Tips + Tricks for Tackling Your First Trip to the Thrift Store

Next time you feel trapped in the seemingly endless rows of clothes at your local consignment store, come back to this list.

If you’re reading this, then I must first congratulate you on stepping into your personal thrifting journey. It won't be an easy adventure, but it will most certainly be a rewarding one.

In hopes of easing the anxiety that can come with stepping foot into a thrift store for the first time, I, along with some help from my dear friend and fellow vintage fashion lover Sarah Sommers have cultivated a brief list of tips and tricks for tackling the magical monstrosity that is a thrift store.

Are you ready to take on vintage fashion in stylish stride? Check out the list below for everything you will need to know to master the art of thrifting.

Photo via Anna Cate Meis

1. Create a Pinterest board devoted to your personal style. Once you have an idea of the overall look you are trying to achieve, taking on the racks will feel slightly less daunting.

2. Make a list of basics ( think white t-shirts and black trousers) you need year-round and can pair with almost anything in your closet. Starting your thrifting journey by looking for these beginner friendly items can help you adjust to the chaos.

3. Tackle one section of clothing at a time. Instead of frantically popping between the pants and footwear, stick to just one. Once you feel like you have thoroughly scanned your chosen area, feel free to move on to the next!

4. When sorting through skirts and dresses, its easiest to start from the hemline. By working your eyes up the garment, you can easily identify if the pattern/silhouette is what you are looking for!

5. Dress in tight fitting clothing. By doing so, you can easily slip garments on and off to see how they will fit your body!

6. If you choose to go solo, I strongly suggest popping in some headphones and listening to your favorite music. While maintaining awareness of your surroundings, listening to your favorite music can help you feel more grounded amidst the other shoppers and loads of clothes.

7. BE PATIENT. Everyone wants to hit the jackpot when they go thrifting - but some days are more successful than others. My friend Sarah wrote over text, "If you go to a thrift store a couple times in a row and find nothing good, don't be alarmed, that is normal! That's the beauty of thrifting. You have to be loyal and go back a few times more than you thought to find what you want."

So whether or not you leave the store with a vintage Ralph Lauren purse, or close to nothing, just remember that with great patience, comes great style.