How to Find Hidden Gems at Thrift and Second-Hand Stores

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There's nothing quite like the thrill of second-hand shopping… at least for a shopaholic like me. Researching local thrift and second-hand stores adds to the excitement, as you venture into them without knowing what you'll leave with. It's a fantastic way to find your personal style and expand your wardrobe without breaking the bank. My journey into this hobby began during college, thanks to my friend Madi Tufts, who introduced me to the wonders of Goodwill bins and the fun outfits you could make from your finds. In my eyes, moving to a new city provided the perfect opportunity to experiment with fashion and dress more authentically, free from the constraints of micro trends.

With over a hundred visits under my belt, I've nailed down a process that consistently has me leaving with hidden gems that range from expensive, to vintage and unique pieces. Living in Southern California has its perks, especially with access to donations from the rich locals. However, my success is attributed to a couple of key strategies while combing through clothes.

Make A Game Plan

When I first walk into a store, I scope out the layout and try to make a plan for how I want to go about the aisles. If you’re lucky, they’ll have sections separated by types of clothing, shoes, and accessories. I usually tackle clothing, then shoes, then accessories, but it all depends on what is close to one another so you can seamlessly move on to the next. 

Don't limit yourself to just one section of the store. Some people will only look through the sections with their size or only certain colors but that’s how you miss some amazing pieces. I know that sometimes when I don’t want an item anymore, I’ll just stick it into a random spot within racks, not taking mind to the size I’ve placed it in. Take the time to explore every nook and cranny– you never know where you might stumble upon! 

Skim Through the Clothing Racks

When browsing through clothing racks, it's essential to skim through them quickly. You don’t want to spend too much time looking at every single piece. If the racks are organized by color, you could potentially skip some colors that you know that you don’t like. Keep an eye out for fabrics, patterns, and styles that catch your attention. Trust your instincts and pull out anything that piques your interest.

Pay Attention to Fabric, Pattern, Style, and Tag

When sifting through the racks, pay close attention to the fabric quality, unique patterns, and timeless styles. Look for well-made pieces that can last a while. Even if something is cute, if it’s in a pretty worn state or thin material, it will most likely not last after a few washes. Be mindful of any stains present; while some may be removable, others may not. Consider your ability to rejuvenate the item realistically. Moreover, examine the tags and labels; a quick online search using the tags can reveal the item's production year or indicate if the brand is vintage or upscale.

Multiple Ways to Wear

Remember that clothing pieces can be worn in multiple ways, depending on how you style them. For example, a lace coverup is initially worn over a swimsuit but you could also use that as a layering piece to elevate regular outfits. Another idea is finding thin scarves and using them as a belt! Get creative with layering, accessorizing, and mixing and matching to breathe new life into your thrifted finds.

Fill Your Cart Liberally

Don't be afraid to fill your cart with items that stick out to you, even if you're unsure about them at first. You have to start by seeing potential in everything. By casting a wide net, you increase your chances of finding hidden gems. The worst feeling is when you question an item and decide not to grab it… only to realize that you do want it but can’t find it again within the millions of racks. Remember, you can always pare down your selection later!

Narrow Down Your Options

Before checking out, set your items to the side and take some time to review what’s in your cart. Consider how each piece would fit into your wardrobe and the potential outfits you could create with them. Eliminate items that don't align with your personal style or serve a practical purpose. While the prices may be relatively low, excessive items can escalate costs swiftly so it’s best to narrow your cart down to the items that you’re really excited about. The type of excitement where you want to throw them into the wash the second you get home and try it on ASAP. If you have to think about it too long, you probably don’t want it that bad. 

Thrift and second-hand stores offer endless opportunities to discover hidden gems that reflect your unique style. Next time you go, try keeping these tips in mind; I’ll admit– it’s time-consuming but it’ll be worth it when you find that one thing you wouldn’t have if you weren’t intentional in your search. 

After all that, if you still don’t believe me, I’ll leave you with some proof that I know what I’m talking about. Here are some of my current closet favorites that are bought second-hand, ranging from $1 - $15 each… 

Good luck! 

With Love,

Kaitlin