Anyone else willing to admit they have champagne taste? I know I’m guilty and everyone who knows me well will back that up! But the thing is, the other part of the saying about the beer budget has always been true for me too. I started thrift shopping in high school when I realized I wanted to wear name brands but didn’t have tons of money to spend. And that, my friends, is where my love of Goodwill was born.

Outfit Details: Elle tank, thrifted skirt, thrifted bag, Stella & Dot hoops & bracelet, Maypool shoes

1. Come with a thrift shopping list

It’s always good to keep an intentional shopping wishlist. (I keep mine in my Notes app on my phone!) Each time you’re standing in your closet and think something like, “I really wish I had a ______ or more______,” add that item to the list. Shopping becomes simpler when you know exactly what you need. During this thrift shopping trip, I had skirts and a new summer bag on my list, which made these pieces instant wins.

Outfit Details: Thrifted top, thrifted bag, Stella & Dot skirt/dress, hoops & bracelet, Target sandals

2. Look for brand names you admire

One of the best things about shopping at Goodwill is finding brand-name clothing that may otherwise be out of budget. Keep an eye out for brand names known for style and quality. This oversize chambray button-up is by Tommy Hilfiger and I scored it for $7.99.

Outfit Details: Thrifted dress, thrifted bag, thrifted belt, Stella & Dot earrings & bracelet, Target sandals

3. Focus on colors and styles you love wearing

Some of the feedback I hear most from people about shopping at Goodwill is it can be “overwhelming.” And while, yes, there is a lot of merchandise in every store, the clothing is sorted by type and color. This makes it super easy to zero in on the pieces on your wishlist. If you never wear yellow, skip the yellow section! If you don’t need any more jeans, don’t even go near the denim. Focusing on what you are naturally drawn to is the easiest way to find clothing you love. One of my favorite colors is pink and I wear dresses almost daily, so this dress immediately grabbed my attention.

Outfit Details: Thrifted dress, thrifted bag, thrifted belt, Stella & Dot earrings & bracelet, Maypool shoes

4. Forget about size (sort of…)

You heard me. Don’t focus as much on the size label when shopping at Goodwill. Because you’re looking at a variety of brands, the sizing will not be consistent. I recommend instead looking for a piece that catches your eye, gauge how it looks on the hanger and then try it on. But here’s the thing… Notice I didn’t say, “Forget about fit.” Once you get an item into the dressing room, if the fit is way off, it’s a “no.” However, don’t forget to be creative too! I fell in love with a navy T-shirt dress that was a little baggy but looks perfect with a belt. You can also have things altered if you find an amazing item that’s a tad big.

Outfit Details: (Left) Thrifted top, thrifted skirt, Kate Spade bag, Stella & Dot earrings & bracelet, Report shoes / (Right) Thrifted top, thrifted skirt, thrifted bag, Stella & Dot earrings, 14th & Union shoes

5. Consider all the ways to wear a piece before purchasing

No matter where I’m shopping, I have a set list of “smart shopping” questions I ask myself before buying something new. One of those questions is, “How many ways can I wear it?” When I found a burgundy skirt and noticed it would pair well with several other Goodwill tops I picked out, I was sold. You can feel even better about purchases you know are going to give you a ton of value for the money.