Menswear: Adventures in Thrifting

 

I don't think I'll write in the third person any more. It was fun and different at first, but now I think it's a little alienating and makes writing tutorials and advice awkward.

It was my birthday a few days ago and I celebrated with my family. The next day I also celebrated by going on a thrifting adventure. I got up early, hit three charity shops and had the most remarkable luck. Minus the sweater tights, this entire outfit is thrifted. I started out looking for some menswear and found this small red Wrangler shirt. Men's cotton shirts are great for layering for several reasons:

• For some reason they're usually more comfortable than women's shirts (maybe it's the extra room to move).
• They're long enough for me (I've long arms and a long torso).
• Many of them have a little reinforcement on the collar to keep them sharp and in place (no ironing)!
• Men's cotton shirts are easy to find in great plaids.
• They're often low maintenance - toss it in the wash and dryer and it comes out the same shirt.

A foot or two down the clothes rack, I found this acrylic sweater. It was in excellent condition and I found the color and pattern charming. Visions of fireplaces in cozy ski lodges danced in my head.* (*Note: I have neither been skiing, nor been to a ski lodge, but I am prone to fancy while shopping. It's a bad habit).

I thought my luck had run out at the second charity shop, where I didn't find anything, but it came back at the Salvation Army thrift store. There I found this satchel, this forest green wool scarf and these ankle boots. I don't think I'll ever buy a pair of new shoes again. For one, although I've only resolved to buy charity shop or fair trade clothes since January 1st, I've decided that sort of resolution fits perfectly with my style. I plan to stick to this resolution next year too - and beyond. It's just a little thing I can do to be greener. For another, thrifting is an opportunity to own sturdy shoes that I could never afford new. I don't think these leather ankle boots were worn five times before somebody donated them to the Salvation Army Shop. I liked the look of them, but what sold me was trying them on. It was like walking on a cloud! 

I talked about luck a lot in this post, and thrifting does involve a good amount of chance, but I found this guide very helpful. I think three things made this expedition successful:

• Visiting the stores early and going to three in one day.
• Looking in unusual places like the menswear section.
• Seeking quality by examining the garments and looking at the labels (most garments were American made).

So how do you thrift? Do you have a favorite find from a thrifting adventure?

wrangler shirt/sweater/skirt/scarf/satchel/ankle boots: thrifted
wool blazer: vintage/thrifted

sweater tights: target