Summer 2022 is fast approaching, and it's time to start planning your wardrobe for the best season of the year. There's just something about those days where it's not yet summer, but the sun is out and everyone's in a good mood that makes you want to go shopping and switch up your wardrobe.
This article has some tips on how to get the most out of your consignment shopping experience this summer. You will find that these tips will not only work for your summer 2022 consignment shopping, but they will also help you get the best when online shopping vintage items as well.
1. Know the Store's Policy
Different stores dealing in vintage pieces have different policies. They may or may not accept returns or exchanges once items are purchased, so it's essential to be aware of the store's policy. Additionally, different stores also have different policies for taking items out of the store.
Some will let you borrow vintage pieces while you're still shopping around, while other stores will require that you purchase an item before trying it on. If this information isn't readily available, ask a salesperson or look for signs posted at the store. An online store will most likely have a page explaining their return or exchange policy.
2. Start Early and Give Yourself Enough Time
With summer cleaning season fast approaching, people will be turning in their unwanted goods to consignment stores for pennies on the dollar. These items will quickly get snatched up, so start looking early and give yourself enough time to find what you want before someone else does.
If you don't have time to shop around, ask someone with experience in consignment shopping for store recommendations. It's also extremely easy these days to shop for vintage clothing online.
Importance of Starting Early:
Many items at consignment stores will be on a 50%–70% off deal in the summer, and some items will get sold at even steeper discounts than that. If you wait too long to purchase your desired wardrobe item, it may have already sold.
3. Be Mindful of Your Wardrobe
If you don't have a solid idea of what type of outfits you already have for the season, now is a good time to start thinking about it.
If you're unsure what vintage pieces you want to wear, you can always ask the store clerks for ideas or browse through the store's clothing catalogs. They are there as consultants and can give you outfit inspiration by mixing and matching items to create different looks. You'd be surprised about how you can remix retro sportswear or even wedding dresses into new and exciting outfits.
This will help you avoid buying items that are similar to what you already have in your closet. It's essential to be mindful of your wardrobe, especially if you have expensive tastes.
4. Quality Counts
Don't let the price tag fool you – some items may not be higher priced because they are of higher quality. Be mindful of what you buy and ensure it's something that will last at least a couple of seasons.
The main objective is to find a vintage style that matches your style, not just something that looks good on you or fits your budget.
If you find yourself with a closet full of cheap items that only last one season, you might want to consider spending more money on higher-quality pieces that will last longer and will be with you for many seasons to come. One of the advantages of vintage fashion is that it is generally made better than the fast fashion items of today.
How to Determine Quality Items:
Below are some ways you can determine if the items are high-quality:
Always Look at the Stitching
Stitching is the number one way to determine if an item is of good quality. Look at the seams and look for stitches that are even and straight. You can also feel the stitching – does it feel loose or were they sewn securely?
Always Look at the Material
High-quality materials will not only feel better, but will also last longer. For example, higher-quality silk will be softer and sturdier than something made from polyester. If the material feels crinkly or shiny, then that can indicate that the piece is of lower quality.
Keep an Eye on the Zippers
You don't want to buy something only to find the zipper falls apart after wearing it once. Look at all buttons and zippers before you purchase an item. If they are loose or wobbly, they are not high-quality.
Check for Rips and Tears
Ensure you look at all the seams, cuffs, and parts of the body of the vintage clothing to ensure there are no rips or tears. The best way to tell if something is high-quality is by checking the material and stitching before buying it, not after!
It's All in the Fit
If something doesn't fit you proportionally, it's probably not high-quality, no matter what material it is made of or how much you're paying for it. However, if the only problem is that something is a little big or small, some tailoring can make it work.
Know When to Splurge
If there are certain items that you know are the only ones that suit your style or a very specific vintage piece you've been looking for, it might be a good idea to splurge on these items. It's okay to spend more money on quality pieces – after all, they will last longer and will be with you for many seasons to come!
5. Patience is a Virtue
Don't let yourself get overwhelmed by the variety of options when you buy vintage. Sometimes it's a good idea to come back when you can take your time and look at all the items before deciding. This way, you'll feel less stressed, and you'll have more time to think about what you're buying.
Without patience, you could end up making rushed decisions that you might regret later.
6. Take Advantage of Sales
It never hurts to wait – especially when there are great savings involved! Often, big discounts are offered around the holidays and it's worth waiting for these fantastic deals.
Some places even have regular sales throughout the year so it's always worth it to check online or even consult your local newspaper to find out the best times of the month to look for big discounts.
7. Check Your Local Thrift Stores
If you're looking for used clothing, take advantage of all that your local thrift shops have to offer! You can often find high-quality items at great prices that will last for years.
Check out your local thrift stores and make it a point to go at least once a month during their "clearance" sales, where they sell pre-loved pieces at 30–80% off!
If you don't have time to shop around, ask someone with experience in consignment shopping for store recommendations. It's also extremely easy these days to shop for vintage clothing online.
How to Find the Best Local Thrift Stores:
To find your nearest thrift shops, consider:
Using Google Maps
You can use your local zip code and search "thrift shops" or "affordable vintage shops." You can also search for a vintage store or consignment shop if you are looking for specific pieces.
Using Neighborhood Groups
If you have a neighborhood social media group in your area, send a message asking if any members know of great thrift stores! This is also an excellent way to find gently used items for free if they have stuff to give away!
