Over the past few years, I’ve made a concerted effort to primarily shop secondhand. In addition to it being one of the most sustainable shopping practices (in addition to shopping one’s own closet, clothes-swapping, etc.), a smaller clothing budget and fluctuating body size are among a few factors that contributed to this practice. I’ve had some amazing thrifting successes and also a few duds here and there, so I’ve put together this mini-guide so you can have more of the former and less of the latter.
Before I dive in, I want you to know that for this post I’m discussing shopping secondhand in a mindful way. This isn’t intended to shame fun, carefree thrifting (think movie shopping montages). If that’s your jam, keep jamming! Instead, I’ve geared this guide to an audience seeking to create a cohesive, beautiful, and practical wardrobe full of items they adore. I used to shop like that movie montage concept, and ended up with a closet full of pieces I felt lukewarm about – but I’ve changed my habits and now just about every item hanging in my wardrobe is a favorite.
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Oh, and I’m predominately writing about shopping in person today, as it can be a much more stressful event than shopping secondhand online, save for eBay auctions. If you’re interested in a companion post about tips for online thrifting, let me know in the comments! And if you’re local to Charlotte, don’t skip the last section, because I’ll share some of my favorite places to shop secondhand in the Queen City (by the way, all of the items pictured in this post were purchased secondhand here in Charlotte).
Okay – on to the guide!
TIPS FOR SHOPPING SECONDHAND
BEFORE YOU GO TO THE STORE
Shopping with a plan can help you create a wardrobe you love (and use daily!); here are a few tips to set you up for success before you leave the house:
Dress comfortably
Choose clothes that aren’t fussy, because you’re going to be taking them off and putting them back on a lot – especially if the shop places a limit on the number of items in the fitting room. This means skipping a belt, avoiding hard-to-button items, only wearing jewelry that won’t snag, and choosing slip-on shoes. I highly, highly encourage wearing separates to make it easy to try just one item on. Worried there won’t be a fitting room? Wear a tank top or cami. The only exception to this guideline is if you’re shopping for a very specific piece to pair with something in your current wardrobe (say, a top to pair with a skirt and shoes you already own), then of course that’s what you should wear to the store.
Remove heavy makeup
Have you ever picked up a beautiful, white silk top, only to find it smeared with lipstick? Don’t be the person who causes that to happen.
Have a snack beforehand
I can’t be the only one who gets terribly distracted when I’m hungry. Eating a snack before you shop can do wonders for your mental clarity and your mood. Along these same lines, be sure you’re hydrated, too (but not too hydrated, as not all thrift shops have bathrooms).
Bring a reusable bag
Look at you, shopping sustainably! Bring your own bag to make it a full zero-waste experience.
Shop with a list
Some secondhand shops feel designed to spark sensory overload. Before you go, make a shopping list of your most-wanted items. Be as specific as possible when you can (i.e. “light-wash relaxed jeans”), but also note any broad needs, too (such as “dressy cold weather outfit”, which could be a range of items like dresses, jumpsuits, or a skirt/blouse combo). You should also know your weaknesses and add a section of DO NOT BUY items to your list (apparently my weakness is grey sweaters, which I don’t even really love wearing that often but have the most of).
Choose the right store for your needs
This seems like a no-brainer, but it’s not talked about often enough. If you’re short on time, don’t visit a massive, unorganized thrift store. Instead head to a smaller, carefully curated consignment shop. If you’re short on cash but flush with time, then dive right into that warehouse-sized charity shop.
Shop when the store is less busy
Don’t waste time struggling to reach the racks or waiting in line for a fitting room; head to the store when you’ll have time to shop stress-free. I prefer to shop during the week, first thing in the morning, or an hour before closing.
Make sure you’re in the right mindset
Shopping when you’re sad, stressed, or anxious can often lead to an increase in those feelings. We know that a shopping high is only temporary, and often when we’re shopping as a “fix” we end up with buyer’s remorse. Take a walk, chat with a friend, phone your therapist – the store will be there tomorrow!
