“I don’t have enough money” is the most pathetic excuse I hear from people looking to dress better. You would think that folks have never heard of a clearance, don’t go to Gilt.com, or have never been to Loehmann’s/Filene’s Basement/Daffy’s/Marshall’s (if you’re NYC, sample sale heaven, I will slap you extra hard if you complain). For some of my fellow poors, these havens of barginitude may not be cheap enough and for you all, let me suggest shopping at thrift stores.
You don’t have to be poor to appreciate good deals but for those of us with EMPTY bank accounts who won’t let our fabulousness be deterred, thrift stores are a necessity. Over the years, I have acquired many of my most divine pieces at thrift shops and I want to share the glory. I’m not talking vintage boutiques but Goodwill, Salvation Army, Value Village, and a special shout out to my beloved Red, White, & Blue in Trenton. The boutiques can get expensive and 99.9% of the sticker is the curation which is the hardest part but I have enough faith in you to do it well. Many churches and local charities also have their own thrift shops that you should check out as well.
Some people seem put off by the idea of shopping in thrift stores and I figure the easiest way to win converts is to talk a few goodies they have given me over the years.
This tuxedo is my pride and joy. The shawl lapel is an elegant departure from the more common notch, its wool is sturdy and the silk is luxurious.
Tuxedo – $15
Tailoring/new buttons – $50
Never having to rent – Thrifty
Knowing that I can attend the Met Ball on a moment’s notice – Priceless
Firstly, pleats have a terrible reputation that I don’t think is completely deserved. It’s mostly the fault of department store house brands who create and peddle the poly-blend “comfortable” monstrosities with a mile of extra fabric that have become synonymous with the word “pleats”. However, pleats frame wider hips quite well when used in moderation. But that’s another post…these linen-cotton trousers are very breathable and make me look country-club ready (I mean that in the best way possible).
This deep maroon velvet blazer rocks. Paired with grey slacks and a black tie, it’s taken me to many dinner parties/galleries/swanky clubs.
You need basic button downs. They go with jeans, khakis, a causal suit, under a blazer or sweater, and save tons of time. Got to be on the road in 5 minutes? Throw on any nice well-fitted button-down shirts and neutral pants…you have a presentable outfit that won’t win any prizes but will definitely breeze you through the day. That outfit is guaranteed to leave a better impression than sweats. You’re also 500% more likely to see an ex if you leave home looking raggedy, reasons 2-500 to never go outside in horrible clothes, #facts. I have a million of these and about 300,000 are from my buddies at the Goodwill. The one pictured is from J. Crew and was purchased for $4.95 with the tags on.
The grey peacoat is my Michael Jordan-Magic Johnson-Kevin Garnett all-in-one. He’s a champ that is no worse for the wear after five Northern winters. Quality wool FTW! I call him “the MVP” because we have won so many championships together, which I measure as compliments by cuties. Don’t you? In a sea of grey, the wide collar is the detail that matters because it makes the coat stand out as well as frames my face quite nicely. People notice details.
Throw a pin on it. It’s the quickest and easiest way to add a nice bit of detail to a blazer, if you’re up for a bit more flair. I have a bin of pins. Some are subdued, flamboyant, larger, smaller, and in colors that make the rainbow jealous. They generally cost between .50 and $5 aka hella cheap. True story: I got an interview at Conde Nast because a senior editor loved the little gold bear that I placed on an otherwise indistinguishable outfit of blue blazer and jeans.
? this sweater. It’s way too big. I bunch up the sleeves and toss it over a white t-shirt with jeans when I want to run out really quickly on a breezy day.
These pants are among the newer additions to my collection. Thrifting allows you to buy statement pieces you’re not completely sold on without worrying about the damage to your wallet. Unlike McFashion, if you decide that you like the piece after all, thrift finds are likely to stand the test of time. These pants are too big all around, one of the days I will whip by my tailor to nip/tuck them into submission. You can do that when you only paid $2.67.
I’ve never bought shoes from a thrift store because I wear a 13 (so finding baller shoes is hard enough as is)and I notice that most of the men’s footwear tend to be abused. For women, I see barely worn nice stuff all the time.
A few pro-tips:
- Be patient. Go through all the racks. You won’t find something you like each time but go again. I typically visit multiple stores at once and make an afternoon of thrifting. Consider thrifting like cooking at home – some of what you save in dollars must be spent in time but you still come out way on top financially in the end.
- Focus on the ones in the swankier neighborhoods. Rich people have nicer stuff so they throw away nicer stuff. That’s a general rule because Red, White, and Blue, which has been very kind to me is definitely in the hood.
- Tailor. If you really like a pair of pants that are too big, they can be cut down to size if the fabric is good enough (pleated pants can’t be adjusted as much though because the pleats will bunch and form a funny line). If a blazer is too short in the arms, roll your fingers by the cuff to see if you can feel enough extra fabric folded underneath to have it let out so that it will fit. Don’t ever buy a blazer that is too big in the shoulders, tailoring it is too expensive.
- See potential. To get the full value of thrifting, you have to see clothes for what they can be not for what they are. New buttons, some tailoring, cleaning, and proper matching can give you treasures from trash. That’s what thrifting is about at its core, seeing the best in other people’s trash.