Ask Friends and Family
Chances are, someone you know has gone to the same vintage shop over and over again. Many people do this! There is nothing wrong with asking for their honest opinion on where they go – it's better than spending hours at a less than impressive store digging through a mess. Your friends might know of a treasure trove of vintage gems they've been keeping to themselves.
8. Be Careful with "Vintage" Items
Some thrift shops have a section called "vintage," but often these items have incorrect labels and are not truly vintage clothing at all. Sometimes, people have donated clothing that is quite new and still has the label attached so the shop owners know it's not vintage!
How to Select the Right Vintage:
Always Check the Label and Know Your Characteristics
Knowing your body type and what kind of fit you like will help you determine what decade(s) to look in for clothing that best suits you.
For example, if you have a very petite or athletic build, try looking for '60s styles such as shift dresses and rompers – these are usually one size fits all and will work well for petite or athletic figures.
If you have a larger bust, wide hips, or both, try finding '50s dresses with full skirts to balance the upper body area. If you have an hourglass shape, keep an eye out for corsets that can be tightened or loosened to fit your waist.
Find Patterns that Are Flattering on You
Along with knowing what decade will suit you the best, it's important to consider patterns that flatter your body type. Try sticking to prints that are diagonal or vertical as they look good on most people. Experiment with large floral prints vs. small floral prints to see what looks best with your body shape. Trying different color schemes might work for different patterns as well.
Know Your Materials
The material used can tell a lot about vintage goods, including in what era it was made. Natural fibers like cotton, wool, linen, silk, and so on have always been used to make clothing. They also last a long time and are easy to repair. Synthetic fabrics like nylon, polyester, and lycra are more recent inventions. If you find a piece of clothing claiming to be vintage, but made of this material, be wary. They also do not hold up very well and are prone to rips, tears, and general breaking down. There are some really nice vintage clothing made from synthetic material, you just need to be diligent about examining it before you make a purchase.
Know Your Seasons
Different eras of fashion tend to favor certain seasons, so it is essential to know what fabrics are most flattering for your body type in the hot or cold months. For example, the 1970s usually favored silk or polyester fabrics – which can be helpful when dressing for a hot climate!
Mix and Match Styles from Different Eras
Another good trick is to mix and match various fashion styles from different decades - this can create unique looks. For example, mix flirty '50s skirts with bright '80s prints or throw on a '60s leather jacket over a '90s slip dress.
Find Clothes that Fit YOUR Body
For everyday wear, vintage clothing should complement your best features and fit well. If you feel confident in the clothes you're wearing, others will see you in a different light!
You can also be creative and modify vintage clothing to suit your taste. Many people hem their 1970s dresses if they're too long or add pockets to clothing from the 1940s.
Don't Limit Yourself
Don't limit yourself to just looking for vintage fashion from the 1950s or 1980s. Try out different styles from different eras, and have fun with them! You can also be resourceful by creating your pieces of vintage clothing using old patterns or even using actual vintage fabric as a base for a new dress.
9. Don't Be Afraid to Get your Clothes Altered
If you find a great piece of vintage clothing but it doesn't fit well, never hesitate to get it altered by a professional! You can also alter clothes yourself by sewing or using safety pins to adjust the look and create your unique style.
Trends to Consider in 2022 summer
There are a few new trends to keep in mind in 2022.
Florals and Stripes
Wearing bright florals, stripes, and the like is a staple when it comes to summer fashion. These patterns have been so prominent in recent seasons that only time will tell if it's finally had its summer run. It's advisable to try on some of those eye-catching pieces and see if they suit you.
Blouses and Shirts
Having a good shirt or blouse is always essential for summer, but this year, going all out and trying on some with different necklines can be great. It might not be as bold as last year's revealing cold shoulders, but there's something for everyone this year, whether you're looking to have a more modest look or prefer showing some cleavage.
Pastels
It may not be brand new news, but pastels are still one of the most dominant summer 2022 trends. Typically during summertime, people wear brighter colors, but this year it's a little different. The fashion industry has been using pastels for a while now, and we can't help but feel that this will be the year it'll finally see some well-deserved acceptance from society as a whole.
"The Hood"
While it may sound a little it weird, this trend has been popping up here and there. In the fashion industry, "hoods" refer to jackets with large hoods attached to them, which can be worn in a casual or formal context. The future of this style is unknown, but it's worth a try if you're looking for something different.
Striped Tops and Bottoms
One of the more simple summer 2022 trends, many high-street fashion houses have been pushing striped tops and bottoms as their "must have" pieces this season. It's not flashy, but it can be a solid look for when you're in the mood to wear something comfortable.
Sheer and Mesh Tops
Mesh, lace, and other fine fabrics like this have been a growing trend in the past few seasons, and many expect it to remain dominant throughout summer 2022 . The best way to wear these pieces is most definitely with solid color tops underneath – it'll make them look less messy.
Bell Sleeves
Another fun modification, bell sleeves, has been a growing trend for the past few seasons, and we expect it to remain dominant this year as well. They're a good way of adding interest if you're going out on a summer date.
Get Ready for summer 2022 Now!
Vintage clothing is a great way to express your personality and creativity, and to create a style unique to you. It can be challenging to determine what fashion era is best suited for you and your lifestyle – hopefully, these tips will help you on the journey!
When you are ready to start you summer consignment shopping, check out the online store fromDecades, Inc. We sell vintage and gently-worn designer pieces at fair prices. Browse our selection online today to find something you'll love for years to come!