Sustainable fashion is gaining popularity, and more people are adopting eco-friendly lifestyle choices. By thrifting, you enjoy guilt-free fashion, vote for sustainability, and support ethical fashion while scoring unique and beautiful pieces at a fraction of the price.
Shopping thrift shops in person and combing through the racks isn’t the only way to get your hands on something special. Thanks to a growing supply of online thrift shops and consignment stores like Giverise.ca, you can buy used clothes online from the comfort of your couch with a few clicks to find something that suits your style needs.
But while thrifting from home is convenient, it requires some finesse to make sure you get what you want. You also need to have a good idea of the style and look that you’re after. Here are 22 styling tips that the experts recommend for finding thrifted outfits.
22 styling tips for shopping thrifted outfits
Once you know what style you’re trying to capture, you can go online and cover a lot more ground by using online thrift shops.
8 Tips for that Make Online Thrift Shopping a Breeze
1. Sign up for emails and newsletters
Consider signing up for newsletters or email notifications from your favorite thrift stores. Most online stores will send out emails to alert customers about new arrivals and special deals. This will help you stay informed and in the know of what’s available so you can make smart thrifting decisions. And if you are worried that your inbox may get flooded, you can always create a dedicated email account for thrifting-related emails only.
2. Read item descriptions carefully and take measurements
Online thrifting requires more detective work than shopping in person. You won’t be able to touch or try the piece on, so it’s important to read through the item description carefully and take accurate measurements of yourself. This will help you make sure that the piece fits well when it arrives.
3. Narrow your search by categories
You can sift through thousands of items with a few clicks by using filtering tools. These tools let you specify the size, color, price range, and more to find items that meet your criteria more easily. For example, if you are on the hunt for a vintage dress under $ 100, you can just check off the boxes for “Vintage” and “under $ 100” to quickly narrow down your search. You might even be able to add additional filters like size or color to further refine your search.
4. Ask questions if you need more information
If you still have questions or need more details about a particular item, don’t hesitate to contact the thrift store customer service team. Ask questions about the material, fit, or any other related details to make sure you know what you are buying before making a purchase. You can even request more pictures of the item from different angles if you need to.
5. Be mindful of shipping costs and return policies
Before hitting submit on an order, re-read the store’s return policy and shipping costs because it varies from store to store. Some platforms offer free return shipping while others may require you to pay for it. Others may not even accept returns at all.
6. Use a laptop or desktop computer if possible
Though you can shop online thrift stores using your phone, it’s easier to browse through items and narrow down the selection if you use a laptop or desktop computer. This way, it’s easier to input search terms and filter through the items with the filtering tools available. Some sites make it easy by allowing you to save items for future reference and even create a wish list. Also, because laptop and desktop screens are larger than mobile phones, it’s easier to get an accurate gauge of the item you are looking for and decide if it meets your expectations.
7. Thrift responsibly
Buy only what you need and necessary because if you carelessly purchase items because they are cheap, you will end up crowding your closet with items you do not need. This defeats the purpose of thrifting, which is to shop with sustainable fashion choices and cut down on the production of new items.
8. Don’t rush; invest enough time
Doing extensive research on the pieces and sifting through hundreds to find the right item takes time, but it pays off in the end when you find that perfect item for a great price. Before you decide to purchase something read through the item description carefully and give yourself enough time to decide if you really want the item. Read the reviews from other customers. Doing so can save you money and help make sure you’re satisfied with the item you’re buying.
Online thrifting can be a great way to find amazing pieces at great prices from the comfort of your home, but it pays to be mindful of the tips above in order to have a successful shopping experience.