15 Aug National Thrift Shop Day – what to know before you go thrifting

Does August 17 mean anything to you?! Any special meaning? It’s National Thrift Shop Day. Yes, that’s actually a thing and it’s pretty awesome. It’s been almost eight years since I started blogging {sheesh!} and since then, the thrift shopping scene has certainly changed. It’s no longer taboo or “dirty” for people to shop secondhand. Instead, thrift shopping is now seen as an affordable, eco-chic way to upgrade your style.

Yes, some thrift store prices are getting a bit expensive. And that’s pretty annoying. But I’m happy to see people using thrift shops as a way to learn about their individual sense of style and embrace new-to-you garments.

Because it’s National Thrift Shop Day, that means you can find tons of savings at your local stores. Here’s what you need to know.

Whether you shop at major retailers like Goodwill, Salvation Army or Value Village or like the smaller mom and pop shops, National Thrift Shop Day is the time to pay a visit to your go-to stores. There are bound to be quite a few deals on select garments or color tagged items.

Also, this is the perfect time to score summer gear. Yes, I know summer is almost over. But you can absolutely layer a dress, tank or tee over your fall gear. And because the stores are trying to move this inventory, they’ll be greatly discounted.

But before you go to your local store for National Thrift Shop Day, here are a few things to keep in mind…

Thrift Shop Wish List
Before you step foot in a thrift store, I highly suggest having a thrift shop wish list. This is especially great if you’re new to thrifting. When you walk into a store blind, it’s easy to overspend and just start buying random stuff you don’t even like. For years I bought a bunch of “stuff” and it resulted in an overflowing closet. Make a list, check it twice and then hit the stores.

If You’re New to Thrift Shopping, You’re Probably Doing This Wrong…
Everyone has that friend who always says, “I never find anything at the thrift store!” And you know why that is? They’re probably making one of these thrift shopping newbie mistakes. It’s totally normal to strike out at the thrift store. It even happens to pros! But if you’re new to the thrift life, check out the post linked above to see what mistakes you’re probably making at the thrift store and how to rectify it.

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Thrift and Consignment Shop Online
One thing I’ve loved seeing over the past few years is the emergence of online resellers. Brands like thredUP, Swap and Current Boutique make it easy to buy previously loved but awesome garments online. The great thing about buying secondhand online is you can search for specific brands, shop by price and even size. Win!!! If you haven’t tried shopping on thredUP just yet, you can get $10 off your first thredUP order via this link.

Thrift Your Work Wardrobe with Ease
One of my fave ways to build up a work wardrobe involves hitting the local thrift shop. And you know why? That’s because you can find any wardrobe classic at the thrift shop. From button down shirts to classy a-line skirts to patent pumps, you can find them all. And for a fraction of the original cost. Your co-workers will have no idea your clothes just next to nothing, but they’ll clearly see how fly you are.

Styling and Cleaning Your Thrifted Clothes and Accessories
One of the questions I get from people is how do you clean your clothes once you bring them home from the thrift shop? Does everything have to be dry cleaned? What’s the best way to sanitize accessories? I delved into all of that in my book, Looking Fly on a Dime: How to Find Fabulous Fashion at Any Thrift Shop & Make the Cheap Look Chic. Also, when it comes to incorporating thrifted finds into your existing wardrobe, all you need are a few style tips. I dish on all of that in the book. You can get your copy here.

And if you find any amazing pieces at the thrift shop, feel free to tag me on Instagram {@PatriceJWill}. I can’t wait to see your thrift store scores.