Guest Post: Repurpose Thrifted Clothes

Creative Ways to Repurpose Thrifted Clothes

Hi guys! It’s Courtney again, from I Love Thrifting. I’m happy to be back guest posting for the Goodwill Industries of Central North Carolina!

Today, I wanted to talk about how to thrift creatively. When you’re browsing the racks at Goodwill, you might not find exactly what you’re looking for. That’s one of the reasons it helps to stay flexible in your thrifting strategy, willing to adjust your expectations a little and think outside the box. To that end, you might have certain sections you just always stick to. For years, I never strayed too far from the aisle of women’s dresses. Yet, I’ve grown to look at the entire thrift store as a well of opportunity and here’s why: With a little know-how and creativity, you can make just about any item work in your wardrobe.

Don’t believe me? Let’s take a look at three articles of clothing you might otherwise eschew on the rack, but can actually look great in the right setting and configuration.

1. The Menswear Wrap Skirt

My husband loves Goodwill for its vast selection of men’s professional clothing. While a suit or pair of slacks can set him back significantly if he buys them new, he’s found that he can often get clothes that are of equal quality at the thrift store, and save himself some time and headache in the process. I’d never really given that section much thought myself. After all, I’m usually too knee-deep in vintage shift dresses, floral skirts and semi-sheer blouses to really even notice what he’s doing.

However, menswear is totally on-trend at the moment and you don’t have to run out and buy a pinstripe romper to get the look. Hit up the button-down shirt aisle in the men’s section and you’ve got all you need, right there. Here is a simple way to turn a menswear shirt into an adorable front-tie skirt!

2. The Reimagined Office Cardigan

This little Goodwill find of mine has served me well. It’s arguably my oldest piece, as I got it the week I started my first full-time job, more than eight years ago. It’s picked and well-loved, but it’s still got plenty of life left. If you work in an office that’s constantly pumping the AC, you likely have one of these sitting on the back of your desk chair like I did. This style of cardigan, with the flowy, longer front panels, has been popular for years and for good reason. It’s comfy, forgiving and flatters any shape.

Maybe you’re ready to breathe new life into yours. Or, maybe you just picked up a new one at the thrift store and aren’t sure how to make it work for a variety of looks. Regardless, here is a simple way to amp up the style factor.

3. The Simple Skirt-Turned-Dress

Throughout the years, I’ve cultivated quite the collection of vintage and thrifted dresses from my local Goodwill. This beauty is a high-waisted, handmade stunner that I’ve worn with a denim crop top for years, always to many compliments. Yet, after two babies, my hips just weren’t the same. I left this skirt hanging in my closet for close to three years before I thought to repurpose it into a dress.

Now, I can go out in confidence and comfort, actually able to breathe in this item! If you have a thrifted skirt lying around that you’re tiring of, or one you’ve slightly outgrown, don’t give it away just yet. The same goes for a beautiful skirt you see on the rack at Goodwill. Even if it’s not exactly your size, if the pattern and fabric fit your aesthetic, there are ways to make it work. Here’s one of my favorite routes to take.

So there you have it! These three looks are unexpected, fresh ways to make a thrift store find work. The overall takeaway from this blog is to remind you that sometimes, the very best scores are hidden in departments you might not otherwise check. Even if you prefer feminine, dainty details, give the menswear aisle a glance. Want a little more bling than a typical cardigan can offer? Remember you can glam it up with a fancy bangle. Not big on skirts but love dresses? Check the skirt aisle for a pattern that catches your eye, then shimmy it up and belt it.

Want another fun way to change up the look of your most recent thrift store find? Check out my simple method to lighten up bold colors on clothing, helping you tone down that neon tank top to a more wearable, fashionable pastel.

Keeping these tips in mind, go out and conquer your local Goodwill! Remember, every 90 cents of every dollar you spend goes toward sustaining the nonprofit’s mission, including its employment and training programs. So keep your eyes peeled and think outside the box. The best ideas are usually born that way.