SEASONS: Every season needs a wardrobe but do you need a wardrobe for every season? What I mean is do you have to have different clothes for each season just because the weather changes? Probably not. A way to save on seasonal clothes is to purchase LAYERS that will update your wardrobe for seasons. Now I know it's nice to have choices, including colors, but you really can wear white after Labor Day :)
ACCESSORIZE: A great way to add color is with accessories. You can add a pretty necklace or scarf to outfits to give it a new season feel. You can purchase jackets and button down sweaters to update for cooler months in fall and winter colors. These can easily be paired with a white blouse...see it's okay to wear white after Labor Day. When you are thrift shopping keep a list of accessories you want to add because I've found them for literally pennies 2nd hand. I have a thrift store that is my go to just for accessories and they often have 1/2 off which makes it even better.
SALES: Ways to save money on clothes is to buy second hand. Did you know that thrift stores even have sales and discount days? I'm not kidding. We have some awesome stores that do 1/2 off, $1 days, or a bag for $5. They key to shopping thrift stores is to make a list and then be flexible. It's hard to find just the perfect shade of color, but if you opt for neutrals it's pretty simple to get what you want. Also, buy off season when they are trying to clear out.
CLEANING: If buying 2nd hand sounds gross or smelly, know the key is to only buy clothes you can wash in hot and throw them all in the machine right when you get home. Check for holes, stains, and even strong smells like BO, musty mold smells, and even perfumes. Pass on these and keep looking. I've been thrifting for about 5 years solely for clothes and some shoes. Shoes are a bit harder because you have to be able to disinfect the inside either with a wash in hot water or a good germ killer to avoid foot crud. Newer and even new shoes can be found at a fraction of the price if you keep looking.
QUANTITY: So how much do you need and how do you add more? A good rule of thumb is not to buy more than you will wear in a week: 7 shirts, 5 pants, 2 skirts/dresses, 2 jackets/sweaters, 3 pairs of shoes: sandals, casual, nicer. When you buy something new get rid of something. Once you have a nice wardrobe of neutrals and maybe a favorite color, it will be easy to know what needs to be replaced or rotated as styles change or they get warn out. When you decide to get rid of something you can either sell it back, consign, or upcycle it so recoup your money when you add something new.
CREATIVITY: They key to thrift shopping is to take cash so you don't overspend and can stay on budget, shop often when you are wanting something new, make a list, keep an open mind, be flexible and most of all have fun. Try on things you normally wouldn't like crazy jackets and shirts and snap pictures. Oh and don't forget that you can always alter something to fit better if you are handy at a sewing machine. I often shorten pants, take in wide legs to make into skinny pants (the current trend), even taking in blouses, jackets and sweaters can add a beautiful silhouette to a feminine figure.
Good luck and happy Thrifting!
Mrs. Green Jeans
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