OUTFIT DETAILS:
Activity: Volunteering in Gavin's classroom
Sweater: Madewell, thrifted (similar - on sale!)
Top: Uniqlo (exact)
Jeans: LOFT (similar splurge - on sale, similar save)
Shoes: Franco Sarto, thrifted (similar)
Bag: Marc Jacobs, thrifted (similar - almost half off!)
Earrings: Ann Taylor (similar)
Sunglasses: LOFT (similar)
Almost any thrifter can relate to the challenge of using thrifted items to style an on-trend look. It's easy to create classic, quirky, and fun looks using thrifted items, but it isn't always as easy to make an of-the-moment outfit. How to do it?
The simplest way is to mix thrifted items with new purchases. For example, while there are always exceptions, lately I mostly find resale jeans with a really low-rise. Not flattering on me, and not really my style anymore. So, while I haven't given up completely on thrifting a great pair of jeans, I don't spend much time on that particular project. The jeans in this look are from LOFT, my usual go-to spot for new pants. The gray color made them feel especially right for this fall, and they update many of my previously thrifted items.
It's also hard to find thrifted basic knit tee shirts in great condition. So, I find it's best to find new go-to tees that fit you well and stock up as needed. My current favorite for long-sleeve basic tee shirts is this one from Uniqlo, worn in the outfit above. I've already purchased it in several colors, though I wear the navy, black and cream ones the most. Basic knit tees are a basic building block for so many outfits (see this post for my ode to the basic layering tee), so don't depend on being able to stumble onto them in your size and needed colors when thrifting.
You may have more success thrifting layering pieces. Sometimes you can even find items from a recent season, in a silhouette that is still quite on-trend. The sweater in this outfit, for example, is from Madewell, and felt very current to me (although actually long sweaters are especially popular, the open cardigan look and the neutral color struck me as somewhat trendy). I've found other layering pieces that were very recent, and those types of items tend to be in better condition when thrifted, as opposed to tee shirts.
Another tip is to at least be aware of what trends are current and those which are predicted. I don't think anyone should buy something they don't like, new or thrifted, for any reason, but if you're attracted to a thrifted item, you've read that it's a current trend, perhaps you've even considered trying that trend, and it's $5, why not give it a try? Worst case scenario, you re-donate it if the trend doesn't end up working for you. For example, I had read that red was a hot color for fall, long and double-breasted jackets were coming in and that military details were also on-trend (I usually mostly just check Who What Wear's website, plus InStyle magazine). I love red (both red heels and red flats have been on my shopping wish list forever!), and thought a long jacket would be an interesting look to try for fall. So when I found a vintage circa 1990s long, double-breasted red blazer with a hint of military styling in the trim details on the sleeve for $6, I decided it was worth a try. I'm still not sure if the shoulder pads are just a little too much, or if the look is just trying a little too hard for me, but I figure at $6, no harm, no foul. In another example, a couple of months ago, I had read that purple was popular, and I had seen it starting to show up at conventional retailers. Again, I like purple, and armed with that information, I took a little more interest than I might have in purple items at the thrift store. Soon after that, I found 2 beautiful skirts in purple tones (one in this post, another really fabulous Ralph Lauren maxi skirt that I hope to photograph sometime blowing in the wind on a cliff overlooking the ocean). These stand-out items are all to be worn with neutral items purchased new, hopefully creating unique items with a nod to the trends.
How do you create outfits with your thrifted items?
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