My 5 top tips for charity shop shopping

Imogen Bavinton

 

You may have never even thought that charity shops are an acceptable way of shopping but believe it, they are. As the prices of high street designers soar it can be pretty hard for the fashion conscious student to afford these brand

new clothes. So, here are my top tips for charity shop shopping! Hope you all find them useful.

 

Approach with an open mind

It’s easy to get put off just at the thought of charity shops, but there really isn’t anything shameful about buying clothes from one. I bet nobody would even be able to tell the clothes you bought from a charity shop were second hand once they’d been through the wash. (There is no denying it, charity shops do have that musty sort of smell about them!)

 

Visit the shops often

Unlike the high street shops, you may find that charity shops have new clothes in every day. You could go in on a Monday and find absolutely nothing you like but visit again on Wednesday and end up leaving with an armful of clothes.

 

Be prepared to look through the rails

There is zero organisation at charity shops so you have to be prepared to really search high and low if you want to find some bargains. There may be the perfect skirt hidden behind that hideous old coat you see. So never give up, carry on looking.

 

Appreciate vintage looks

To be fair, charity shops probably won’t have the newest collection from River Island or Topshop in the stores. What they do have however, is better in my opinion. Often you will find timeless, vintage items sitting right in front of you. Take this opportunity to buy things that will make you look unique and different from everybody else.

 

Just do it!

You should go into charity shops prepared to be adventurous. Just because you wouldn’t normally try on a long patterned dress doesn’t mean it won’t suit you. Don’t be afraid to try things on that aren’t in your usual size as well. A lot of the time some clothes look better if they’re a bit on the baggy or tight side.

 

Ever since becoming a student, charity shops have been my saviour. My favourite finds are the old vintage blouses that you can pick up for £2.50, yet if you went to a proper vintage store they’d probably be around £20.