01 Dec 5 Tips to Thrift a Winter Coat
A few weeks ago I went thrift shopping with my mom {yes, mommy is a thrifter, too!} and we were on the hunt for some affordable finds at the Salvation Army, since most clothes are half off on Wednesday. I came across quite a few coats and it made me realize, there’s an art to thrifting outerwear. There’s an art to thrift shopping in general {I wrote the book on it!}, but in particular, thrift shopping for a coat has its own pitfalls.
If it’s getting colder in your area and you want to save on outerwear, here are 5 tips that will help you find a warm winter coat at a thrift shop. Also, the NYC Salvation Army is having their final coat sale this weekend. More details below
It’s Okay to Increase Your Budget
I admit it, I’m kinda cheap. I hate that word, but when you’re used to paying less than $7 for most of your clothes, you look at a $30 garment like it’s a million bucks! However, it’s totally okay and even expected that you might have to spend a bit more for outerwear. And when you think about it, it makes sense. If you’re wearing the coat once or twice a week from now until March, that’s a great cost-per-wear ratio. The vintage leather coat below {$25} is a recent item I didn’t purchase because I was upset it wasn’t half off like most items, so I left it behind. Silly me! I haven’t stopped kicking myself.
I admit it, I’m kinda cheap. I hate that word, but when you’re used to paying less than $7 for most of your clothes, you look at a $30 garment like it’s a million bucks! However, it’s totally okay and even expected that you might have to spend a bit more for outerwear. And when you think about it, it makes sense. If you’re wearing the coat once or twice a week from now until March, that’s a great cost-per-wear ratio. The vintage leather coat below {$25} is a recent item I didn’t purchase because I was upset it wasn’t half off like most items, so I left it behind. Silly me! I haven’t stopped kicking myself.
Don’t Be Afraid to Make Alterations
A basic black top or a short sleeve shirt: these are items you don’t necessarily want to buy if they need to be altered. But a coat? Now that’s absolutely worthy the alterations! Taking in the waist, shortening a hem, etc. can give you the perfect fit and make the coat look like it was custom made. So even if you buy a $10 coat, the additional tailoring cost still makes it cheaper than what you’ll find at most stores.
A basic black top or a short sleeve shirt: these are items you don’t necessarily want to buy if they need to be altered. But a coat? Now that’s absolutely worthy the alterations! Taking in the waist, shortening a hem, etc. can give you the perfect fit and make the coat look like it was custom made. So even if you buy a $10 coat, the additional tailoring cost still makes it cheaper than what you’ll find at most stores.
Can You Wear It With a Sweater?
It wouldn’t be winter without a few chunky knits. But those bulky pieces can be tough to wear under your outerwear if the coat is too tight. During my Salvation Army trip, I found this like-new trench coat. It was perfect, except for the fact it was a bit too snug and the material had little to no give. I knew I’d never be able to wear a sweater or pretty much anything other than a silky top with this coat. If the coat limits what you can wear with it, take that into consideration before buying. Sometimes I even wear a sweater when I’m coat shopping, just so I can see how the two will work together.
It wouldn’t be winter without a few chunky knits. But those bulky pieces can be tough to wear under your outerwear if the coat is too tight. During my Salvation Army trip, I found this like-new trench coat. It was perfect, except for the fact it was a bit too snug and the material had little to no give. I knew I’d never be able to wear a sweater or pretty much anything other than a silky top with this coat. If the coat limits what you can wear with it, take that into consideration before buying. Sometimes I even wear a sweater when I’m coat shopping, just so I can see how the two will work together.
Exactly Where Are You Wearing This?
This sounds obvious, but it’s not. If you’re in need of a coat to wear with your every day work gear, a floor length fur might not be the best option. Or if you live in a climate with sub-zero temps, a hooded parka might be a better pick over a peacoat. That’s not to say you can’t or shouldn’t buy the stunner coat you whip out on special occasions, but just make sure you’re being practical.
This sounds obvious, but it’s not. If you’re in need of a coat to wear with your every day work gear, a floor length fur might not be the best option. Or if you live in a climate with sub-zero temps, a hooded parka might be a better pick over a peacoat. That’s not to say you can’t or shouldn’t buy the stunner coat you whip out on special occasions, but just make sure you’re being practical.
Bring a Belt or Other Accessories
In Looking Fly on a Dime: How to Find Fabulous Fashion at Any Thrift Shop & Make the Cheap Look Chic, I have an entire chapter devoted to how to style your thrifted finds while you’re at the store just so you can see the potential they have. When you’re on the fence about a purchase {I love the coat but not the neckline or the material swallows my shape up!}, play around with it for a while and see if a few accessories can change the look. If you don’t like the neckline, will a scarf looped around your neck change the look {here are a few ways to tie a scarf!}? Or will a thin belt help define your waist with a puffer coat? Before totally ruling something out on first glance, give it a chance and see if might become a new favorite in your closet.
In Looking Fly on a Dime: How to Find Fabulous Fashion at Any Thrift Shop & Make the Cheap Look Chic, I have an entire chapter devoted to how to style your thrifted finds while you’re at the store just so you can see the potential they have. When you’re on the fence about a purchase {I love the coat but not the neckline or the material swallows my shape up!}, play around with it for a while and see if a few accessories can change the look. If you don’t like the neckline, will a scarf looped around your neck change the look {here are a few ways to tie a scarf!}? Or will a thin belt help define your waist with a puffer coat? Before totally ruling something out on first glance, give it a chance and see if might become a new favorite in your closet.
These are just a few tips to keep in mind when thrift shopping for a winter coat. You clearly don’t have to empty your wallet to find a warm, statement coat this season.
Informal Meetup Alert: If you’re in the NYC area and need an affordable winter coat, Saturday, December 6 is the final Salvation Army coat sale of the year. In the past I’ve found furs, leather trenches, a $2 DSquared parka and countless wool coats. Check out this post to see how to shop the Salvation Army coat sale. I’ll be at the sale in the morning, so if you see me, please say hi and I’ll even help you find some coats or dish out a bit of fashion advice {if you need it}!
Have you found your winter coat yet? What tips do you use to find a winter coat at the thrift shop?
Andrèa Christine
Posted at 15:33h, 01 DecemberLoving the advice! I’ve been keeping my eyes peeled for a fabulous fur coat at a thrift store.
Looking Fly on a Dime
Posted at 16:29h, 02 DecemberAwesome, so glad the advice was helpful!
Shannon
Posted at 14:45h, 02 DecemberI love my thrifted coats! I never buy retail. There are so many pieces of clothing floating around in the world already – no one should ever have to buy retail for most things! Good idea to wear a sweater when coat shopping. Some things are easy to fix like buttons or adding a belt. I probably have too many coats but I love them each in their own way.
Looking Fly on a Dime
Posted at 16:30h, 02 DecemberI so agree. Thrift stores pretty much have everything you need. It’s just a matter of finding it!