Being in college can be intimidating style-wise. Everyone seems so put-together and trendy. It’s easy to feel like you need to up your game. Good news: it’s much easier to do than you’d expect. Second-hand shopping is your saviour, and these five tips will help you master the art of curating your dream wardrobe.
Know what you’re looking for
Just as you would make a list for grocery shopping, make a wish list for second-hand shopping. There is inspiration everywhere: on campus, on social media, even in the TV show you’re currently binge-watching, so keep your eye open. Pinterest is your best friend. Make a board for all of your fashion inspiration and go find common threads. There’s no guarantee that you will find everything you want, but this is a great tool to help you achieve your desired look!
Know where to go
A key aspect of buying second-hand is knowing who to buy from. The beauty of Halifax is that we have access to an impressive selection of vintage and thrift stores. If you are looking for curated vintage pieces, Zealous, The Loot and Lost & Found are the places to be. Pro tip: if you visit Zealous on Wednesday or Friday, the Metro Thrift Bus will be there! While these shops are great, they aren’t always cheap. Fret not, there are always good ol’ thrift stores. The Salvation Army on Strawberry Hill is one of the best around. They have a huge selection
and you are bound to leave with a new favourite piece after every visit.
Don’t rush
Second-hand shopping is like a treasure hunt. These stores are often overflowing with clothing. Your job is to find the gems that have been sandwiched between ripped skinny jeans and T-shirts with quotes about needing coffee. Allow a couple hours for your trip and take your time looking through everything. People will often hide their stashes that they have already sorted out in the most unlikely sections. Stumbling upon one is like hitting the jackpot. You don’t want to miss out on anything, so take your time.
Try everything on
Second-hand shops don’t accept returns or exchanges, so it’s important to know how everything looks before you buy. Make sure you wear clothes you can easily slip things over. These places rarely have dressing rooms. Try on everything in your cart and make sure you are only taking home items that you love. This also applies to pieces you typically would skip over. Look for interesting textures, colours and patterns and give them a shot. They may look odd on the hanger, but you may fall in love after trying it on. Remember to take risks and have fun!
Never skip the accessory section
Accessories can make or break an outfit. They can take something average and transform it into something unique. Check out the purses,
belts, jewelry, shoes, hats and scarves. These sections can be easy to overlook but usually contain some awesome finds that will be worth your while.
