4 Tips for Creating Trendy Outfits with Thrift Store Finds

In our world today, fashion can often come with a hefty price tag. I’ve recently found that mastering the art of thrift store style offers a very budget-friendly alternative. Let's delve into the world of fashion on a budget and explore how you can style outfits that make a statement without breaking the bank!

Thrift store shopping isn't just about saving money, it's about embracing a sustainable and unique approach to fashion. From affordability to discovering one-of-a-kind pieces, thrift stores can offer a variety of benefits! From my personal experiences, I’ve compiled a list of helpful tips when trying to make a trendy outfit gets a bit tricky:

1. Understand Your Personal Style:

To start, you have to understand your personal style. We touched on this a bit in my last blog, A Beginner’s Guide to Secondhand Success, but it remains true here as well. Understanding your body shape, color preferences and style aesthetic lays the foundation for successful thrift store finds, so make those Pinterest boards and seek it out.

2. Mix and Match:

Next, you have to mix and match! Try experimenting with layering and combining thrifted items to create versatile and unique outfits. Sometimes pieces you think may look crazy together actually look the best when tried on! One of my favorite YouTubers, Laini Ozark, makes videos focused on this idea. She’ll purposefully pick out pieces that seem odd together, but look great on. Here’s one of her most recent videos doing this:

3. Accessorize Wisely:

Something I’ve also recently started to do is accessorize wisely. You can elevate your thrifted finds with statement jewelry, scarves, belts and hats. I personally have been loving a statement scarf or chunky necklace with a basic outfit to just slightly elevate it. Here’s an example of how I’ve been styling my thrifted pieces:

This entire outfit is actually thrifted (I'm quite proud of the leather jacket find); but, to elevate it, I threw on this vintage-y scarf that added not just a pop of color but a fun twist to the outfit!

4. Put a Twist on Current Fashion Trends:

My final and biggest recommendation is to follow fashion trends, but with a personal twist. News outlets all over social media are covering Spring and Summer 2024 fashion trends, especially with Fashion Week's in London and Milan having just occurred. Although these pieces being shown online may cost you an arm and a leg, you can use these articles to inspire your thrifting instead of persuade you to purchase their pieces. Who What Wear’s article gives great examples on how to dress down these incoming trends. I love to use these lookbook ideas and then compare them to thrifted pieces I currently have in my closet!

Fashion on a budget is not only achievable for everyone, but it can also be incredibly empowering. By embracing thrift store shopping and mastering the art of styling on a budget, you can create a wardrobe that's as unique and sustainable as you are. Start your thrift store fashion journey today and share some of your favorite thrift fits in the comments below or tag me on Instagram!