How to Thrift Your Dream Winter Wardrobe

Hello, darlings! 🌟 Although we’re still soaking up the last golden moments of autumn, it’s the perfect time to start planning your winter wardrobe. Why? Because now is the best time to thrift ahead and build the dreamy, one-of-a-kind closet you’ve always envisioned.

As many of you know, I’ve been thrifting for over 20 years. It’s been my go-to way to create a wardrobe that’s uniquely me—one that doesn’t look like everyone else’s. Thrifting lets you explore different styles, experiment with your look, and stay within budget. What’s not to love?

So, let’s chat about how you can thrift strategically and finally curate the winter wardrobe of your dreams.

Table of Contents

How to Thrift Your Dream Winter Wardrobe

Set a budget

The most underrated thrifting tip? Set a budget! When I was paying off my student loans, I created a separate account just for thrifted clothing to stay strict with my spending, while focusing on paying down debt.

It’s a practical way to make your money work for you, not against you. Plus, even with $100 (for the season) at the thrift store, you can score so much—and it pushes you to be savvy, cutthroat, and hunt for the best deals.

Head to Pinterest

Here’s my secret weapon for thrifting: Pinterest! I have so many private boards to guide my shopping journey, and they’re a game-changer. Before heading into a thrift store, I scroll through those boards and think, “What am I on the hunt for today?” It’s such an easy way to stay organized and avoid getting sidetracked by items I don’t need.

This year, I’m focusing on skirts—short, medium, and long. The pins below are what I’m aiming for. Will I find those exact pieces? Probably not, but I’m confident I’ll find something similar to pair with the tops already in my wardrobe. I’m also hunting for short cardigans and long, cozy ones, too. Even though long cardigans aren’t “trendy” right now, I say screw the trends—get what brings you joy!

What to shop for this winter

Coats! – The perfect time for winter coat shopping is right now.
Skirts
Jeans
Sweaters
Ski wear/sports wear
Boots
Christmas decor
Christmas ugly sweaters 🎄

Scout nearby thrift stores

Don’t limit yourself to just one thrift store—branch out! Explore different areas near you and even thrift while traveling. Each location has unique treasures you won’t find elsewhere. On a recent trip to Dublin, I visited a few charity shops and found a beautiful British sweater—something I’d never come across back home in Seattle. Now, it’s not just an eco-friendly addition to my wardrobe but also a special souvenir that brings back memories every time I wear it.

Pro tip: Hit up thrift stores during off-hours, like lunch breaks or quieter times. Fewer people mean less competition, more time to browse, and a better chance at snagging freshly stocked gems straight from the bins!

Be patient and cutthroat

Another big tip for new thrifters: patience is key. I know, it’s tough! But trust me on this—don’t just buy things because they’re cheap. This is how the dreaded “I have nothing to wear” moments happen (when you buy without considering how it fits into your overall wardrobe). If you’re on the hunt for something specific—say, a red blazer or a plaid one—you might have to look for a while. It needs to be the right size, the right tailoring, and maybe even the right button.

It’ll take time, and you might not find it this season, but don’t give up! Keep your eyes on the prize, and be cutthroat about only buying items that truly elevate your wardrobe. Patience pays off!

Don’t just check the thrift store

Other places to find the items you’re looking for:

eBay – my favorite place to shop secondhand for clothing, fabric, yarn, and machine parts.
Offer Up
Next Door
Facebook Marketplace
Craigslist
Posh Mart – though expensive due to shipping charges

If you love it, buy it

Here’s the cardinal rule, darlings: if you don’t love it, don’t buy it. You’ll never wear it, and you’ll regret it. Only invest in pieces that truly work with your current wardrobe or ones you’re determined to incorporate into your new vision.

For example, my wardrobe is flowy and eccentric—just like me! But for work, I’m on the hunt for unique blazers that fit my style while still looking professional. It’s a tough balance, and I’ve left many blazers behind because they didn’t feel right. No regrets! If I’m not excited to wear it, it’s not worth taking home. Plus, by leaving it, I’ve left room for the perfect piece to come along—and someone else gets to love the item I passed on. It’s a win-win!

Mending and upgrading

Last but not least—sometimes you’ll find an item that’s a little outdated, but you can see its potential. Maybe it just needs new buttons, or a tear you can mend, or even a bleach stain that you can re-dye. Finding the perfect piece often takes a little creativity.

This is a more advanced tip, but keep it in mind when you spot something you love that’s not quite 100%. Tailoring is your friend and my secret weapon. If you have an ounce of sewing skills, you can easily fix something up. I recently hemmed a pair of jeans for my friend’s husband—he wasn’t wearing them because they were way too long. That’s money wasted! Fix the jeans, and you get your money’s worth. So, get crafty and creative, it’ll take you a long way.

Thanks so much for reading, my friends. I hope you found something lovely and useful out of this bog post today.

Wishing you the best of luck on all of your thrifting trips this winter season.