great thing about thrift store chains is that there can be multiple in your area. So more chances for you to strike gold on your clothing items!

The veritable selections across Goodwills and Salvation Armys give you ample opportunities to find pieces to build your perfect outfit. Plus, these stores are usually good about organizing by article of clothing and size.

Plato’s Closet & Uptown Cheapskate

These second-hand resale stores are where it’s at, if you are looking in the right areas. And another great tip…these two stores are color coded. Perfect for any quick shopping trips. Plus, you can kill two birds with one stone, and sell some of your own clothes and get either in-store credit or cash in your pocket while you shop. AKA more shopping money!

What If I Prefer Shopping Online?

Rent The Runway

Ever wanted to borrow a dress or a suit, but only for one event or one night? Download the app or search Rent The Runway online. This awesome invention of a company gives you options (or plans) to choose from where you pay a certain amount a month and get designer or brand name clothes for whatever you need! And then, the best part, you send them right back. No need for you to worry or stress about selling an outfit you know you’ll never wear again. This is a great option for those who like the look of big brands, but maybe want to save a little when it comes to the big price tags brand names can come with. This way, you can look good and feel good without wondering if your wallet looks good. 

Poshmark

Poshmark is the Goodwill of the online shopping world. Get the perks of buying second hand clothes or shoes or literally anything else, all while scrolling on your phone. And on top of that, just like Uptown Cheapskate or Plato’s Closet, there's an opportunity here for you to make money too. On Poshmark, you can post and sell items from your closet… or be more of an entrepreneur and buy/find clothes for cheap and then resell them on Poshmark. Then, like magic, the item you ordered is shipped to your door, or the item you sold is shipped to some other person’s door. 

This definitely is an option to do beforehand if you have a specific event you need the item(s) for. We all know shipping issues are all too common.