Thrifting can be thrilling, no doubt about it. Finding a pre-loved piece that’s also one of a kind? Pure magic. It’s also a smart way to test the waters of a buzzy trend—like zebra print or metallic pink—without diving in too deep. (Fashion is circular, after all.) But scouring shop racks and second-hand sites is not for the fashion faint of heart. Snag our best thrifting advice, fave search terms and allll the freshest inspo for styling your new-to-you finds.
Pastel Crush
Our thrift store wish list:
A-line mini dresses
Vintage yellow kitten heels
Creamy eyelet tops
Smocked maxis
Even better thrifted:
Levi’s jeans
Converse sneakers
Frye boots
Aviator sunnies
Carhartt jackets
Dress, $35, Zara. Sweater, $155, Sandro Secondhand. Sandals, $3, Zara Pre-Owned. Green dress, $70, Faithfull the Brand on Poshmark. Gingham pants, $120, Sandro Secondhand. Bag, $72, Rhode on ThredUp. Cardigan, $225, Maje Secondhand. Sunglasses, $8, Aire on Housing Works. Yellow heels, $108, Mansur Gavriel on The RealReal.
High shine
Your second-hand search terms:
Metallic Chelsea boots
Shiny leather mini
Silver-coated high-rise jeans
Vintage horsebit loafers
Second-hand apps to try:
Poshmark
ThredUp
Depop
Vestiaire Collective
The RealReal
Mercari
Crop top, $14, ThredUp. Metallic shorts, $150, Ba&sh Secondhand. Skirt, $14, Unbranded on ThredUp. Bag, $26, J.Crew on Mercari. Corset, $65, Zara Pre-Owned. Dress, $110, Maje Secondhand. Boots, $200, By Far on Poshmark. Sandals, $205, Sandro Secondhand. Jacket, $15, Zara on Depop.
Animal instincts
Dream estate sale finds:
Leopard print coat
Animal-centric dad tees
Tweed mini skirt
Vintage croc purse
Keep an eye out for:
Vintage leather jackets
Anything with ostrich feathers
Skirt slips
Ladylike bags
Ballet flats
Sunglasses, $125, Marni on The RealReal. Dress, $20, Zara Pre-Owned. Skirt, $105, Maje Secondhand. Shoes, $71, Next on Depop. Shorts, $78, Levi’s Secondhand. Jean jacket, $205, Maje Secondhand. Blouse, $165, Sandro Secondhand. Flats, $195, Loeffler Randall on The RealReal. Bag, $26, Express on ThredUp.
Hey, girl! Just to let you know, this originally ran in our April/May 2026 issue. Read our print mag for *free* today when you click HERE!
Read on for more fashion content:
👗 Your closet called: It’s ready for a spring refresh
💕 Spring fashion trends that aren’t just florals (but still perfect for Easter)
🎀 Your guide to finding the perfect prom dress
Mood Board 1 Images: @francescababbi, @shopisalis, @alexisbenoy, @miaou, Brinlee Monette/Pinterest
Mood Board 2 Images: @kateryna.kush.media, @camcamjpg, Christian Vierig/Getty Images, imaxtree.com, styledumonde.com
Mood Board 3 Images: etsy.com/newworldthreads, pullandbear.com, shopltk.com/goodmannersstyle_, Raimonda Kulikauskiene/Getty Images, @lunaisabella
