"The fine line between achieving the right vintage look or looking like you’re in grandma’s hand-me-downs...."
Thrift shopping is one of the cheapest ways to achieve both a vintage look as well as the latest trends. It’s exciting to come across neat finds in the thrift shop that will add to your wardrobe and make you look like a fashionista! However, it can go very wrong if you don’t do it the right way! Here are some quick tips to keep in mind while thrift shopping!
1. If it looks like you made it, don’t buy it!
• The beauty of thrift shopping is being able to achieve a unique style that looks both vintage as well as fashionable. Do not go buy the colorful knitted dress that looks like you made it when you were five. Just because it is in a thrift shop and just because it is actually vintage, does not mean that it is stylish!
2. Stay away from the homeless look!
• Thrift shopping allows you to be creative by taking old trends and making them work in today’s fashion world. However, it is very easy to make a grunge look take the wrong turn down the homeless look path. If done the right way, a pair of old, loose ripped jeans, a big vintage graphic tee, and flips can be a very cute look! Yet, be careful not to take it too far! Do not buy the pair of jeans that literally can fit someone three times your size with the white paint all over them, or the baggy tee with sweat stains on it. Just because it is in the thrift shop, does not mean it will always work!
3. Mix vintage finds with new items!
• A way to keep the vintage look within the latest trends, as well as bring the whole outfit together, is to mix your clothing! Mixing thrift shop bought clothing with attire bought from modern day stores, allows you to achieve the perfect thrifty look without crossing the line. This is easy to do by just playing around with different clothing items and accessories! Maybe wear the mid-thigh skirt and the sunglasses you got at the thrift shop, with the blazer, scarf, and v-neck you got at the mall. This mix and match technique is the best part of thrift shopping; it allows you to be creative and achieve your perfect, unique look!