Why pay more when you don’t have to? Yes, you can look stylish for less. My selection of this stunning Adrianna Papell gown is a great testament to how you can look stylish on a simple budget.
I badly needed an evening dress for a gala affair. I saw this dress on a Facebook live resale site called A Look Not a Label. I purchased this gown for just $20.00. The dress was a size too big, but I was not concerned about the size since I had successfully transformed various larger-sized items down to fit my size.
I headed to the seamstress for alterations in hopes that after some touchups, I could still maintain the style of this dress. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that I did not need a second fitting when I picked it up.
The long train is stunning, but I am too short to carry that look, so I removed it and opted to create a mermaid silhouette instead.
So now comes the time to accessorize.
This boa was removed from an old sweater that I purchased from a thrift shop. I sewed it across the top using a loose stitch to easily remove it just in case I want to replace it with another type of trim. That rhinestone brooch that is covered in feathers used to be on the left side of the dress. I moved it to the center. My favorite accessory wasn’t even a piece of clothing at all. I took a throw off a chair and used it as a shawl to give me a pop of color.
I love to use shoe attachments to spruce up my shoes. These pearl attachments perfectly accented a pair of shoes that I had for over a decade.
The dress went over very well at the event. I have never received so many compliments for one dress.
If you’re planning to revamp your wardrobe with secondhand items, here are some helpful tips to guide your wardrobe overhaul:
- Know Your Style and Needs: Before diving into the world of resale, take some time to evaluate your current wardrobe and identify any gaps. Are you missing staple pieces like a little black dress or a classic pair of jeans? By understanding your style and needs, you’ll be able to navigate the oftentimes overwhelming world of secondhand shopping efficiently.
- Choose Quality Over Quantity: The key to a successful resale shopping experience is focusing on well-made, timeless pieces that will last years. Check for quality materials, strong seams, and good fit before purchasing.
- Research Resale Stores and Platforms: Whether you prefer shopping in-person or online, it’s essential to find reliable resale stores and platforms that carry various quality items. Some popular online options include thredUP, Poshmark, and Depop, while local brick-and-mortar stores can also provide hidden gems.
- Be Patient and Persistent: Unlike typical retail stores, resale shops can have an ever-changing inventory, requiring patience and perseverance to find the perfect piece. Don’t get discouraged if it takes a few trips or online searches to locate the items on your wishlist.
- Have Fun with It: Resale shopping allows you to curate a unique wardrobe, so enjoy the thrill of the hunt! Discover new styles and experiment with interesting items you may not have considered before.
There’s nothing quite like a refreshed wardrobe to get you feeling confident, sexy, and sassy. With a combination of thrifting finds, nostalgia meets modern fashion pieces, and secondhand luxury items all available for the discerning shopper, there’s no limit to what your wardrobe could become. Resale shopping is an art form that takes time and patience to master but ultimately pays off when you invest in quality pieces that get you noticed – and make you look like a million bucks on any budget. Now that we’ve revealed some of our best tips and tricks for successful resale shopping, it’s up to you to make it work. Maybe you want to start by picking out one statement piece per month or planning ahead with an ongoing shopping list… whatever works best for your personal style (and your wallet). Get ready to rock your new – or upgraded – wardrobe!
Join the Resale Revolution. Check out Ola’s Closet
It’s time to embrace the sustainable and budget-friendly solution of refreshing your wardrobe with resale. Not only will you contribute to a more environmentally responsible fashion industry, but you’ll also discover unique pieces that save you money.
