The world of fashion is ever changing and what’s old is new again. Thrifting and vintage fashion have become popular once more, allowing us to explore the nostalgia of our past while expressing our individual style. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of discovering a unique, one-of-a-kind item in a second-hand shop, creating a sustainable wardrobe with an ethical conscience. With a variety of second-hand stores on the rise, we explore the concept of second-hand style, embracing thrifting and vintage fashion.
1. The Art of Thrifting: Cast Away Your Shopping-Mall Attire
Thrifting has truly become an art form in today’s society. If you are looking to add unique and individualistic pieces to your wardrobe, while saving time and money, then thrifting just might be for you.
Let’s start with the basics. You’ll want to arm yourself with some savvy shopping skills, a good eye, and comfort to hunt around. A few tips:
- Don’t be overwhelmed by what’s in sight. Popular thrift stores tend to be packed with items, but it helps to make a plan ahead of time and focus on one category you’re most interested.
- Go off-season. To beat the competition, it helps to shop out-of-season. When the weather is still chilly, stock up for summer. And when summer hits, grab some sweaters.
- Try different thrift stores. Thrifting is all about patience and perseverance. It’s likely you won’t find something you love in the first store you visit; take the time to visit several in your area.
Most importantly, keep your expectations realistic. Not every item will be the perfect fit, but with some trial and error you might find some hidden gems. When you start to build your thrifted wardrobe, you may even become a fan of these environmental-friendly styles!
2. How to Make the Most Out of Vintage Style and Second-Hand Clothing
When it comes to vintage style and second-hand clothing, it’s all about creativity. You shouldn’t be afraid to experiment and mix and match different pieces for a unique look. Here are some ideas on how to make the most out of your vintage and second-hand clothing:
- Find unique items: While second-hand stores can be mostly filled with generic items, there is always the potential of finding something truly unique. Make sure to keep an eye out for items with interesting fabric details, unusual colors, or one-of-a-kind cuts.
- Work with what you got: Not all pieces will fit perfectly when you go vintage. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try out different approaches to working with all the pieces to make them fit, like rolling up the hem of a skirt or adding a belt.
- Personalize it: Putting your own spin on a vintage or second-hand item can result in a truly special and one-of-a-kind look. Ideas include the addition of a colored button, highlights of paint, embroidery, or beading.
When shopping for vintage or second-hand clothing, it’s all about finding pieces that make you feel and look great. Don’t be afraid to be creative and find creative ways to make the pieces work. After all, fashion is an art form that should be celebrated!
3. The Benefits of Going Green with Thrifted Clothes
The thrifted fashion industry has grown in leaps and bounds over the past few years, and the green lifestyle trend it has ushered is for a good cause. Keeping our world clean and green has its numerous benefits and here are three advantages of going green with thrifted clothes:
- Reduce Waste – Wearing thrift shop clothes is practical and eco-friendly. Since these clothes are recycled and reused, they don’t have to be made from the scratch, preventing the production of additional carbon emissions.
- Save Money – Shopping for secondhand clothes is pocket friendly and help you stay within your budget. Clothes in thrift shops are way cheaper than those found in regular stores. This has made thrift associated with the financially-savvy crowd.
- Unique Styles – Clothing styles and trends change in an instant, and it can cost a fortune to buy pieces that fit the trends. Clothes found in thrift shops are one-of-kind and full of character, and you can mix and match these to express your individual style.
Living a thrift-centric lifestyle embraces the idea of responsible consumption and conserving the planet’s natural resources. Thrifting has come a long way, and those who adopt its use are likely to both save the environment and their pockets.
4. The Thrifter’s Guide to Spotting Pure Vintage Gems
- Quality over Quantity – When looking for vintage gems, the number one rule is quality over quantity. It’s better to buy one quality item that will last you years as opposed to multiple lower quality items that won’t stand the test of time. Make sure you’re taking the time to carefully inspect items rather than simply being overwhelmed by the abundance of choices.
- Be Patient – It may take a while to find something as desired. Develop of a list of what you’d like to find then start looking for it throughout stores, websites, or vintage markets. You may not find it in the first place you look, so have faith – sometimes finding that perfect item takes awhile.
- Look Out for Neat Details – Pay attention to the details of the item, such as any branding or tags that may be hidden amongst the design. This could be what helps make the item more rare and distinctive.
- Check the Quality of the Materials & Craftsmanship – What’s even more important than finding something vintage is finding something that is made out of quality materials and with quality craftsmanship. Inspect the item and look out for any signs of aging or wear such as frayed fabric, or loose stitching.
Though these tips may seem obvious, it is important to make sure you don’t rush into buying the first vintage item that catches your eye. Take a step back and consider the item for what it is – an investment. Vintage gems can cost a bit more than other items, so keep in mind that spending a couple more bucks could be well worth it in the long run!
If you’re unsure of where to start when it comes to vintage gems, a reputable resale shop can be a great place to find unique and higher end pieces. Most of these items have already been researched and inspected so you know exactly what kind of item you’re getting. Plus, you’ll have a chance to save a bit of money while still obtaining a quality item!
5. Reviving the Iconic Styles of the Past: How to Rock Retro Looks with Upcycled Clothing
The 1970s and 1980s were decades of incredible style. From vibrant floral designs to signature oversized silhouettes, the look of the past is undeniably beautiful and can be just as relevant today. One of the best ways to bring back a bit of the past in your wardrobe is through upcycled clothing. There are a few ways to incorporate the iconic styles of the past into your wardrobe:
- Visit a vintage shop – you can find beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces in vintage shops that would otherwise be hard to come by.
- Shop online for retro-inspired contemporary designs – many brands have embraced the beauty of vintage styles and offer modern interpretations that are perfect for everyday wear.
- Shop for upcycled clothes online – there are plenty of websites that offer upcycled clothing, which are pieces made from traditionally discarded materials like donated clothing and fabrics.
Mix and Match: For those who want to express their originality and creativity, mixing and matching vintage and contemporary pieces is the way to go. Try wearing a vintage blouse with a pair of modern jeans or a leather jacket with a floral dress. Adding modern pieces to vintage pieces is an easy way to achieve a unique and stylish look.
Accessorizing: Accessories can be a great way to make any look stand out. Incorporating unique vintage accessories like oversized sunglasses, velvet gloves, or beaded bag can be a great way to add a dash of retro charm to any look.
Second-hand style is about embracing the unique and making fashion choices with intention. Whether it’s a thrifting or vintage find, every piece has a story that’s as noteworthy as its own style. Celebrate your second-hand pieces, knowing that by doing so you are taking part in something bigger: a reclamation of sustainable, preloved fashion!