Walking into an overstocked Salvation Army and leaving with a bag filled with fashionable treasures is an incredibly satisfying feeling. You’ve managed to find great pieces in the midst of utter turmoil and disarray. Thrifting is an art, but what is even more impressive is taking a thrifted item and making it your own.
What I consider to be the best part of thrifting is the ability to alter and customize the clothing you buy into a truly unique garment. You can take a long dress, cut it, and make it shorter. You can find something oversize and take it in. The opportunities for customization are endless, and because the prices of the garments are generally quite low, there isn’t much of a risk.
This Fashionista’s outfit is the perfect example of how to add personality and individuality to your clothes. She altered her coat by shortening the sleeves using a contrasting thread and customized the pocket flaps with a fun floral print (that has also been added to the coat’s cuffs) and beading. None of these details were incredibly time consuming or difficult to achieve, but they make all the difference. They give the coat personality and charm allowing the Fashionista’s individuality to shine.
So next time you’re thrifting, look for a garment that you could potentially alter and truly make your own. There are many options for customizing garments ranging from iron-on embellishments to putting on patches and beading. Details make all the difference, and if you put them in yourself the garment is sure to be an item that you not only love but are also proud to wear.
