The great thing about fashion is that it repeats itself — wait a few years and everything comes back around. I remember wearing long sweaters and stirrup pants in middle school and now you can find the exact same thing in stores today. I don’t know how many times I’ve heard my mom say she should have saved her clothes for her daughters to wear.
Shopping at thrift stores can be a daunting process — a huge store full of clothes that are all shapes and sizes.
I took a trip to the Junior League Bargain Box at Cameron Village and found that shopping can also help others. All of the money raised goes directly to the Junior League and is used to fund women’s and children’s organizations. The Junior League is also hosting the annual Shopping Spree October 21-24. Not only are you finding great fashion at a super low price, you are contributing to your community! The Bargain Box turned out to be a great place to piece together some rules for finding great fashion at a much lower price.
First, if you are new to thrift store shopping, always go with a mission. If you are only looking for one item, you will find the whole experience a lot less overwhelming.
A new fall trend is wearing a button-up work shirt with a fun, embellished skirt. If you have an idea in mind of what you want, you won’t have to search through every rack to find what you are looking for.
Most thrift stores separate their items into types of garments, like shirts, pants, skirts, etc. The Bargain Box even had a special VIP section with higher-quality items at the same low prices.
Secondly, always see the potential in items. If something doesn’t fit to your exact measurements, don’t write it off just yet. Most simple alterations cost between $10-$15 at a tailor and when you only pay $5 for a skirt, that’s still a great deal. For shirts and sweaters that are too big, you can always put on a wide belt and fold it together in the back so that you can still see your figure.
Also, simple things like changing the buttons on a shirt or jacket can change the garment considerably. Always keep your eyes open to things you can change to fit your style or need.
Melissa Keeney, a sophomore in First Year College, said she likes shopping in thrift stores because she loves vintage clothing.
“I like to find old styles and cut them up and make them new. Thrift stores let me do this at a lower price,” Keeney said.
You also shouldn’t be afraid to shop in the men’s section. A great summer style that is carrying into fall is menswear. A men’s button-up can turn into a great tunic to wear with leggings. I also found a great boy’s suit jacket that was a bit short in the sleeves, but I rolled them up once and it was a perfect ¾ length sleeve.
Always be sure to try it on. Different stores have different sizing and when you are shopping somewhere with a large variety of clothing makers, you can never be sure what size you will be.
All thrift stores have dressing rooms for a reason — make sure to take full advantage of them. Like in all stores, something that looks horrible on the hanger might look great on you!
Finally, don’t be afraid to try new things. This winter, people will be wearing ski-wear on and off the slopes. I saw about seven sweaters with reindeers and snowflakes on them. While you may think, “this is not a trend I want to be a part of,” go ahead and try it on. You never know what it will look like when you take an outdated style and update it with a mini skirt and riding boots. Never be afraid to start a trend.
”I don’t like to have things that other people have, I like to create my own unique style, there’s only one of everything at a thrift store,” Keeney said.
Shopping at thrift stores is a very different experience than going to the mall. Be prepared to stay for a while looking through racks, but in the end, you will be pleasantly surprised at what you find.
