Thrift Like a Stylist
How I Found My Best Charity Shop Pieces for the Lowest Prices Ever!
A Thrifted Styling Experiment - Merging Seasons
Video: A Thrifted Styling Experiment - Merging Seasons
Awareness is Key
First things first, if you want the absolute lowest prices, you probably won’t find them on Ebay and Vinted - least not always.
A lot of items, although cheaper than their new price, can sometimes be more expensive than they should be – depending on the item of course, and going off my own experience. Also factor in that condition can sometimes be variable. Given that you can’t see the item in person either, then this type of shopping always becomes a bit of a gamble if it’s an item you intend to wear and keep longterm.
Bear in mind that while a lot of people are literally just selling off their old stuff from wardrobe clear outs and the like, there are many people who are pursuing ‘reselling’ as a regular side hustle, which has also pushed prices up. Just be mindful that these people are often selling for profit, which means they got the item cheaper - most likely from the same platform (or even a charity shop). What this often means, though, is that with a careful strategy, you can get your items cheaper too!
To me, thrifting is something entirely different from all of that online stuff, though. Different skill set, different mindset, different values and definitely a different price point.
Here’s how to level up your thrifting game and build a wardrobe that looks a lot more expensive than it is.
My Thrifting Experience
I’ve been shopping in charity shops for years and years, and long before it became a bit trendier and dare, I say, acceptable! Therefore, traditional thrifting is absolutely nothing new for me and it’s a skill I’ve really perfected over the years. I don’t resell items on and I donate back what I don’t want/need. Crucially, I try to buy the right item in the first place to avoid costly mistakes.
Right now, it’s a difficult time, because although more people are visiting charity shops because times are hard (cost of living etc), the reseller market is more prevalent than ever. What this means is, if you’re looking for that genuine bargain that you’re going to take home, wear and love, not only is it more expensive than it used to be, it’s harder to get hold of. But…….. the good news is, it’s still possible!
Over time, I’ve managed to develop a sharp eye when it comes to picking out the great finds or something unique. If it’s there, I’ll find it! Many see this type of shopping as trendy at the moment but really, it’s a mindset.
Once you’re open to that element of curiosity, self-expression and sustainability, it becomes easier to tune in and find interesting items at great prices. So, let’s dive in and look at how to thrift like a stylist!
The Stylists’ 8-Step Checklist
Firstly, it helps to know your goals. A stylist will always know their end game. In other words, they know what they’re looking for, what it feels like, and why they want certain styles - they’ll most likely have a specific styling goal in mind, for example.
Research Your Top Labels
It’s essential that you research the labels that you have an interest in. These can be high-end designer labels like Hermes or Louis Vuitton, as well as other mid-range labels like Reiss. Anything goes really - you get to choose. By doing research on previous trends, authentication, look and feel, you’re best placed to spot good buys - at a glance.
It’s also a good idea to do a bit of research with regards those more obscure vintage labels. Some of the older and lesser known brands, in many cases, used better materials than today’s modern fast fashion brands.
Having some knowledge of current second hand values can also help improve your knowledge base and you can do this easily by checking out sites like Vestiaire or Reselfridges.
Know Your Fabrics - Get Familiar with Quality
Leading on from the previous point. It’s extremely helpful to know the type of fabrics that you consider to be quality and what’s favourable to you. Crucially, what do they feel like?
Primarily, I’m interested in silk, cashmere, wools, tweed, linen. I’ve come to learn that good quality garments and fabrics have a certain ‘feel’.
Following on from this, checking labels for the country of origin is another game changer. British made items always pique my interest, but also, I’m always checking for those garments made in Italy or France, as they’re likely to be high quality materials and/or high-end.
I always check stitching and lining which can be a dead giveaway in terms of the quality of tailoring. It’s worth having a good look at the construction of an inside-out garment, as quality is always evident in all areas of the construction.
The Stylist’s Keen Eye
Quick scanning of the rails is a must. Direct a focus towards fabrics and quality, using your learned skills and knowledge, but also have ideas about colours and drape. Bear in mind hardware details (engraved buttons or unusual buttons for example). Develop your eye so you can do all this quickly and from a distance!
Give Thought to Layers and Tailoring
Stylists visualise how an item can be reworked or styled, so this is also something you can think about at home. How might you rework items such as oversized blazers, or approach different ways to style vintage items in order to create modern silhouettes?
The men’s section is not to be ignored. Men’s waistcoats can be very cool and can often be tailored to fit (see above), if you wear ties they’re also worth a look for unusual colours or vintage designs. Blazers or shirts can be worn oversized for a modern twist or tailored to requirements.