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WHILE YOU BROWSE
This is the fun part! But it can quickly get overwhelming. Here are my recommendations for shopping smart and keeping things on track:
Be realistic
Know your personal style, and what you will/won’t actually wear. It sounds simple, but this is a big deal. It’s easy to envision a future scenario where you might wear an ultra-fancy dress, but will that really happen? I recently read a tip (unfortunately I can’t remember where) that we should reflect on the past rather than the future when we shop to avoid aspirational purchases, as that’s a more realistic indicator. And of course, this is why you have that shopping list!
Check the price tag
Don’t even touch anything that’s out of your budget, as that statistically increases your likelihood of buying it. And on the flipside, be honest with yourself if you’re actually drawn to something, or if you’re mostly attracted to the price tag.
Don’t be a brand snob
Some of my favorite thrift finds are old fast-fashion pieces. Sure, a “better” brand name might have higher resale value, but you’re here to add pieces you love and want to keep to your closet. Look for quality instead.
Shop out-of-season
It will get warm (or cold!) again, so if a pair of sandals has been on your wish list for some time and you spot the perfect pair, go ahead and grab ’em – even if there’s currently snow on the ground.
Know what’s on your calendar
Is your cousin’s wedding in eight months? The best time to shop is now when you’re not stressed about it and can make a clear decision for your wardrobe and your budget. Better yet – consider keeping one or two outfits on hand for these expected events, so you’ll always be ready.
Don’t get too sidetracked
Secondhand shops can include decades of varying tastes in clothing, and it’s easy to get sucked in. One moment you’re shopping from your list, and the next you’re trying on feather boas and disco boots (and if those are items on your list, I’d love to be friends with you). If you have the time, this can be such a fun exploration of style – but if you don’t, it’s better to leave those pieces in place.
Check the inner tags
Not just for size (which is actually kind of irrelevant), but for the fabric composition. When given the choice, I will always choose natural fibers over synthetic, but I’m okay with secondhand synthetics. But chosen fabric can also be a good indicator of how well a garment is constructed. If they put the effort into sourcing cashmere, silk, etc. then the garment is more likely to hold up well over time. While you’re there, check out the garment care instructions, and decide whether you’re willing to honor or defy them confidently.
Look outside your section
Clothes get put back in the wrong spot all the time. Even if you’re shopping at a well-organized store, peek through other size ranges for out-of-place garments (psst… the ends of each rack are a hotspot for this).
Don’t skip the athletic wear and shoes
I used to be squeamish about these two categories until I realized that there are so many brand-new pieces in these sections. Look for hang tags from the manufacturer on workout clothes, and flip the shoes over to check the soles. It’s usually pretty obvious if they’ve been worn.
Check for obvious flaws
You’ll have more time to comb over each garment in the fitting room, but don’t waste your time trying something on with a huge stain or hole.
Try a trend (if you have time)
Curious about a new trend? They cycle so quickly these days that there are likely already some pieces in your local secondhand shops. This is a really low-stakes opportunity to try something different in the fitting room (again, just make sure it’s not out of budget!).
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IN THE FITTING ROOM
This right here is the moment of truth: Do the pieces fit? Not just "Does it zip?" - but do you like them on your body today? How is the quality for real, now that you have a moment to yourself to scrutinize every stitch and seam? To maximize your time in the fitting room and to answer these questions with clarity, you'll need to approach this time a bit strategically:
Try on items by category
Choose a garment category to start with, and try on all of the items in that category before moving on to the next. I personally like to start with tops, and then move on to dresses/jumpsuits, and end with pants. This reduces the amount of time you’re spending getting dressed and undressed and dressed again – and is extremely helpful when you have to make multiple trips to the fitting room if there is a limit on the number of items you can try at once. Of course, if you’re planning to wear two pieces together, try them on together! Stay organized with the hooks or bars provided (I place my “Nos” on the left and my “Yesses” on the right) to help you exit quickly when you’re finished.
Really check the fit
“Almost perfect” can be okay if you are willing to tailor it to perfection. But be brutally honest, because you deserve to feel good in your clothes (and remember – if the garment doesn’t fit, it’s the fault of the garment, not your body). Note how it clings or skims the body, and check for any strange bulging or gaping.
