Tips for Secondhand Shopping
During my last trip to Rio, I stopped by a secondhand shop and found a few pre-loved treasures, and some great tips worth sharing.
(And yes, I like to call them pre-loved instead of secondhand. It just feels more special because these pieces already have a story.)
Here’s what I found and what I learned along the way:
A three-color cardigan in excellent condition. I love cardigans and wear them a lot! The colors are a bit cool for me, but I’ll balance that with the right pieces.
Tip 1: If you don’t recognize a brand at a secondhand shop, do a quick search on your phone. Check the price of a new one, this one was six times more expensive originally!
A knit duster in warm colors. When I grabbed it, I was surprised to see the tag: Zara! I usually don’t look for fast-fashion brands when thrifting, but I once read a great discussion about it, and the conclusion was yes: it’s better to buy it secondhand and make sure it will actually be worn.
Tip 2: When you’re shopping abroad, do a quick check online using Google Lens. I found this same piece listed at two U.S. resale shops for about five times more, probably due to currency differences.
A belt with tassels, which was actually the first thing that caught my eye. I love tassels and they’re trending now!
Tip 3: Know what you love, but also pay attention to what’s trending for the next season (or ask your stylist!).
And finally, one last reminder: just like during sales, don’t buy something only because of the price.
Whether new or pre-loved, the goal is to buy what fits your style, lifestyle, and wardrobe, and to enjoy every piece you bring home.
I’m happy to say that many of my clients also shop for pre-loved clothes. When I’m helping them with shopping during Style Bliss, we often include vintage and secondhand pieces that make their wardrobes even more unique and personal.
Hi, I’m Marcia Crivorot, a Personal Stylist based in NY. Once a month, I send newsletters featuring style tips, recommended brands, and a shopping guide. Unlock previous editions of my newsletters and receive my emails firsthand by subscribing.
Disclosure: Remember that I link products and companies based on their quality, my personal opinion, my experience, and my professional expertise. Some of the links in my posts are affiliate links, and if you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a small commission. The decision is yours, and whether or not you buy something is entirely up to you.