Again, if you have a good tailor/alteration service to hand, many items can be tweaked and repaired if needs be. In fact, nothing needs to go to waste! Buttons can be replaced to rejuvenate a garment completely.
Factor in Timing
Thrifting intentionally can take a great deal of time and patience but it’s absolutely worth it! The sense of reward is immense, and it’s also a great boost to be shopping smarter.
I’ve always found good bargains mid-week in the mornings. The shops can be just a touch less busy, and its likely the stock is rotated at this time, as I’ve verified on a couple of occasions. In terms of rotation, shops will also rotate from other shops in the chain if the item has not sold, therefore you can sometimes get items coming in from more affluent areas.
Many people donate after a clear out and that clear out is often at the weekend. Therefore midweek makes sense. Also, people tend to donate pre and post travel so those times just before and after key holiday periods is also a good time. This can be varied so do bear that in mind.
Plan like a Stylist
There is no substitution for a good plan! Stylists are always planning and will often shop seasonally but for ‘off season’ items. Given that people can often donate following a seasonal wardrobe clear-out, you might be able to find and/or identify items donated in the spring/summer that will actually work, say, for your Autumn wardrobe. It pays to keep an open mind.
Own your Charity Shop Style
Mix era’s and not just outfits! Charity shop style is all about contrast and play! It’s a really interesting concept and where all the fun and creativity lies.
I like to flirt with the idea of vintage, hence the Mac handbag and the vintage waistcoat. I mix these up with older items I already own, that also give a nod to vintage, and blend with a modern purchase for a sharp twist. This approach gives opportunity to invent styles that are all our own.
Never Dismiss a Wash and Refresh
Whenever I glance at Ebay or vinted, I’m very put off by items that are not just relatively expensive (compared to thrift stores), but are also not even well presented – e.g. crumpled up goods that look like they’ve just been dragged out of storage and in need of a good steam!
However, presentation can sometimes be an issue in the charity shop too. I picked up a badly marked 100% silk scarf which they let go for just 50p given how bad the make-up stains were. Now, at 50p there’s nothing to lose by washing a ‘dry clean only’ item. It came up absolutely perfect!
Same drill with the Tommy Hilfiger blazer – it was extremely dirty all round with some staining, but otherwise in great condition. I was dithering over the marks so the shop assistant said that if I detached (but kept) the tag and receipt, I could bring it back if it didn’t wash to satisfaction! Now I doubt you’d get an e-bayer offering you that kind of deal!
It was only cotton so it wasn’t dry clean only. Consequently, that blazer came up sparkling in the wash, but again it was just £5! If something looks badly marked or damaged then talk to the manager and find out what’s possible! A fiver is a fiver! No one wants to waste money!
Thrifted British made wool blazer (clip 1) just £8, silk scarf by Jaeger (£1 and waistcoat, £3 (clip 2).
The truth is, the absolute best bargains are not always to be found on the internet and the best-dressed people aren’t always shopping new—they’re shopping smart.
With a stylist’s eye and a few key tips, you too can find your hidden gems! But it doesn’t stop there. With every small saving you make, you have more money to invest in the new investment pieces you want to add to your wardrobe!
Keep going, and don’t be put off or give up. I’ve been at this for years!
As ever, thank you for reading! If you know someone who’d be interested in this type of content then please encourage them to subscribe - it’s free! You can also follow me on instagram @country_and_hygge
Absolutely, it’s so commonplace to find a label missing, this when being able to recognise a quality piece comes in handy.
This is why it is good to have knowledge about what a handmade or hand finished item comes into play.
Without knowing what you are looking at or touching, the “unicorns” waiting to be found can be missed.
And we all love finding the “unicorns” 🥰
I agree 100% with you when it comes to some of the Pre-Loved selling platforms.
Recently looked for a particular bag for another lady. But I could only find one matching her requirements.
The silly thing was by the time the buyers premium and postage were added, it would cost less to buy it new direct from Fairfax and Favor!
I have to wonder what goes through the sellers mind, before they put an item up for sale.
Buyers are not as silly as they seem to think.
Yes, you have to develop an eye for quality when embarking on a charity shop mission.
I often find a gem hidden under the newer items which have swamped the display.
I found a lovely silk scarf with hand turned stitched edges, the label had been removed but I knew it was the real deal.
It was hidden under newer items on the display, so patience is also a necessity when delving in a charity shop.
Total expenditure for the silk scarf, a pair of Pepé jeans and a lovely silk/cotton mix Monsoon top came to £6.50!I
I also find the charity store an opportunity to try a new style which I might to like to try, without the expense of buying new items.
A well developed eye and patience are often rewarded plus, it's far more fun to have a good dig around than ordering straight from the Internet!