LoveBrownSugar's Guide to Thrifting Trends

 I'm sure you fashion lovers have already done your fair share of research regarding this season's hottest trends. From military chic to capes & ponchos down to mininalism, there's a trend to fit every personality this season. What I personally won't do is flock to the luxury department stores and load up on all these trends because 1) they might not be in style next season and 2) I want my pieces to be unique. This is where a good trip to your local thrift comes in handy! The pieces I get complimented most for are inevitably my vintage pieces, so I decided to compile my first Guide to Thrifting Trends. Shopping your local thrift can be intimidating but these tips should help you get a jump start in the right direction:

Military

Authentic Army Jacket, Thrifted

 Tip: No one army jacket is totally like another. Look for military pieces with unique detailing. Patches and buttons are a plus. Check closely for wear and tear around the sleeves, and for missing buttons or broken zippers. Check your local thrift shop or even army surplus stores for interesting options. And remember, don't leave home without trying these on!

Leopard

Leopard Wrap Dress, Thrifted

 Tip: Know what you're looking for. Animal print is a fairly easy trend to scour for at the thrift because the prints are so iconic, they ultimately stand out. If it's a blouse you seek, go to that particular section and only pick out options with recognizable animal print. Look for silhouettes that are versatile for the most wearability. Wrap dresses like the one above can easily be worn open for a loose, coverup feel. Major things to look out for: quality material. With vintage, stray away from cheap materials. You want something that will hold up to wear and tear. Especially with iconic prints, check for fading and excessive pulling of fabric.


Ladylike

Silk Button-Down Blouse, Thrifted

 Arguably the most fun trend to shop thrift! When it boils down to it, our predecessors were very ladylike, so there are tons of cool feminine pieces to play dress up in at the thrift. Tip: Tailoring is everything. There some amazing tweed suits, and blouses at the thirft but if they don't fit ust right, they'll look frumpy. Super important to try these on in store. Found this top that puts me in the mind of Chanel. Great material, romantic print and cute gold buttons. Ruffles and prints can be fun, but wear in moderation and pair with more updated basic classics for a well-rounded look.

Menswear

Don't be afraid to check the men's section ladies! Some of my favorite pieces have been picked up in that section. For curvy girls especially, you can find some pieces in the men's section thst give you just enough room for the baggy menswear effect without swallowing you up or making you look like you have no shape. Tricks of the menswear trade: scrunch, pull, tug, roll up! I easily transformed this flannel shirt from frumpy to fab just by rolling up the sleeves...

 Also important for meswear - mixing proportions. I would never wear two menswear-inspired pieces together. If I rock an oversized oxford, I'll wear skinny jeans or a mini skirt down below. If I wear boyfriend jeans, I rock a tighter silhouette up top. Balance and proportions are the way to go with menswear. Best menswear items to score thrft: Boyfriend blazers, plaid flannel shirts, and jeans!

Happy thrifting! LBS wants to know - what are your top thrifting tips? Post them below...

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