I was talking to a friend of mine about clothes, and it reminded me of how thrifting to dress really is a skill. Like any skill, it takes time and patience. But, the benefits!
Why you should thrift for clothes:
1. CHEAP
2. Unique - how likely is it that someone else will have your clothes?
3. Fun. It can be a hobby.
I think #1 is the key number, here. Why is it cheap? I think about the breakdown of my outfits when I get dressed. Let's look at some of my outfits.
Menswear look, heavy on the chartreuse.
Shirt: $3
Tie: $2
Pants: not thrifted, but eBay-ed, $8
Bass loafers: $3
Jewelry: present
Total: $16
A bit of 70's ridiculousness.
Dress (a nightgown, actually): $14 (vintage store)
Cardigan: $34 (but wool, and vintage Schiaperreli, vintage store)
Blue fur stole: $22 (antique store)
Scarf: $3
Total: $73
A nice contemporary look. You can't see the boots. A good example of how to dress w/vintage and not look retro.
Blouse: $3
Pin: $12 (antique store)
Pants: new from old Navy. $30
Blazer: $6 (H&M at SalArmy)
Go-Go Boots: $60 (antique store)
Total: $111
Something comfy for summer. Perhaps needs a slip underneath.
Dress/Nightgown: $3
White belt: $8 (vintage store)
Total: $11
Ah. One of my "formal" looks. :)
Dress: $16 (antique store - saw another one elsewhere for $75)
Gloves: $6 (antique store)
Ring: $20 (a vintage/new boutique)
Pink Shearling Stole; $60 (bought a decade ago from Banana Rep.)
Total: $102
Tops. A nice example of how to mix eras.
Same cardigan mentioned above: $34 (from the 40's)
80's blouse: free (thrifted, from Mary)
Total: $34
A "professional look". That is, a blouse and nice trousers.
Trousers: $20 (TJ Maxx)
Blouse: free, thrifted gift
Bracelet: same as blouse (it pays to have distinct style - people know what to buy for you ;)
Total: $20
Bracelet: $12 (boutique)
Skirt/Top: $6
Shoes: from mom
Total: $18
My writer shot. But I wear this often.
"Faille" jacket: $24 (vintage store)
Orange tuxedo shirt: $3
Plastic beads: $3 (antique store)
Pants: new from Old Navy, $30
Total: $60
Ring: $2 (bought in a lot off eBay)
Dress: $14 (vintage store)
Total: $16
Another writer shot. I hate not smiling in pictures.
Dress: $6
Belt: $2 (antique store)
Boots: $75 (2nd pair, stalked off eBay)
Total: $83
My Little House on the Prairie look.
Dress: $6
Ring: $3 (Forever 21. I don't shop there anymore, but I love it. )
Wedding Ring: ha ha
Total: $9
Easter dress.
H&M chain necklace: $12
Bead necklace from K-Mart: $6
Belt: $3
Dress: $6
Total: $27
A flattering picture of me (and Tommy!) in one of my favorite get-ups.
Espirit shirt: $12 (vintage store)
Leather belt: $3
H&M tulip skirt: free from Mom (it didn't fit her)
Total: $15
Favorite thrift store find, next to the DVF vintage wrap dress for $6....
Avon vintage heart necklace: $10 (flea market)
Gucci dress: $6
Total: $16
My favoritist get-up ever.
Red slips: $6 total
DKNY shoes: $67.50 10 years ago
Red necklace as bracelet: $2
Crazy blue lace dress: $20 (vintage store)
Total: $95.50
One of the morals of this post is that shoes are often my biggest purchase (next to new pants) but what I didn't tell you is that Im wearing the same ones over and over, usually - they just aren't shown.
The other morals are ones you should figure out yourself: how much are your outfits? Do they bring you great joy? Are they fun, comfortable, memorable (whatever is important to you in dressing)?
Thrifting (or buying anything second-hand, as I most often do, at aforementioned vintage or antique stores, or on eBay, Etsy, etc.) is more cost-effective. I average $5 for a shirt, $10 for a dress, $3-5 for accessories, and even find vintage shoes for under $20. When I'm in Chicago, I even find the pants I love (new or nearly-new from Old Navy, Gap, H&M) for under $10. How does this compare even to inexpensive brand-new clothes? Think about it....