Natalie Folchi’s 7 Tips to Up Your Thrifting Game
By Natalie Folchi
All Images: Natalie Folchi
I’ve been an avid thrift and vintage shopper for as long as I can remember. In high school, my friend and I would visit our favorite vintage store after school and comb through racks of pre-loved clothes. There was something so satisfying about finding something special amidst a sea of fabric. The thrill of the hunt (and the find) is a real thing.
Over the years, I’ve learned to hone my personal style by incorporating one-of-a-kind pieces and mixing the old with the new. In an age of fast-fashion, not only has thrifting been good for my wallet and creativity, but it’s also good for the planet.
If you’re new to thrifting or get overwhelmed by the thought of embarking into the territory of pre-loved clothing and accessories, don’t worry.
Here are seven helpful tips I’ve picked up over the years:
Take Inventory
While it’s fun to browse aisles of a thrift store, I’ve learned I’m much more efficient when I know the status of my wardrobe beforehand. Think of thrifting like grocery shopping — when you go to the store without a list, you’re much more likely to toss random items in your cart and spend more than you intended to.
Before heading to the thrift store, I’ll first take a look in my closet. If I notice I don’t have many outerwear options, I’ll focus more on the coat and jacket section of the store. Creating a general plan (with a little room for flexibility, of course!) is a great first step.
2. Create a Vision Board
Pinterest is a goldmine of inspiration. I love to reference my fashion board for styling ideas. And with 80s and 90s trends making a comeback, it’s easier than ever to find cute, fashionable pieces at your local thrift store.
3. Get There Early
The early bird gets the worm (i.e. the great finds). If you want access to the good stuff, plan to walk in the doors when the store opens. Everything is organized and easier to sift through first-thing, which will make your chances of finding something you love even better.
4. Dress Accordingly
I’ve learned the hard way that dressing rooms aren’t always an option, so it’s important to dress comfortably and minimally. I prefer to wear a cami so I can easily try on blouses or jackets in the aisles if necessary.
5. Take Note of Sales and Specials
Most thrift stores offer a variety of discounts (like 50% off clothing or 25% off the entire store) on certain weekdays. Be sure to follow thrift stores in your area on Instagram, visit their websites or give them a call to learn when those days might be.
6. Look at the Potential
If you find a skirt you love but it’s just a little too big, look at the potential — can it be altered? If the answer is yes, buy it. But if an item has stains or holes that are beyond repair, more often than not, it’s best to leave it behind.
7. If You Don’t Love It, Move On
And that brings me to my last point. I can’t tell you how many times I’d buy something at the thrift store because it was less than $5. But when thrifting, it’s important to look beyond the price tag. If you don’t absolutely love the item when you try it on in the store, you probably won’t reach for it at home.
Are you a thrifter? What are some of your favorite tips and tricks for getting great deals?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Natalie Folchi is a contributor at SISTAIN. As a full-time photographer, she spends most of her days behind the lens capturing big moments for her clients — from brand launches to wedding days and everything in between. Outside of work, she loves scouring thrift and antique stores for hidden treasures, traveling, binging true crime podcasts and capturing the world on 35mm film.
