No thrift store will be alike. Some are very organized and split into sections that make it very easy for shoppers to identify what they do and do not want. However, there are some that fall on the messier side, which may require some serious digging to find those unique pieces everyone wants to have.

Don’t buy it if you don’t need it. Just because something is inexpensive doesn’t mean you need to buy it. That pair of overalls going for fifty percent off doesn’t make it a great buy if it is not something you would actually wear. Be aware of what you are picking up and before approaching the cashier ask yourself if you really need this item.

Don’t go in looking for something specific, the chances of finding it are slim. If you are going to the thrift shop in search of a red and blue striped sweater with sequins on it, you will most likely be let down. Try to go in with a general idea of what you are in search of and you should be fine. Otherwise, if you do the opposite and have no clue what you are looking for, you will be slightly overwhelmed by the amount of clothing surrounding you.

Not everything in a thrift shop can be pulled off. Sure, when shopping at a thrift shop people may go out on a whim and buy something a little different than what they would usually purchase. But when it gets to the point where you are buying go-go boots and strutting them down the street, you have taken it one step too far, literally.

Thrift shopping is an adventure, take advantage of it. Try and find all of the local thrift shops in your area, you are guaranteed to have a different experience each time you go. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t find something you love the first time, it takes a few trips before you get the hang of things and begin to find your niche when thrift shopping.

Now that you know how to go about the adventure of thrift shopping, go check out some of the thrift shops located right here in Ames–they have plenty of comfy sweaters and coats that will warm you up this winter! Happy thrifting!