It’s safe to say and yet unbelievable at the same time that fall is quickly approaching. If you are anything like me then you have already been carefully and meticulously scouting out and buying pieces for your fall wardrobe. My general rule of thumb is to shop a season ahead. If you hope to score the best pieces then you can’t start shopping when everyone else has the same idea as you. Not only does this go for regular retail shopping, this FOR SURE goes for thrift shopping as well. Probably even more so. I have scored some of my best thrift finds ever in the off season. Although fall is around the corner, have no fear! It’s still not too late to focus on the pieces you should be buying/thrifting right now!

Trench Coats

When I tell you trench coats are a dime a dozen in the thrift store during summer, I mean that! If you watch any of my thrift with me summer edition videos then you will literally see me pass dozens in any given store as I search for the next great find. Bonus points when I find them in amazing, non-traditional colors. When shopping online most resellers are dying to offload their fall/winter items in the off season and will likely give you a killer deal. Colorful trench coats are majorly trending so if that’s on your wish list then now is the time! I recommend going the vintage route.

Sweaters / Cardigans

Can you imagine putting on a sweater or cardigan in the dead of summer? No? Neither can most people which is exactly why the selection is so plentiful in the off season. Although some thrift stores put away the F/W items in the off season, not all of them do and online reselling platforms are always an option. While it’s still above 80 is the perfect time to snag your favorites! So, even if the temperatures are starting to cool, you still have time.

Leather

Leather is probably something I will NEVER buy retail. I said probably so don’t hold me to it but I’m pretty confident in that statement. I actually prefer vintage leather over the newer styles because they just don’t do details like they use to. Leather is plentiful in the thrift world so unless you have personal or ethical hang ups about wearing leather, there is no reason to waste your money on faux when you can is easily get the real deal. If colorful leather is your jam then vintage is the only way to go!

Holiday Sequin

The best sequin garments are found second hand. I promise! The older generation really knew what it was to be snazzy and current Zara or other fast fashion styles have nothing on them. Not to mention, the quality is next level on the vintage versions. I have rarely paid over $40 for any of my sequin pieces and this is even for my more intricate ones. If the best holiday sequin has evaded you year after year or you can’t seem to bring yourself to spend the dough on the fast fashion versions, thrifting them or buying second hand will be your friend.

Wool Coats

Wool coats can get really expensive but in thrift stores there is no shortage on them whatsoever. I recently bought the one pictured for $7!!! Yes. You read that right. No zeros were missing. $7! and what’s even more interesting is how similar in style this coat looks to the one in the Balmain Fall 2021 campaign. It’s even the same color. I’ve always been a fan of this style, and for that reason I also own it in cobalt blue, lavender, red and black. All I need is cream and tan to complete the collection. All that to say, I thrifted them all for less than the price of ONE of these coats retail.

These 5 pieces are the staple to any fall wardrobe and you don’t have to break the bank to have the best. Keep and eye out always remember second hand is sometime the best hand. I’m linking my favorite spots to thrift online.