When your money isn’t funny, you’d be surprised how much you’ll spend on clothes, shoes and accessories just because you can. You might dole out more than $100 on something just for name on the label or for something you might only wear a few times a year. But when money is tight, you can’t shop on ShopStyle, Topshop or Urban Outfitters like you used to, or spend all day in the mall shopping like you don’t have bills to pay. Thrifting is something that many women (and men) have done; from purchasing dresses, old VHS tapes, and even rotary phones- everyone loves nostalgia. But everyone loves a good deal too! Here are some reasons why I love thrifting, and you should give it a shot too.
Clearly, it saves you money
While you get a ton of deals through Groupon and emails from your favorite stores, nothing beats the feeling of walking out of a store with six fun and flirty blouses that you didn’t pay more than $20 for altogether. According to a study in 2010 by Black Men in America, African Americans spend about 29.3 billion a year in apparel and similar products. Also, most high quality shirts run about $50-60 dollars a piece, so why not take the opportunity to save a couple of thousand a year??
The clothes can be better quality than many major retailers
When you’re looking through the racks at your favorite store, the last thing you want to see is deodorant or any other obvious wear and tear on a virtually “new” item. When items are donated to places like Goodwill, Value Village or smaller stores like Rag-O-Rama, they’re thoroughly cleaned and some are even new items that were discontinued at national stores.
Helps you build on your own style
When it comes to thrifting, I noticed that you can look at almost every era within one rack of clothes. You can also see what was popular at the time and find new ways to spin an old idea. Fashion is all about telling a story- so why not tell yours? When leaning the history of some of my favorite shirts and pleated skirts, I’m able to build my own identity and show my personality through my clothes. You can also create a new style for yourself and it can even inspire other people!
Also helps you ignore the major trends
You don’t have to wear those skin tight leggings, miniskirts and lace-graphic T-shirts to be hip or cool. Most trends are repeats of fashion’s not-so-cute past, and just because something is popular doesn’t mean it’s going to look good on everyone. On top of that, just because something is hot now doesn’t mean you won’t reach for it a few months down the line with a look of shame and confusion on something that quickly went out of style. Thrift stores have a variety of pieces that you can make timeless or bring back from the vintage dead, so the young’ns can hold on to the neon colored looks and bandage dresses.
Explores your creativity
Most of us get in the habit of dressing one certain way. I know my friends always tell me that I used to be a plain Jane–and they were right. I didn’t want to jump out of my comfort zone when it came to the dark and dull ensembles I wore, but once I did, I got to be creative in a whole other way. Also since most online stores and retailers generally have the same type of clothing (which goes right back to the major trends reason) you’re forced right back into what you’re used to.
You won’t have a “We’re wearing the same outfit” moment
This has never really happened to me, but I have seen it one too many at gatherings or parties. Girls with the same shoes or dresses (because every girl shops at Forever 21) get upset and embarrassed, even though they saw a gang of women picking up the same outfit the day they bought it. When you shop on popular websites or in over-hyped stores, there’s never just “one” of something. But at a vintage shop/thrift store, call it a miracle if there’s more than one.
Makes you smarter as a shopper
Some women (well most) should be pretty careful and more attentive when it comes to picking out clothes, even at regular stores, because when you thrift, sometimes some items may fall through the cracks and make it into your bag. For instance, you don’t want anything that is damaged, has missing buttons or dresses that aren’t true to size. When I’m shopping now, I keep in mind the following:
- An item may be on clearance because of a really bad return or just low sales.
- If you can find a dress on one site, you will most likely find it somewhere else for cheaper (keep in mind shipping costs though).
- Accessories that are in stores aren’t as durable as the ones in thrift shops!
You can splurge on other things
This has to be my number one reason! Because of all the money saved through ditching the mall for the thrift stores, I’m able to spend more on better shoes, that perfect bathing suit and more money to dole out for bills and most importantly these days, gas! Sometimes splurging can be a good thing, just remember to get the things you need rather than what you want first.
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