Hello lovelies! Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve loved shopping. And my favourite kind of shopping is thrift shopping. I love hunting for one-of-a-kind dresses, vintage books, or gorgeous sweaters. Thrift shopping is easy on my budget, too! I’ve found most of my skirts and dresses through thrift shopping, because they have more selection for modest clothes. If you have never tried thrift shopping, I definitely recommend it! Keep reading for some of my favourite tips for thrift shopping.

Here are 8 tips for thrift shopping like a pro.

1. Be patient.

Thrift shopping is always an adventure. You might come home emptyhanded, or you might find the proud owner of three brand-new, with-tags Anne Klein skirts! Go in with low expectations, and you will be delighted at what you can find.

If you want to build a quality wardrobe without a huge investment, I recommend that you check thrift stores regularly. Ask when they usually re-stock, and try to shop around that time.

In addition, remember that some seasons are better than others for shopping. Personally, in a college town, I’ve found that one of the best seasons for thrifting is May. At that time, all the students are packing up and donating their gently used clothing.

2. Do shop for off-season items.

Just as in “regular” retail shopping, you can find better prices on off-season items. If you’re looking for a pair of winter boots, start looking in March or April. For the best prices on summer clothes, shop the end-of-August clearance sales.

Try to shop ahead for next summer, next winter, etc. However, keep in mind that styles may change drastically. So avoid any trends that will be out-of-style by next season.

3. Make friends with the staff.

This is definitely one of my BEST tips for thrift shopping!

Let’s be honest. Working in retail is tough. Thrift store clerks already deal with lots of cranky, ungrateful shoppers. Don’t be one of them.

Instead, befriend your thrift store staff. Ask them how their day is going. Be patient no matter how long the line is (it’s usually not that bad!) Bring them a coffee once in a while.

Over time, they will get to know you. They may even set aside items that they think you’ll like or call you if there is a sale!

At our favorite thrift store, almost all the staff know us. We bring the staff treats, and they love us! They’ll come up and say, “I think this would look good on you, dear. You should try it on.” Or they’ll point out an item we were looking for. It’s a win-win relationship!

4. Know what styles look best on your body type.

Personally, I have a pear body type. I’ve discovered that sheath dresses NEVER look good on me. And I usually steer clear of pleated 80’s skirts and floaty, shapeless tops.

On the other hand, fit and flare dresses work well for my body type. So do A-line skirts, boatneck tops, and fitted waists.

Part of developing your own style is being brutally honest with yourself. If you love a particular item but it never looks good on you, try something else. Unfriend those styles that make you look 10 pounds heavier. If you’re not sure, ask a trusted friend for her opinion.

5. Wear a neutral camisole so you can try on lots of different tops.

Whenever I go thrifting, I try to remember to layer a camisole under my outfit so I can try on any tops. If I have a cami on, I feel comfortable stepping outside the dressing room to get a second opinion from my mom or sister. I don’t have to worry about anyone seeing me in a lower-than-normal neckline!

Some tops will need a camisole to prevent anything showing through or to make the neckline a little higher. Wearing a cami will also help garments hang better. This tip for thrift shopping will make your experience a little smoother!

6. Go thrift shopping for your best colours.

No matter how cute that top may be, if the colour makes you look like a ghost, don’t get it. Learn to scan the racks for your *best* colours.

The colours that you always get compliments on. The ones that just feel right. Those colours that would make you look gorgeous even if you were wearing a paper bag.

If you want to go all out, you can purchase custom color swatches for your season and carry them in your purse.

OR, you can try this budget-friendly hack. Take a screenshot of your best colours. Then, go to the paint department of a hardware store, and find color swatches in those exact shades. When you’re shopping, pull out the paint swatch to compare colors! This is one of the most important tips for thrift shopping.

7. Write down your measurements.

After years of thrift shopping, I can usually tell if a piece is going to fit me or not. I always try on “maybe” items, too.

But, if you’re just starting to thrift, you might be overwhelmed at the sizing charts. A size Small in one Old Navy is definitely not the same as a Small in L.L. Bean!

Instead of focusing on size, measure a few of your current clothing items that fit you perfectly. I recommend measuring a basic top, fitted dress, and fitted skirt. Also, measure the minimum length of a dress and skirt.

Write these measurements on a notecard, and tuck them into a secret pocket in your purse. Also, bring along a measuring tape.

When you find a garment that looks promising, measure it against your notecard. If it’s within a few inches, try it on! You may be pleasantly surprised at what you find!

8. Know what you are shopping for.

If you’re going shopping just for fun, that’s totally fine. Just set a budget and stick to it.

On the other hand, if you need something specific for your wardrobe, write a list and a budget. Focus on getting those items, even if that means you have to walk past a whole rack of summer clearance skirts.

Recently, I went through Shari Braendel’s capsule wardrobe program, 27 Hangers. It’s a simple way to pare down your closet to the essentials, and ensure that everything goes together. Since implementing it, I have definitely found it easier to put together outfits. And, when I go shopping, I know exactly what I need to get to complete the 27 Hangers list.

If your wardrobe feels a little disorganized, I recommend trying a capsule wardrobe. This could be an all-season one like 27 Hangers or a ten-day challenge like 10 x 10. Challenge yourself, and see how many outfits you can make with just a few pieces.

Maybe you’ll realize that you need more basic pieces. Or perhaps you’ll want more pop colours and prints. You may have a fantastic excuse to go thrift shopping!

Let’s Chat:

Do you love thrift shopping as much as I do? If you are a thrifter, what are your best tips for scoring a good bargain? Do tell all in the comments!