'Hidden Gems'

‘Hidden Gems’

How to … THRIFT

Many fashion-conscious people wonder how to achieve one of the latest trends of wearing cool, thrifted clothing to portray that vintage, chic look without feeling like you look like an outdated mess! However, the trick is easy! All you need to do is use your imagination and think outside the box. This doesn’t mean you have to change your personal style, however; mixing vintage with your modern wardrobe can result in a successful, unique ensemble you may have never thought of! Here’s a few simple tricks and tips on how to wear and style vintage clothing. You will be a pro in no time!

1. Start with the Basics

  The first step of thrifting would be gathering the basics. This means finding that old pair of denim levi cutoffs, that cool rugged leather jacket, a floral dress, and a graphic tee, just to ease yourself into the vintage world. 

2. Take Advantage of Layering

Mix casual with dressy by styling a crisp-cut, structured jacket on top of an old vintage floral dress for a perfect spring/summer look.

Layer a vintage army jacket over a basic plain tee and add a vintage patterned scarf for some extra flair.

Don’t be afraid to layer accessories such as multiple vintage necklaces for a cool summer rock and roll look!

3. Mix Vintage with Modern

If you are afraid of looking outdated, straight up feel uncomfortable wearing all thrifted clothing, or want to ease your way into the vintage world, try pairing your thrifted finds with new modern pieces. Maybe you have found a gorgeous pair of coloured culottes at your new favourite thrift shop… Why not dress them down with a simple basic tee you just picked up from the mall and some booties? Or even if you have found the coolest vintage summer dress, try pairing it with a new Levis denim jacket you just bought for spring. Or maybe you want to wear your new black cloak that you could pair with a vintage handbag to give off an edgy look. By mixing basic pieces you already have, or even new items you have purchased along with your vintage pieces, you will not feel like you are going overboard, just showing off the unique fashionista you are! 

4. Accessorize 

If you don’t feel ready to take on the full vintage outfit plunge, just simply add some old to the new by accessorizing… vintage style!  It is so easy to add small pieces such as a scarf, hat, or jewelry you find while on your thrift treasure hunt. Silk scarves can be worn around the neck and tied at the back alone with your current outfit to achieve that cool fabric choker trend. Or try adding a skinny vintage belt around your high-waisted denim pants and a plain white tee to perfect the minimal too ‘cool for school’ ensemble. Finally, keep an eye out for some awesome vintage jewelry. Jewelry never goes out of style, making it easy to wear pieces of vintage jewelry without anyone noticing the difference.

Lastly, never forget to be confident in what you're wearing! Even if you are at the beginning stage of your thrifting life and feel unsure, remember you look awesome and soon enough, you will end up finding yourself at the thrift store every week searching for more one of a kind pieces… at least that’s what happened to me!