As it was recently national Thrift Shop Day I thought I’d post some thrift shopping tips I have learned over the years! All the outfits you see in this post have been thrifted from the Salvation Army thrift store! It is honestly amazing what you can find thrifting.

BE SPECIFIC

This tip has helped me the most!  Thrift shopping can be overwhelming but if you go in with a plan you always find something!  For example this summer I wanted some new dresses and tops. I headed to my local Salvation Army thrift store with these items in mind. I ended up scoring 3 dresses and 2 tops for around $36.  It felt like a win because I checked these items off my list!  You always want to leave with some great finds!

DON’T BUY CLOTHES THAT DON’T FIT

Seems like a simple rule, right?  Wrong!  It can be so easy to purchase that awesome shirt for only $2 because it’s a brand name, trying to ignore the fact it’s 2 sizes too big.  No point in spending money, even if it’s affordable. It’s clothing you will eventually end up donating A good tip is to know your size in the brands you love.

TAKE YOUR TIME

Thrift shopping can be fun. If you only have 15 minutes, unless you are VERY specific, you will leave feeling as though you couldn’t find anything!  You want to give yourself time to try on items and look in different sections. You never want to feel like you are racing the shopper next to you.

DONATE BEFORE YOU SPEND

It’s easy to go thrift shopping and buy, buy, buy because it’s affordable!  I like the idea of refreshing my wardrobe, getting rid of clothes I haven’t worn in a while and replacing them with something new. If you donate at the Salvation Army thrift store they give you a coupon for $10 off a purchase of $25 or more. 

BE PREPARED FOR HIGHER PRICES

Although thrift shopping is not what it used to be in terms of prices!  You are still able to find good quality items for less than you would in a retail store.  For example I recently purchased a pair of wedge heels for $15, for a secondhand shoe that felt pricey!  When I looked up the brand online the shoes were worth around $200! Made me realize I had purchased a high quality pair of shoes at a VERY BIG discount.  Sometimes you have to spend a little more to get a unique or high end item. It’s totally worth it!

These are only a few tips to help you navigate the thrift store. To find quality pieces that will become wardrobe staples. Thrifting shopping is a great way to give back, an affordable way to shop for new clothing and an easy way to create a brand name wardrobe for less.

Did I miss any tips that you love? Share in the comments below. I would love to hear how you find great deals in store at the Salvation Army thrift store.

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