Thrift stores are typically associated with second-hand goods and not style, but thrifted workwear is becoming the latest trend in stylish office attire in North America. No longer are professional looks confined to a pricey mall store; savvy fashionistas are now looking to the racks of thrift shops for their daily workwear. From vintage dress shirts, to classic khakis, to stylish blazers, the color of money is green – not gold – these days. So if you want to make a sartorial splash while still saving some bucks, find out how to curate thrifted workwear and get ready to step out in professional style.
1. The Growing Popularity of Thrifted Workwear
As environmental sustainability becomes increasingly important, thrifted workwear has been making waves in the fashion industry. Not only are thrifted clothes a great way to reduce the amount of waste we produce, they’re also great for creating interesting, unique looks.
The trend of wearing thrifted workwear is rooted in the idea of functionality and comfort. Thrifted workwear encompasses clothing that is timeless, practical and comfortable. From vintage overalls to perfectly broken-in jeans, thrifted workwear is often picked because it fits well, is no-fuss and looks cool.
This type of workwear also works for a variety of seasons and occasions. The appreciation of thrifted garments has grown over time, with people favoring relied-upon staples, such as chinos, button-downs, tailored blazers and work boots.
The beauty of thrifted workwear lies in the individual pieces, that great well-worn vintage piece of clothing that no one else has. Thanks to the second-hand market, clothes that would otherwise be discarded are given a second life and are able to be mixed and matched with other stylish items to create an interesting, one-of-a-kind look.
The combination of the comfort, functionality and style of thrifted workwear makes it a popular choice among modern-day workers. Whether you’re headed to the office or out for a casual lunch, there’s always a way to incorporate vintage pieces into an ensemble. With the help of thrifted workwear, one can look good while helping the environment.
2. Harnessing the Power of the Second-Hand Market
The second-hand market can offer huge potential when it comes to finding great bargains and unlocking previously unavailable brand name items at a fraction of the price. You really don’t need to pay full price for quality products, many of which can still be found in excellent condition.
Having the wherewithal to take advantage of the second-hand market is one of the smartest moves an individual could make. Here are just a few of the benefits you can get access to:
- Major price reductions: Second-hand items tend to cost significantly less than their brand-new counterparts. You may even find items in mint condition, for a fraction of the cost!
- Wide selection: With the myriad second-hand stores in today’s marketplace, it is possible to find items from various periods. Whether you are looking for antique jewelry or something from the 1950s, chances are you can find it in the second-hand market.
- Better quality: You can be sure that you will be purchasing something made out of quality materials, as with second-hand items comes a certain level of expectation. Many people make sure they carry out proper evaluations before selling off their older items.
Savvy shoppers can also use the second-hand market as an opportunity to find items that are no longer produced. This is especially useful to those who are fans of specific discontinued or vintage items!
The second-hand market is also ideal for those who are looking to get rid of unwanted items. By selling off your items, you can turn them into cold hard cash. As long as the items are still in decent condition, there is sure to be someone willing to purchase it.
With a little patience and research, you can easily get the most out of the second-hand market. It is definitely worth giving it a go – you just might be surprised by the great deals you can find!
3. Sophisticated Style for the Office: Thrifted Workwear Tips
Work dress is often seen as one of the main contributions to one’s office style and that doesn’t mean you need to shell out for designer labels. Simplicity and sophistication can be achieved even when you shop thrifted! Here are some tips for putting together thrifted pieces that express your sophisticated yet budget-savvy style in the office.
Invest in quality pieces. This is the first step in creating a wardrobe that looks high-end. Look for classic pieces with quality fabric, structure, and construction. Well-made items often last longer and that goes a long way in making sure your style looks put together when you step into the office.
Layer pieces carefully. Layering is a great way to create a stylish outfit. But when layering with thrifted pieces, make sure the colors and materials are complementary. Layer with different textures such as sheer silks, wool crepes, and tweeds for a modern look that reads high-class.
Look for unique pieces. Thrifting is perfect for finding one-of-a-kind pieces that will stand out in the office. Look for statement pieces such as blazers with embroidered collar details, skirts with geometric cuts, and blouses with exaggerated silhouettes for added impact.
It’s all in the details. Accessories can make or break your look. Be sure to accessorize, don’t leave your outfit looking too plain or boring by adding tasteful accessories that add the right touch of sophistication. Try a timeless watch, tote, or scarf to liven up neutral pieces.
- Invest in quality pieces
- Layer pieces carefully
- Look for unique pieces
- It’s all in the details
Creating a sophisticated look for the office doesn’t mean breaking the bank. Shop around for quality thrifted items and put together looks that will have you looking polished and put together without breaking your budget.
4. Have Fun, Look Professional: the Joy of Thrifted Workwear
When you look professional at work, it can be expensive. But it doesn’t have to be. You don’t have to pay top-dollar to keep up with the trends. In fact, you can be stylish and frugal by thrifting your workwear. Here are four ways to make thrifting your new go-to for stylish and professional workwear.
1. Shop Seasonally
Go thrift shopping around the two major times of the year when it may be likely that people have recently cleaned out their closets. This includes right after Christmas, when present-receivers may be looking to unload clothing items, and spring, when many people are looking to refresh their wardrobe for the new season.
2. Buy Quality
Don’t go into the thrift store looking purely for deals. Yes, you should always be looking for value, but don’t be afraid to invest the extra money if you find something that is very high quality. It is the quality of the garment and the way it will last that will make thrifting a worthwhile endeavor.
3. Tell Your Friends
Word of mouth can be powerful when it comes to thrift shopping. Tell your friends and family about the great deals you find and it may encourage them to check out the thrift store for their next purchase. By doing so, you can go thrifting together to make it a fun outing and find some really unique items.
4. Have Fun
Finally, don’t forget to have fun with it! Thrift shopping is a great way to find creative and stylish workwear that you otherwise wouldn’t be able to find through regular shopping. Take the time to check out the racks and mix and match different pieces to create new and distinct looks. And at the very least, if you don’t find anything, it will still be an adventure.
The debate over what qualifies as workwear continues, and how you should dress for the office has many approaches. Thrifting for work-ready clothing gives us the opportunity to find timeless, stylish styles without the hefty price tag. With the help of thrifted workwear, you can bring professionalism, comfort, and trend-setting style to your office environment.
