What to Wear to a Thrift Store
Quote of the day: “People will choose unhappiness over uncertainty.” Tim Ferris
I chose this quote for today’s post because I understand this concept at times. When I had employees, we used to say it as at least you knew the problems you were dealing with instead of new ones. And how does this relate to what to wear to a thrift store and shopping? Well, I think that shopping secondhand can be a perfect way to try out new styles, sizes, or items you aren’t sure about before you spend a lot of money.
For example, this is perfect for women who are dealing with weight gain or are in the process of losing weight. You can basically give items a try without spending an arm and a leg.
Yet if you don’t love preloved items, I understand. My husband is not a huge fan. So these ideas of what to wear will work for any clothes shopping whether you prefer the malls or boutiques.
We’ve shown other options for cooler days here.
Thanks to my wonderful friend, Mary who is joining us again for our in between decade for this post. She joined us this spring when Nancy was on vacation with some jean outfits. And Nancy will be back in a couple of weeks, because when we took these photos, she was still in the throes of unpacking.
If you’re anything like me then it’s always easier if you plan ahead of what you will be wearing when you are going shopping. Of course there are plenty of times, shopping happens without planning. Or if you’d rather shop in your jammies, then then I’ve talked about factors to make that easier too. We also showcased what to wear to the farmer’s market in case you like to attend your local market.
Join us on the video below too, to hear why we wore these outfits on our trip to our local consignment store in Cherry Creek, called Your Best Friend’s Closet. Cherry Creek is one of the upscale areas around Denver, so this store certainly had a nice selection of high end products.
Jodie’s (50+) Outfit
No, I didn’t buy this purse, but it’s awfully cute. I ended up with a floral, larger one instead. You’ll see it soon!
Skirt: My mom made it (similar here)~~Cardigan: Boden (similar here)~~Top: H&M (similar here)~~Shoes: Italian Shoemakers (here)~~Purse: Modusa (similar here)
Why I Wore This Outfit
I always look for something easy to slip in and out of when I know I’m going shopping. This kind of skirt is my favorite because many times, I don’t even have to take it off to try on pants or other skirts. And I usually wear a camisole or tight shirt, so I can try on items over my top. The reason I think this way is because some thrift stores don’t have many fitting rooms, and instead of waiting in line, I’ll just slip items on by a mirror.
How You Could Change This Outfit
If you don’t love wearing skirts, you can sometimes get away with wearing leggings and trying pieces on over them. Personally, if I were wearing leggings, then I’d also have on a longer top to cover at least part of my rear.
Interesting Tidbit
These shoes are a recent purchase when my red espadrilles fell apart and I realized I was without red sandals. Considering I love a bright sandal as a punch of color, I had to remedy the situation ASAP. And these were a wonderful find, and have been so comfortable. I’m not one to wear flip flops out in public, yet these aren’t much different except they have better support and come in many colors.
Mary’s (60+) Outfit
Shorts: Vera Wang (similar here)~~Top: Diane VonFurstenberg (similar here)~~Shoes: Hinge (similar here)~~Necklace: Premier Designs (here)~~Purse: Michael Kors (here)
Why Mary Wore This Outfit
Since this was a hot day, Mary wore her shorts that are easy to pull on and off. Mary’s doesn’t get cold like my mom and I always do, so she chose a flowy, tank top that is the most gorgeous orange color! In fact, you can see above how she was trying on the orange jacket since it’s such a great color on her.
How You Could Change This Outfit
If you aren’t comfortable in shorts anymore, then finding white capris with the pull on and off waistband isn’t too difficult. Heck, there are even fun versions with a ruffle on the back.
Interesting Tidbit
Mary’s shoes are also easy to slip in and out from which makes them almost as comfy as slippers. I know many women aren’t huge fans of the slide sandals right now. I can see the pros and cons. They may not be easy for walking far distances, but most shopping isn’t walking for miles at a stretch. It’s more of standing and walking from here to there. And Mary likes these better than my version because she can’t stand that piece between her toes.
Charlotte’s (80+) Outfit
Capris: Icantoo c/o Anthony’s (here)~~Cardigan: JM Collection (similar here)~~Top: Lauren (similar here)~~Shoes: SO (similar here)~~Necklace: Chicos (similar here)~~Purse: Style & Co (similar here)
Why Charlotte Wore This Outfit
You can see that we all thought about the same factors for what to wear to a thrift store for ease of changing clothes. These pants have an elastic waistband and the shoes are super comfy.
I have to admit that I love shopping with my mom since she’s so knowledgeable about alterations and fabrics. She’s such a wealth of information about so many of the items and if it’s really a great deal. On the other hand, I also love shopping with my husband. He will point out the facts that seem to disappear from my brain, like “don’t you already have a jacket like that?”
How You Could Change This Outfit
If you didn’t want to wear a necklace while you’re shopping, you could opt for some fun statement earrings. The best thing about some of these earrings are the affordability. For under $10 you could get a cute, blue pair or a white, tassel pair. If you find a great fabric, tassel pair of earrings, but you think they are too long for you neck, then just trim them!
Interesting Tidbit
My mom’s earrings are actual buttons. And for once, she didn’t make them herself. But she could. It would be a fun and easy project if you have some interesting buttons laying around. Of course, they are perfect for my mom since she’s a seamstress.
Tips & Tricks
If you do try your hand at thrift store shopping, there are many ideas to make it more successful. I wrote a post about this idea.
To add to those ideas is the fact that you should look ALL AROUND the store. I can’t tell you the treasures that are hidden in some of these places. For example, check out the hats both my mom and I found below. No, we didn’t buy them. But I have learned to be more open about searching high and low at second-hand stores. One of the reasons is, that most of these places have to make good use of their space. And it’s not like they have more than one of each piece.
As for what to wear to a thrift store, I also keep in mind not to wear my best items. Maybe it’s just me, but there are times, I’m throwing off items because I found something at the last minute, or trying on sweaters over a top. And I’ve lost earrings, forgotten jackets among other silly things.
And in case you’re interested, we really did shop and buy items at this wonderful store. In fact, the advantage/disadvantage of going with friends is you tend to “discover” more treasures while each other is checking out different items. It’s good for accumulating more but bad for the wallet.
The Facts
Even if you wouldn’t consider purchasing your clothing online, it can be helpful to look through my links to see what is available! It certainly doesn’t hurt my feelings, if you click on them but don’t like them. Just so you know, one of the ways I make money from this blog is through these linked items.
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