How To Add Thrifted Pieces to Your Wardrobe

I'm a fashion girly. Not in the way where I have a super curated, sophisticated style. Or where I even talk about fashion much online. But more in the way where I genuinely love clothes. I love all my clothes. This is why I have items I'm still hanging on to since 2016. Not because I miss being 23, but because I love everything I bought back then today, as much as I did then.

If you read my recent newsletter, you'll know that my family and I spent a few days in Taos, New Mexico last week. We were there for my MIL's 70th birthday celebration, and it was so much fun to be in a new state, a new town, and to explore.

On our first full day, I wore a bright green Sabo Skirt dress that I thrifted from Depop a few months ago. I used to shop at Sabo Skirt a lot before they transitioned from their fun, flirty style to a more sophisticated look that really isn't my style. But when I was shopping for some new pieces for my Spring and Summer wardrobe, I thought to myself how much I wanted some of those old Sabo Skirt pieces. So naturally, I went to straight to Depop where I instantly found hundreds of dresses that people were re-selling from their wardrobes. Which is where I found this fun dress!

When we were walking around Taos, I got SO many compliments on this piece. Which reminded me why it's so important to shop secondhand and find pieces that you truly love.

I check in with Depop every so often when I'm looking for certain things:

• Christmas sweaters

• Lightweight pieces for Spring and Summer

• Sold out tops that I can't find anywhere else

• Vintage pieces from early 00s

Here are some of my tips for adding thrifting pieces to your wardrobe and how to curate your personal style.

Thrifted blue sweater

Like What You Like

Whenever people ask me how I choose pieces, I always say the same thing - I just pick what I like. I don't worry about what's trending. I don't worry about color theory. I don't worry about anything other than do I like it/does it make me feel like a million bucks? With so many different trends popping up each week, we often feel so much pressure to fit in to whatever is popular at the time. Whether it's "old money" or "cottagecore" or whatever other trend, so many people rush to buy pieces to create a sort of costume to fit into each trending theme.

Check Secondhand First

Whenever I'm looking for some new pieces, I try my best to look at secondhand options first. I always check Poshmark and Depop for cute, seasonal items that have been pre-loved. I also like to frequent local secondhand shops like Buffalo Exchange, Crossroads, and Re-Love. If you want more luxury or expensive items, sites like TheRealReal and Vestaire Collective also have great options.

Thrifted Green Sweater from Depop

Think About Versatility

One of the most helpful questions to ask yourself while thrifting is: Can I wear this at least three different ways?  Versatility is key when building a wardrobe you truly love and actually wear. A statement piece is great, but even better if it can be dressed up and down. Maybe that funky blazer can be paired with jeans for a coffee date, worn over a dress for a dinner out, or even layered with a hoodie for a casual streetwear look. When you’re curating your personal style, think about how new (or new-to-you) pieces will play with what you already own. That way, your wardrobe feels cohesive—even if it’s built from a mix of decades and aesthetics.

Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment

Thrifting is the perfect low-stakes way to try something new. Want to see if you’re into wide-leg trousers or fringe jackets? Pick one up secondhand before committing to a pricey version. Because thrifted items are often more affordable, you can take more risks without buyer’s remorse. Some of my favorite pieces started as “why not?” experiments that turned into wardrobe staples. Give yourself the freedom to try things that surprise you.

Take Your Time

Building a wardrobe you truly love doesn’t happen overnight—and that’s a good thing. The best part about thrifting is that it slows down the shopping process. You’re not impulse-buying whatever the algorithm throws at you; you’re exploring, editing, and discovering. Some trips will be goldmines, others might be a bust. But over time, you’ll start to notice patterns in what you gravitate toward—and those patterns help define your personal style.

Thrifted Abercrombie strawberry top.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, curating your personal style isn’t about following rules—it’s about learning what makes you feel confident, creative, and comfortable. Thrifting adds a layer of fun and sustainability to that journey. So trust your gut, wear what you love, and let your style evolve with you.

Happy thrifting!