How to Build a Secondhand Wardrobe

With so many resale, consignment and vintage stores dotting the urban and high-tech landscape, it's no wonder that many people have discovered a new way to build a wardrobe. You'll find stylish contemporary castoffs and unique classics from a bygone era at a fraction of what department stores are charging.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Clothes
• Vintage Clothes
• Shopping Lists

1. Assess your professional and casual clothing needs, putting more emphasis on what you like and know you'll wear than on what's in style or fashionable. Break it down by tops, bottoms, jackets and - for women - dresses.

2. Determine a color palette that complements your coloring and suits your general preferences. Make a master list and consult it faithfully when you shop, revising it as your needs change or tastes evolve.

3. Give yourself time to build a secondhand wardrobe. You'll have to sift through many one-of-a-kind pieces before you find something that's your style and size.

4. Visit consignment shops for brand-name discards. Discuss your wish-list styles and measurements with the shop owner so that he or she has your needs in mind when making acquisitions and can call you when things come in.

5. Turn to vintage stores for coats, sweaters, casual wear and accessories. You may also discover that perfect evening or cocktail dress.

6. Frequent yard sales, garage sales and rummage sales. Wear leggings and a slim-fitting top to try things on hassle-free.

Tips & Warnings

• Ensure that all seams are tight and secure, especially around the collar, armpits, buttons and zippers. Check sweaters for moth holes, loose stitches and stretched-out necks, armholes and waistbands.
• Consider negotiating a better price on items that are slightly damaged or when making a multiple-item purchase.
• If it doesn't quite fit, consider alterations. Even with a nominal charge for tailoring, you may still come out with a great deal.
• Most secondhand retailers have very strict return and exchange policies. Ask about them before you make a purchase.

[womanifest]

on 11/18/2008 If Projectmgr wants bug free secondhand items,take a large garbage bag for purchases.When you get home, you can clear out a small closet,put all the newly bought items inside,place a bug smoke bomb in the water,as directed on the package,put it inside the closet,*QUICKLY* tape around the edges with duct tape and stuff a towel under the door.In two hours you're bug free~!

[khashari]

on 9/1/2008 Thrift stores are the first store I go to for clothing. I learned how to shop there from my mom who was a thrift store diva. The woman stayed well dressed and I kind of wish I had kept some of her clothing now. She had entire outfits in all colors with shoes and purses to match. I still do the same. I love it because you can find Gap jeans, cashmere sweaters, silk scarves, 100% wool clothing at a fraction of the cost of new and have a warerobe that people would die for. It a great way to maximize your dollars.

[woodmontcyn]

on 8/31/2008 These are good tips, sometimes you have to shop frequently and it's good to know when they get in lots of items. Sometimes you can even find new merchandise in thrift stores.

[DiscountTickets]

on 8/27/2008 Yes, that's right, I take off the tags and wash them as soon as possible.

[projectmgr]

on 8/27/2008 I worry about picking up unwanted vermine like bedbugs.