Thrift Tips for Finding Trending Summer Accessories

I know as much as anyone that thrifting can be some of the best retail therapy methods out there. It is cost-efficient, good for the environment, and super fun! But let’s be honest, it can be so stressful when you do not find anything or do not know what to look for—especially when it comes to accessories. Here are some of my biggest tips to find the trendiest accessories at your local thrift store, and a look at some of my personal favorite thrift accessories!

Open Mind, Open Mind, Open Mind

We all know that when combing through the racks at your local thrift, you cannot expect to find exactly what you’re looking for. Whether it be a cute new purse to go with your new pink suit, or a pair of sneakers to fit your model-off-duty style. So go in there with an open mind, and try to find new, fun accessories that you might not even have in you’re wardrobe. For example, I have never really been a scarf person, besides when I have to bundle up in the winter of course. Recently, I have been finding really cute summer scarves at my local Savers, and I can’t get enough!

These are just 4 of the many scarves I have found at the thrift. The orange one on the top right is a sarong that I scored for only $2. It has pink floral detailing and is super breathable for this summer season. The 70’s funky printed scarf is definitely my favorite, and I got it for only $1. The Hannah Montana-inspired scarf is the newest scarf in my collection. I paid $2 for it and cannot wait to style it in various ways this summer. Finally, we have my white and green paisley scarf that started it all. I got this scarf last summer for $3 and I wear it all the time.

LOOK everywhere FOR BRight colors

It is normal for some people to gravitate towards bright colors when looking for a new shirt and a cool pair of pants, but I always suggest looking for colors when you’re in the shoe section, and of course, the bag section! We all know that a staple black bag is essential, but experimenting with color can take your wardrobe from drab to fab in a heartbeat. If you are a die-hard fan of wearing all black everything—cool—but try adding a pop of pink in your shoes, or a pop of green with a bag. I have always been a fan of color, but I have been obsessing over pink and orange lately! So much that I had to get myself a pair of heels- in both colors! I also found two bags that are literally the cutest!

These orange kitten heels are reminiscent of the slippers I use to wear when I was younger! They are so cute and so unique and fit in with the Y2K aesthetic that has resurfaced in recent trends. I got them off of Depop for $20. The gorgeous Kenneth Cole hot pink kitten heels were only $5! They have the cutest flower on the top that is just perfect for a summer day out!

Ok, let’s take a moment to appreciate these vintage gems. The green Juicy Couture daydreamer is my most recent thrifted bag. It was only $10! This green color is perfect for both spring and summer, and I cannot wait to wear it out. The pink Victoria’s Secret bowler bag was only $2 and literally brand new!

shop every section of the thrift store.

Every time I go to the thrift, I always make sure to double-check every section so I don’t miss out on the good stuff. Before I became an avid thrifter, I never checked the sunglasses rack and boy was I missing out. Don’t forget to check every single section no matter what you're looking for, because you never know what you will find! I have over 20 pairs ofthrifted sunglasses. Here are some of my favs.

Finding different colors to match each outfit is essential to elevating any summer fit. These are the top favorites in my collection. The 4 at the top are all very 60s’ and 70s’ inspired, while the bottom 2 are definitely Y2K inspired. I paid no more than $5 each for all of these sunglasses, besides the blue lens and black-framed glasses. I got those on Depop for only $15.

You can never have too much jewelry

It may not be in everyone’s comfort zone to shop secondhand jewelry, but in order to find cute and unique pieces for a good price, we have to be open to try new things! You can find earrings, rings, bracelets, and other cool jewelry pieces at the thrift for as little as 50 cents.

These jewelry pieces can be good as new as long as you sanitize and clean them after buying. Fashion is supposed to be risky and fun. By thrifting cool and unique jewelry you’re not only saving money and shopping sustainably, but you’re exploring new pieces that can add to your summer accessories. I have found so much jewelry at the thrift store, but here are some of my most worn and loved from my collection!

I love finding them at the thrift store because it’s like an adventure- I never know what to expect or what kind of rings I might find. The orange ring is the most worn in my collection and my personal fav.

Bracelets are always easy to find at the thrift store and I am so grateful that I have found so many good ones! The pastel color schemed pearl bracelet is my favorite because it is so beautiful and vintage!

Earrings are something I always pick up no matter what. I could be in the thrift store for only 20 minutes–which is rare— and still, make sure to pick up a new pair of earrings! These are just 5 of my favorite pairs that I have thrifted!

BE WIlling to take risks and experiment with your style

It is important that we do not limit what any garment/accessory can do, and how we can wear it! For example, a pair of gloves may seem too formal to wear with a casual outfit. But if you try mixing it up a bit, they can look good with a top and shorts, especially if they’re mesh or lace! I have not found any gloves at the thrift yet, but I am always on the hunt for a pair or two!

Well that’s it folks, my guide to thrifting accessories. It is not always easy, and you won’t always have the best luck, but I promise you you will have fun and learn new things about yourself and your style in the process. Make sure to bring your totes and run down to your local thift with an open mind—happy hunting.