Skip the fussy
Unless you’re shopping for those twice-a-year outfits, skip anything that’s too difficult to put on or take off. You definitely won’t reach for an item with a zillion buttons while running late for work. While you’re considering this, give the zipper some good tugs. Does it feel secure? Does it slide easily, or does it get stuck at a horizontal seam?
Move around
Sit, squat, bend over, and walk around. How does the garment move with you? Are you tugging it back into place? Are you comfortably able to sit down or pick things up? While you’re doing this, also turn around and peep the garment from all angles. Unfortunately, what looks great from the front doesn’t always look good from the back (looking at you, tiny back pockets).
Consider what goes underneath
Thankfully many types of clothing can be worn without special undergarments, but some garments look better with underwear in your nude tone or with a stick-on bra. Do you have those sitting in your drawer at home? Now is also a good time to mention that you should be noting how sheer these clothes are, too. One easy trick: tuck a dark top into the white pants you’re trying on, and see if you can detect the color underneath.
Note the damage
Check for stains, holes, pilling, ripped seams, odors, or other imperfections. Can you remedy these on your own or with the help of a professional (and are you willing to)? Or is it a lost cause?
Consider what you already own
If you’ve shopped off-list, consider how the piece you’re trying on meshes with the rest of your wardrobe (and your lifestyle). While not everything in your wardrobe has to match everything else, you should be able to quickly identify a few combinations using the piece you’re considering.
Know if you can change your mind
What happens if you just fudge it up and regret your purchase? I’m hopeful that these tips will drastically reduce the number of times that this occurs, but hey, we’re all human (and I still do it too!). Ask the store for their return policy, and hang on to your receipt. But the ability to return something isn’t reason enough to buy something; don’t use this as an excuse to bypass shopping mindfully.
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AFTERWARD
You made it! Hopefully, your new garments are in heavy outfit rotation in their new home. But if not - if despite all of this, something isn't right - all is not lost. There are a few steps you can take to sustainably put an item back into circulation:
Return
Fingers crossed you noted the return policy at checkout, and can easily return the item to the store for a refund or store credit. If store credit is the only option, don’t lose the card!
Resell
If you’re not able to return the item, you can try to recoup some of the cost by reselling it. Sometimes you can resell it right back to the store where you bought it, or other times you may need to find a new consignment shop or sell it online via eBay, Poshmark, Depop, etc.
Donate
If your item can’t be quickly sold, consider donating. Lately, I’ve had some success in rehoming items in my local Buy Nothing group, which I vastly prefer to donating to a place like Goodwill (that way I know it is going to be used by someone who wants it). For workwear, check with local churches and universities to see if they have a program assisting people looking for jobs. And for formal wear, some high schools run donation programs so students can have access to clothes for their formal dances.
Alter or reconstruct
If the garment isn’t working for you overall but there’s a part of it you like (say, the top half of a dress, or the yarn of a sweater), you may be able to salvage part of the garment and make it something you love. That dress can be made into a top, or that sweater could be frogged and re-knitted. Sure, it’s a bit risky, but the money has already been spent, hasn’t it?
Give it a chance – and take care of it
Since the item is already in your home, why not give it a shot for a few weeks to see if it grows on you or serves a necessary purpose? If you find you really don’t want it, then let it go using one of the methods mentioned above. But in the meantime, be sure you’re taking care of it by laundering and storing it properly. That’s how you truly extend the life of a garment!
SECONDHAND SHOPPING IN CHARLOTTE
I’m still slowly thrifting my way around Charlotte (also, RIP to the Buffalo Exchange in Plaza Midwood), but here are a few faves:
CHARLOTTE THRIFT STORES
(places where you can find a bargain, but you may have to dig)
Value Village
Value Village | Multiple Locations
I like popping into this Goodwill-esque chain when I have time to really dig and look for hidden gems (they carry housewares, too). Note: the location I visit most frequently does not have fitting rooms and only offers store credit for returned items.
