How to Buy a Thrifty Designer Wardrobe

Tips for thrift shopping

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• cash

1. If you have never gone to a thrift shop or to a second hand clothing shop to buy used clothing, you really ought to give it a try. It is a practical thing to do. It is worth spending time sorting through the isles to find some interesting outfits for low prices. There are many items in good to excellent condition, and some that have never been worn. You can find designer clothes and unique accessories which otherwise would cost you a bundle.

2. When searching for your new designer wardrobe you will need to have enough time to concentrate, so it is wise to go it alone, or with a friend of equal intentions. Before you go, figure out what colors look the best on you and make these colors your priority. Set your sights on the basics of your wardrobe first and then plan to come back once a month to fill in with the rest. Your first stage of your basic wardrobe will need to consist of pants, tops and blazers. Basically in your first outing you want to find a new set of casual wear. So go straight for the blue jean isle and find some of those great stretchy jeans. While there pick up some comfortable capri pants in cheerful prints. Then hit the tops isle and be sure and get comfortable solid color tops which are long enough at the waist to tuck into your jeans, or to hang over the waist of your jeans. It is not flattering to have your belly hanging out of the waistline of your jeans, so aim to tuck. You need to select your tops based on color, fabric and shape. Look for quality colors. Try to avoid dull colors like grey and tan. Look for pure cotton fiber content, with a little spandex is always nice. Plan to wash everything when you go home. Second hand clothes are clean but it is important to wash them because others have handled them.

3. On your second trip to the thrift shop you want to look for sweaters and skirts. You can juggle the tops you picked up from your first trip to go with the skirts and sweaters. It seems to always be hard to find a good skirt. I personally like skirts with elastic waists. Be sure to check the item’s quality by examining the fabric, the print and the shape. When looking for sweaters try to remember that cardigans are versatile and V-necks are flattering. Pull over sweaters are good, but be sure they are just a tad bigger than smaller because wool and cashmere shrinks even when hand washed. Aim for long waisted. If designer labels are your thing then search for designer labels. Just remember that each garment has been designed by someone, whether they are famous or not.. does not make the garment any less aesthetically valuable.

4. On your third trip look for dresses and career wear. You can find some really wonderful outfits that will look amazing on you. Seek classic lines. Simplicity is always better than a design overdone. By this time you will be developing your own style. I hope you’ve been trying all of these on to ensure a proper fit.

5. On your forth trip you can look for accessories; scarves, pocketbooks, hats etc. Now you go home and go through your own wardrobe to find what works well with what you have purchased. The amount of money you will have spent will likely be one forth or less of what you would have spent had you bought your wardrobe new. Your new wardrobe will also be wonderfully unique.

[jull14]

on 4/23/2009 Important information to know, I do this from time to time. I visit Good Will, and the salvation army, to donate clothes and also to buy and they have good name brand clothes. Thanks for sharing this great article. Julia