A Little Bit Used, Quite A Bit Better | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

A Little Bit Used, Quite A Bit Better

Tips & tricks on thrifting in your community

21
A Little Bit Used, Quite A Bit Better
Julia Grace Hill

I started thrifting in fifth grade when I needed a "vintage" styled dress for a school musical. Ever since that day, I have been purchasing 90% of my clothing, accessories and decor from local thrift stores. There are many positive effects of thrifting, including environmental and economical. Throughout the years, I have cultivated a sense of how to navigate and enjoy thrift stores and thrift shopping. I am here to share some of my tips and tricks for people that are new to thrifting, or those who are just interested in learning more about it.

1. Size does not matter

If you go in with the intentions of looking at only one size of clothing, you may miss something that was misplaced, mismarked, or something that fits differently than what its tag may say. Since a lot of clothing that is in thrift stores comes from different time periods and brands, sizing is not something to neccessarily pay attention to, as the sizing fluctuates so much. Not only does sizing fluctuate, but oversized clothing is definitely a trend right now-- so skim through all of the racks, you might be surprised with what you will find!

2. Gender does not matter

Half of the clothes that I buy at the thrift store are from the men's section. At this point, I do not believe that gender matters when you are deciding how you want to dress for the day. There are so many versatile pieces in both gender sections and even the kids' section! Whether you want to dress in an oversized flannel or t-shirt, or a fitted dress, you should be open to looking in all sections of the thrift. Do not limit yourself.

3. Frequent your local thrift shops

I volunteered at a thrift store for about a year, and I was putting out new merchandise almost every day that I worked. Thrift stores are constantly pricing, placing and rearranging inventory, so it is important to frequent your local thrift shops. I have found that going once or twice a month is the best time frame. You are sure to find completely new merchandise if you span your visits several weeks apart.

4. Make connections

This ties into the last point-- if you frequent your local thrift shops, you will start to make valuable connections. I found that the volunteers and workers at my local store were so friendly and fun to talk to. Not only will you have some interesting conversations and familiar faces, but you will also make connections with personal sellers. Some of the ladies I volunteered with at my local thrift store, would let each other know about furniture they were selling, or different events they were hosting. So, despite its locality, your local thrift store is a great network to make connections and to interact with different individuals in your community that you might not have otherwise.

5. DEPOP

If you are not comfortable with going to your local thrift shop, or simply do not have one, try downloading Depop. Depop is an app that allows for individual sellers and shops to sell their used clothing, decor, or handmade merchandise to customers through the app. The app features secure buying, a variety of different items and many amazingly kind vendors.

Whether you are going to your local thrift, or are buying used online, thrifting can be incredibly fun and rewarding.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

5368
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less
Jenna Pizzi and her mom smiling by a waterfront with a historic ship in the background.
Jenna Pizzi

There is always a time in the semester when you have about three papers, four tests, five assignments and two projects due within the same time period. Isn't that just the best?

It's almost as if the professors all plot against you just to make college even more stressful than it already is. No matter how many people try to make you feel better, no one ever compares to your mom. Moms always know exactly what to say.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

7 Jobs Your Roommate Has

She's got your back with everything that college throws at you.

3471
Cristina Yang and Meredith Grey in scrubs sit against a wall, smiling and enjoying a break.

If you are anything like my roommate and I, you have a friendship with your roomie. You’re lucky to have gotten a roommate that is easy to get along with and more importantly cool to live with. Whether you found her on Facebook or went random, a roommate is a big part of life in college. This list goes through some of the jobs that a roommate has that help you get through college.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

35 Things I Wish I Learned In My Freshman Year Of College

Just some relatable college student advice! Yes, you aren’t the only one!

2693
Towson University
YouTube

Freshman year can either be the greatest year, or the roughest year. It depends on your transition and how you adjust. For me, freshman year in college was one of the best years of my life. However, looking back, there are a few things that I wish I learned.

Now that I am a sophomore, I can finally do things a little differently. Here are a few things that I wish I learned my freshman year of college!

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments