4 Wardrobe Staples You Need To Buy At Thrift Stores Instead of Regular Stores

Do you remember when thrifting was the thing to do? I always thought it was a round about way of someone not wanting to tell where they shopped. That is until I stumbled into a Salvation Army in Detroit and landed on a stockpile of vintage Levi’s. The allure of thrifting has died down a bit but if you know anything, you know it’s still a great resource for one of a kind pieces. There are a few things I look for specifically no matter what thrift store I’m in:

Blazers

I love blazers. To me, this is the best place to stock up for 2 reasons: 1) they are a fraction of the price and usually better quality (hello designer men’s suiting.) & 2) you can bet no one else will walk in with the same blazer as you. I head straight for the men’s section for these. If you find one you love that’s a bit too big, find an inexpensive tailor.

Tailored Pants

Do not neglect the pants that came with that blazer you just got. I found this out by accident when I was forced to buy a full men’s suit that was sold as a suit only, no separating the pair. I took the pants with me to the tailor and got the waist taken in, a few darts added to accentuate my rear, and boom! I had the perfect pair of tailored dress pants.

Silk Blouses

I usually find the best silk tops in thrift stores. Men’s or women’s section, depending on the fit and look you are going for. If you are lucky you can score some designer finds here too for under $100. Be mindful and check the pits and overall garment for stains. Nothing worse than getting a thrift gem, only to find out you can never wear it because it was too loved. 

Leather Belts

I know this seems like an odd item here. More often than not I can find some really nice genuine leather belts while thrifting for less than $10. I look for ones with interesting buckles or patters. If I see one that is too small I bring it up to my waist and wear them over a blazer.

Cover image via 907Life