Shopping secondhand is one of the smartest ways to refresh your wardrobe—whether you're trying to save money, discover unique pieces, or shop more sustainably. At Clothes Mentor, we see thousands of incredible items come through our doors every week, and our team knows exactly how to score the best finds before they’re gone.
If you’re ready to elevate your secondhand shopping tips and uncover the secrets the pros use, here are 10 insider thrift tips to help you build a stylish wardrobe on a budget.
1. Know Your Style Before You Shop
Secondhand shopping is easier when you have a sense of your personal style.
Are you into neutrals? Trend-driven? Classic silhouettes?
When you know what you love, you’ll avoid impulse buys and focus on finding pieces that work for your life.
2. Start with the Best Departments for Resale Shopping
Some sections consistently offer the biggest wins:
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Designer handbags
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Athleisure (Lululemon, Athleta, Vuori)
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Dresses
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Premium denim
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Shoes in excellent condition
These categories tend to have high resale value—and sell quickly.
3. Shop With an Open Mind
One of the best resale shopping strategies is staying flexible. You might visit for a pair of jeans and walk out with the perfect jacket instead. The fun of secondhand shopping is the thrill of the unexpected, so stay open to trying something new.
4. Check the New Arrivals First
Most Clothes Mentor stores add fresh inventory daily.
Make the New Arrivals rack your first stop—this is where you’ll find new-with-tags pieces, designer gems, and seasonal must-haves before other shoppers see them.
5. Learn Your Best Brands
Some brands are known for quality, durability, and fit. At Clothes Mentor, these labels often fly off the rack:
Knowing which brands hold up well makes your secondhand shopping even easier.
6. Try Everything On
Sizing varies widely from brand to brand—especially in secondhand fashion.
A pair of jeans that says one size on the tag might fit completely differently in another brand. Trying things on ensures you only take home pieces that feel great.
7. Look for Quality Details
Quality is easy to spot when you know what to look for:
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Thick, sturdy fabrics
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Fully lined pieces
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Strong stitching
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Real leather accessories
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Metal hardware instead of plastic
These small details can help you score items that originally retailed for much more.
8. Check Every Angle
Before you buy, do a quick quality check. Look at:
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Zippers
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Buttons
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Seams
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Underarms
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Hemlines
Clothes Mentor checks everything we sell—but it's still good practice to shop like a pro.
9. Visit Often for the Best Finds
Inventory moves fast, meaning every visit brings something different.
If you’re serious about fashion on a budget, stop in often—you’ll catch the newest pieces and the best deals before anyone else.
10. Set a Budget (and Stick to It!)
Secondhand prices make it tempting to grab everything you love, but having a budget helps you build a thoughtful wardrobe. Focus on versatile pieces that:
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Mix and match
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Can be layered
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Transition between seasons
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Fit your daily lifestyle
You’ll walk away with a wardrobe that feels cohesive—without spending more than planned.
Mastering these secondhand shopping tips is the key to finding incredible deals, discovering high-quality pieces, and building a wardrobe you love—without stretching your budget. Whether you're searching for designer handbags, trendy athleisure, or classic everyday staples, Clothes Mentor makes it easy to look great while shopping smart.
