When it comes to purchasing clothing, I have always been passionate about saving money. Our clothes wear down and don’t last forever, so I find that buying affordable clothing — while still maintaining quality— is of my best interest. Having a stylish and comfortable wardrobe is also something I value, and to build it to the size I would like it to be, I have learned that shopping on a budget is a must. What I have found over time is that thrifting is the easiest way to have a fun, unique, and affordable wardrobe.
When it comes to thrifting, sometimes it can be daunting to go inside and search through hundreds of pieces. The easiest way to manage this is to start at one section right at the end cap. If you are looking for a particular clothing item such as a shirt or a new dress, go start in that section. You most likely won’t have the time or energy to look through absolutely everything in the store so prioritize the sectioned racks of what it is you are searching for.
Once you find your endcap of choice, begin quickly shifting the hangers over from right to left as you examine each one before shifting. This will be a very quick preliminary decision of the item — yes or no. If you find a yes, grab the hanger off the rack and inspect the clothing item doing a quality check. Decide whether you really do indeed like the piece. If your answer is yes, hold on to that item and continue going through the rack following the same process.
I find that thrifting is a personal process as you match your personal preferences and style with the various clothing options available. These are clothing pieces that others have worn but gave up on to no longer use. However, we as the thrifter have the unique opportunity to give life to these unused pieces again. We have the privilege to give that item a new home and give it a purpose in our wardrobe. These pieces are one of a kind, and being able to connect with these items allows you full freedom in your wardrobe.
As a strategic communication major, my passions revolve around making statements through creative elements and messages, and I find that my wardrobe is an extension of that. The clothing and style I choose to purchase and wear is a form of branding of my individual self. Thrifting allows me to better explore and curate the messages I portray about myself, as I can hand pick items that all hold individuality and stories of past lives and owners.
I love being able to provide these clothing pieces with a place to belong, but in a way I also find my sense of belonging in my purchases of them. While my identity is found in much more than simply the clothes I wear, I must admit that those clothes are a major part of the initial statements of identity I portray to the world around me.
I wish you happy thrifting! Go explore your taste, your fashion, and yourself through the world of thrift and clothing.