Goodwill
Goodwill | Multiple Locations
Even though I prefer not to donate my items here, I still browse the racks for inexpensive basics. Over time I’ve noticed that prices have risen significantly across all Goodwills, so I am pretty picky about only buying items that hold a high value for me. Note: the Charlotte-area Goodwills have closed their fitting rooms and only offer store credit for returns.
Salvation Army
Salvation Army | Multiple Locations
Almost always mentioned in conjunction with Goodwill, because the layout and quality of the products are more or less the same. I’ve only visited the one in Plaza Midwood once or twice, just when I was hunting for something super-specific. But this is a good reminder that I need to go back over and do some digging one day!
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CHARLOTTE CONSIGNMENT SHOPS
(curated and consistently good-quality clothing from a range of brands, often priced higher than standard thrift stores)
Thrift Pony
Thrift Pony | 1110 Morningside Dr Suite E, Charlotte, NC 28205
If you’re shopping with a group, Thrift Pony is my pick for all genders and styles. Never the same store twice, this Plaza Midwood spot has seen so much growth since it opened in early 2023. Expect a range of current brands, vintage finds, and funky tees.
2nd STREET
2nd STREET | 1401 Central Ave #103, Charlotte, NC 28205
If you could hear the sound I made when I saw signs posted up in Plaza Midwood that 2nd STREET was coming to Charlotte, well, you probably would have a. slowly backed away, or b. asked me if I was okay. So many cool designers are here, but I like to dig through the racks to find all the good values (pink leather jacket for $10? Silk tops for $5? Yes please.).
Uptown Cheapskate
Uptown Cheapskate | Multiple Locations
There are three locations of this chain in Charlotte (four, if you count LKN as Charlotte). The overall vibe skews early-twenties, but I’ve found plenty of Madewell, Everlane, and department store brands amongst the Shein and Forever 21. They also have a small section of designer clothing, if that’s your jam. Clothes are organized by garment type, color, and size – but the large selection means things get mixed around often. And while I have sold clothes here in the past, I should mention I don’t recommend the experience – the processing time always takes hours longer than stated (if they decide to accept any items for the day at all).
JT Posh
JT Posh | 2400 Park Rd #2a, Charlotte, NC 28203
This local shop bills itself as a “Luxury Consignment Boutique” but I place them at more of a J. Crew level with some high-end merchandise mixed in. I’ve found that this store feels a bit preppier than my style, but it’s a great choice for workwear and party wear. Note: this shop only carries women’s clothing/shoes/accessories.
Clothes Mentor
Clothes Mentor | 8120 Providence Rd #500, Charlotte, NC 28277
I’m so bummed the Clothes Mentor in Midtown closed, but I’m glad there are two others in the ‘burbs. The store layout is pretty similar to Uptown Cheapskate, but I feel like they do a better job of carrying clothing that spans a wider age range. Note: this shop only carries women’s clothing/shoes/accessories.
GW
GW | 3609 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28209
Technically a thrift store and not a consignment shop, but GW is Goodwill’s “boutique” edition and the selection is more in line with a traditional consignment shop. Located in Lower South End, it’s a quaint spot in a strip mall with a heavily edited collection of men’s and women’s items (there are some household items, too). If you’re local and new to thrifting, I encourage you to make GW your first stop. It’s small enough to be approachable, but big enough to feel like you’re really combing through the racks. Best of all, GW has kept its fitting rooms open and they accept the store cards issued by Goodwill for returns.
Planning a trip to the Queen City? You may also enjoy these other Charlotte posts:
- Shop Local: 10 Charlotte Shops You Should Know About
- Charlotte Weekend Guide
- 10 Great Meals in Charlotte for Under $10
- 10 More Great Meals in Charlotte for Under $10
- A Review of Every Charlotte Brewery
- 2024 Carowinds Guide
- Charlotte Restaurant Review: Kindred
- Charlotte Restaurant Review: Supperland
- Some of the Best Texas Barbecue is in This Tiny North Carolina Town
- A Romantic Staycation at the Dunhill Hotel
- Charlotte Packing List
- Every Essential Day Trip from Charlotte, North Carolina
What are your best secondhand shopping tips? Do you have any favorite local shops? Where should I go next?
