Madison Taylor of Chic and Chai Shares Her Best Thrift Shop Tips and Tricks

As a veteran bargain shopper, it’s a rare occasion when I purchase clothing for full price. In fact, I can usually remember the exact cost of everything that I wear. While it may sound strange to some, forgetting the adrenaline rush that comes along with purchasing a $250 sweater for a couple of bucks is not an easy task. And why would I want to forget it anyway? Saving money is always a victory worth celebrating!

Over the past several years, I’ve found tons of new ways to create my dream closet without overspending, but thrift shopping remains as my go-to. Give me $10 and directions to the nearest Goodwill, and I’ll be the happiest lady you’ve ever seen!

With experience, I’ve uncovered quite a few secondhand secrets that have helped me make the most of my thrifting adventures. So without further adieu, here are some tricks of the trade for scoring deals that would make even Macklemore jealous.

1. Get Inspiration From Your Favorite Brands.

Checking out the websites and social media pages of your most-beloved online retailers can help you get an idea of what to look for while you shop. You can even make a Pinterest board of looks to recreate or compile a list of desired items on your phone. Thanks to modern technology, being prepared for spontaneous thrift store outings is easier than ever!

2. Keep an Open Mind.

While it’s helpful to have an idea of what you hope to find, remember that you will probably have to make some compromises when thrift shopping. Try to be open-minded to a variation of colors, materials, and sizes. You might even find something better than what you had originally envisioned!

If you absolutely cannot settle for any minor differences, it’s probably time to just buy the item new.

3. Look in Every Section.

Some thrift stores separate their inventory by season, size, and gender, but it’s not uncommon for items to get misplaced. Be sure to take the time to explore the entire store. And remember- nothing should stop you from rocking menswear or trying a new style!

4. Pay Attention to Colors and Patterns.

When a store is too crowded or you have limited time to spare, scoop up the colors and patterns that catch your eye. Once you have added some items to your cart, you can then sort through the ones that you want to buy. If any of the pieces aren’t your size, try thinking of ways you can reuse the material before deciding to return them to the rack.

5. Check Back Often.

The truth about thrifting is that sometimes, you might not find anything worth purchasing. But that doesn’t mean that you should feel bad about leaving empty-handed. The great thing about thrift stores is that they are constantly adding new inventory, so it’s always worth having a second look!

In a world where nearly anything we want is merely a few clicks away, scavenging through thrift stores can be a pretty fun challenge, even if you aren’t on a budget. Next time you find yourself bored and with nothing to do, try gathering some friends for an afternoon of carefree bargain hunting. You can even make it into a game by setting themes or price limits for yourselves. So what are you waiting for? Dig up that loose change from your couch cushions and let the style search begin!

Editor’s Note: For more from our thrifty friend Madison, be sure to check out her blog Chic & Chai!