Ok, so to describe my clothing style would be to say I love the look of pricier clothing items without the hefty price tag. I enjoy pops of bold colors and fun prints, and at times even opt for a more simple put together look.
My work environment is business casual, so being able to wear jeans, a fun top, and flats, cute strappy sandals, booties or even wedges depending on the style is my jam.
Here’s the thing though, if you shop for cute blouses, sweaters or button ups typically you still pay a decent amount (more than $20) for just the one clothing item!
I love the hunt of thrifting and finding outfits for 1/4 of the price that practically looks brand new! This gives you the freedom to be bold with your choices and to not feel bad if you get tired of an outfit after a season.
Here are my tips for finding cute, chic business casual outfits that are perfect for work or even on the weekends.
1. Go To Goodwill’s Half Off Saturday Sale Or Savers Half Off Monday Sale
The half-off Saturday sale goes down every other Saturday and is a great time to be able to choose any item you find, as everything is half off! I have literally gone and found between 20 and 30 items at a time, averaging only about $3.00 per item. And I’m talking brand new blouses or sweaters. I alternate between the Goodwill and Savers sales.
TIP: Sign up for both Goodwill and Saver’s monthly newsletter to get coupons in your email. Also, Goodwill sends out a monthly coupon for 20% OFF on half off sale days on your ENTIRE purchase if you spend more than $25. I have saved soooo much more but using coupons too! Savings on top of savings!
2. Look For The Brand’s You Already Love
You will be pleasantly surprised that Goodwill has the brands I enjoy shopping for such as Target, Banana Republic, H&M and Loft to name a few. You have to be very focused during your search but you will spot your favorite brands that are practically new for pennies compared to what you would pay for it in store.
3. Be Very Intentional With Your Search
Come thrifting prepared to look for a particular find. This helps keep you in line with what you are wanting to find, ensures you don’t overspend every time you go thrifting and keeps your closet from spilling over with purchases that you only somewhat like rather than LOVE!
I would recommend creating a Pinterest board with what you are looking for and stick to it! Also, every day at Goodwill and Savers certain color tags are half off so stick to those colors to stay within budget.
4. Shop The Tag Of The Day
As mentioned above be strategic with your searches. Only buy the color tag that’s 50% off that day to always ensure half off items. Also as mentioned above go to Goodwill’s every other half off Saturday Sale and Saver’s has half off every Monday!
5. Shop Off Season
Everyone will be looking for the outfits that are approaching or are in season at that time. You will find some quality gems if you shop for winter outfits such as hoodies, sweaters, coats in the summer and vice versa. People aren’t searching for them so you have more options, and people getting rid of their clothes to donate typically get rid of seasonal items that don’t meet the need at that time of year.
6. Don’t Forget The Bags
Every single time I go thrifting I make a pass over at the handbags. I quickly scan the look of the bags to see if anything stands out. A cute tote for work or even a hands-free crossbody for the weekend.
Make sure to feel the bags as you browse. I love to feel for quality material and you will even be as lucky as to find 100% genuine leather bags for less than $10 depending on the tag and day of sale.
Don’t get too tied to brands when it comes to bags. I actually found a beautiful blush genuine leather tote for work for under $7 and had no idea who the brand was. But you better believe I was ecstatic when I researched it after leaving and found out it was really a $300 bag!
7. Try Bold Looks
8. Shop In Comfort
Make sure when you are putting in sometime thrifting you are both comfortable and are in clothes that you can get out of easily for the changing room. I tend to wear leggings and easy to remove shoes with a cross body bag to comfy and allow both hands for my searching. Sometimes you need to be really focused!
I hope these tips have helped get you both excited and ready to plan your next thrifting excursion.
