Nowadays it is easier than ever to participate in the current season’s fashion trends, and the best part is that it can be inexpensive as well. Through the art of second-hand shopping, fashion lovers can dabble in new styles while also eliminating high costs. Thrift stores and consignment shops offer reasonably priced items which are also high in quality. Stores drop prices so significantly simply because the items have been worn a handful of times previously, or have sat in someone else’s closet (some pieces still have the original tag attached). These stores allow customers to sell or trade in items that they may no longer have use for, or get wear out of. Second-hand stores can be hit or miss; however by sifting through the many items that the store has to offer, you are likely to find something worth the price.

Bo’s Attic in Port Monmouth, NJ, is one great example of a local second-hand store and consignment shop. This store offers a wide variety of merchandise including a large selection of clothing and shoes. Items are kept in very good condition and the prices are very reasonable.

Randi Packard, a New York fashion brand consultant with experience in the world of luxury and contemporary fashion markets, explains that it is always important to check for stains and odors on garments, and not risk money to try and remove them. Packard discusses how she learned this lesson the hard way with the worst second-hand purchase she has ever made: “[it was] a vintage Yves Saint Laurent navy linen dress that was gorgeous and fit perfectly but had underarm stains and body odor that I thought I could have removed with a good dry cleaning it never went away and I had to toss the dress.” Packard also advises shoppers to consider the price of tailoring before buying an item; the price of alterations could ultimately be more expensive than the price of the piece itself therefore making the transaction unsatisfactory. Packard’s last form of advice for second-hand shopping is to “always bring the item you buy straight to the dry cleaner before bringing it home. You don’t want to deal with the nightmares of moths or worse bed bugs at a vintage store.”

Packard also gave insight into her favorite rising trends for Fall 2017. She mentions pointy toe ankle booties, white is a big color this season: Packard says “the good news is you can have it dyed next year to black,” tops with ruffle detailing, oversized moto jackets, and anything in the color red. Packard also specifies, “My favorite trend this season is velvet! From boots to overcoats. Could also be a simple velvet glove. The texture looks rich and decadent but can also be worn casually, a velvet tee and jeans.” Luckily, many of these trends are available at thrift stores. The majority of these styles are vintage which is popular among second-hand shop items.

The “good news” is that it is definitely possible to achieve a trendy style for this upcoming season without having to spend a fortune. Thrift stores carry a wide variety of trends, styles, and one-of-a-kind items that can amp up your wardrobe. By entering a second-hand store with an open mind, people allow their creativity to flourish and become susceptible to new styles and unique items that they can add to their collection.