by Ave Yarrum

Created on: November 02, 2010

Tricks for finding your thrift store style are more like suggestions or tips for this all important money saving activity. There are clues about yourself that you may not even realize.  Hunt through old photos and see if you have a "look" that has been your look throughout the years. If you find your style, then shop your style.  You are looking for bargains to wear, not clothes that will just hang in the closet because they were impulse buys.

Some women tend to be a preppy dresser, tailored and straightforward with the clean, simple look.  Others tend to be a dramatic dresser choosing vibrant colors and styles that are "in".  Then there are the retro gals who love anything outdated.  Working girls tend to wear simple items that can be enhanced with other staples from their closets.

First you need to know what category of dresser you fall into before you go out to the thrift store and try to put your wardrobe together.  Making a basic list of what you can use and the colors that you favor will be a lot more help than just dashing in and wandering haphazardly around the shop.  That way of shopping is great if you are picking out a Halloween outfit, however it is not very effective for helping your wardrobe meet your style requirements.

Item, color and use are very important tips for choosing your thrift store style.  Shopping at a thrift store and finding your "style" is not a hit and miss activity.  Go with your theme in mind.  Maybe the reason for this shopping trip is to purchase a nice outfit for an out of town wedding.  Are you a dress gal or a pantsuit lady?  Do you prefer 2-piece outfits over the dress? Is the wedding during the afternoon or after six?  Your choices may depend on the availability of the inventory. 

If you are a regular at the shop, ask the owner if she could give you a call when your "style" comes in. Maybe it is too late for this outfit, but it may help future purchases.   If your size is available, this advanced notice is a great help.  The  owner is in this business to make money.  It will thrill the owner to have a customer who is on the look out for something special.  It can even become a networking adventure.  The thrift store owner knows your size and style so when someone is coming in with a consignment, she just might point out that she has an interested buyer in the kind of clothing that the seller is bringing into the shop. Win, win, win situation!

Buying your bargains at the thrift store has many advantages and it takes practice and time to become an expert at knowing your thrift store style. Remember your mission and then reap the benefits of looking great on a smaller budget!

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