22 Jan One Simple Tip to Cut Down on Thrifter’s Remorse

I recently did something I know I shouldn’t have. I thrifted a vintage dress, but once I got it home, I was kinda sorta not really loving it. I {may have?} only bought it because it was so different.

One of the reasons I prefer thrift shopping is because you find unique threads you wouldn’t get at department stores or fast fashion chains. But this reason can also lead to serious thrifter’s remorse. Here’s how to combat that!

Now, I don’t exactly hate the sequin dress. It was actually the last purchase I made in 2014 as part of Thrifty Threads 365 and the irony is I went over my monthly budget by $9 just to buy it. But if I really deliberated, I would have realized I was more in love with the idea of the dress, compared to actually envisioning how I’d incorporate it in my wardrobe. Maybe I’ll wear it on a glitzy night out, but I hate buying things with the idea of “maybe I’ll wear this one day…”

If you find yourself at the thrift store and you’ve picked a garment off of the rack because it’s so different and unique, ask yourself, “where will I wear this and how can I wear it at least four different ways?” Of course I’m not saying you should never buy statement making pieces, I’m all for that! But just make sure whatever you’re spending money on has a place in your closet and fits your lifestyle at that very moment.

For example: if you rarely go to parties or events, a ball gown might be a waste of money. It’s the equivalent of when women buy clothes that are too small, hoping they’ll be able to fit them one day. Your current purchase should fit your wardrobe and lifestyle today, not “one day.” Even if you just purchase a $5 dress here and there, that money can add up and result in money down the drain if the garments never see the light of day.

Doing this will seriously help cut down on spending unnecessary money at the thrift shop.

Have you recently purchased something you now regret? How do you combat thrift shopper’s remorse?