How to Build a Secondhand Wardrobe

By eHow Fashion, Style & Personal Care Editor

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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.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Clothes
Vintage Clothes
Shopping Lists

Step1

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.

Step2

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.

Step3

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.

Step4

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.

Step5

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

Step6

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.

Comments

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Ask the staff at each store what day and time they typically put out the new merchandise. Make sure to show up shortly thereafter. You will definitely find a better selection than if you go on Saturday afternoon (like everyone else). My favorite store is open early Sunday morning and late Tuesday night - odd times, but it's less busy, and the staff puts out all kinds of treasures!

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 I find that most of the time, a second-hand sweater has already done all the pilling and stretching it's going to do, so it's easier to judge the quality. But if you find one you love that has pills, a clothing shaver can get it looking great again!

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Time is money...you don't have money, but you do have the time. Schedule yourself a good block of time each week to hit the stores in your area. Getting there each week means you see the new stuff and have first dibs. (Believe me, your competition is doing it.) It's worth the effort to look through all that stuff to find items that are truly you!

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 I often start at one end of the jeans rack, while my friend starts at the other. She looks out for things that are in my size as well as hers, and vice versa. We meet in the middle, and the search is finished twice as fast!

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 The basic black dress, shoes & handbag are a clear winner! Buy a simple skirt, a few pairs of slacks & a jacket in a fashionable fabric and a simple color that will stand the test of time. A few colorful blouses and accessories make this very adaptable.

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