Top Ten Classic Wardrobe Staples to Find at the Thrift Store
Whether you’re just looking to get back to basics or start building a capsule wardrobe for effortless everyday dressing, you can’t go wrong with the classics.
Classic style is characterized by clean, simple silhouettes and well-tailored cuts in neutral colors and subtle patterns. Classic style prioritizes fit and quality over any fad. Think timeless, not trendy.
Building your wardrobe around a base of classic pieces means you’ll have a neutral canvas to which you can add your own personality through your favorite accessories, jewelry, color, or prints.
Infusing your closet with staple classic pieces can also help take the guesswork out of getting dressed – especially if you’re short on time.
You don’t need to spend a lot shopping for these basics at the big name stores; every one of these top ten classic wardrobe staples can easily be found at your neighborhood thrift store. In fact, you just might get lucky and score a high quality piece for a fraction of the original cost!
The top ten classic wardrobe staples you can find at the thrift store are:
1. Trench Coat
The trench coat is the quintessential classic wardrobe staple.
Wearing a trench adds a touch of sophistication when going on a windy or rainy day, but it’s a chic sunny day staple, too. Style an unbuttoned trench over a simple white tee tucked into jeans for an effortlessly polished casual Spring look.
Popular for women since the end of WWII over 75 years ago, this time-honored outerwear comes in a variety of lengths, colors, and fabrics to suit any taste.
If traditional is what you’re going for, look for a trench that’s light brown in color with double-breasted styling like the one shown above.
Look for added details like ruffles, contrasting trim, or a bright lining that speaks to your unique style.
Thrift Tip: Depending on your proportions and the look you’re going for, you may find the right trench coat in the men’s or children’s section of the thrift store – don’t be afraid to venture away from the women’s racks!
2. Little Black Dress
No matter how you classify your style, a little black dress (LBD) is a versatile, key piece of any wardrobe – every woman should own at least one.
Like the trench, the Little Black Dress has been a classic style staple for decades. And thanks to its enduring popularity, it has been reimagined in just about every way you can think of.
Making the classic black cocktail dress work for you is about finding the right combination of cut, fabric, and design that makes you feel your most comfortable and confident.
You’ll have no shortage of options when looking for an LBD at the thrift store, so be sure to try on dresses with different lengths, necklines, sleeve styles, and silhouettes.
3. Jean Jacket
With its unique ability to complete an outfit in any style genre, the denim jacket is a closet chameleon that should definitely be a staple in your classic wardrobe.
A dark jean jacket tends to feel more polished. Try one in place of your usual blazer over a button up shirt and add heels for a casual but refined outfit for work or weekend.
A lighter wash denim jacket can still add classic sophistication to a more laid-back outfit. Top off a tee and midi skirt with a denim jacket and roll the cuffs to show your watch and bracelets.
There are endless combinations of washes, cuts, and details when it comes to jean jackets. There are likely dozens to choose from at your local thrift store. And as with the trench, don’t forget to check in the men’s or children’s sections.
To find a true classic jean jacket at the thrift store, be on the lookout for a jacket in a medium wash with sturdy 100% cotton denim construction. A classic cut will hit you right at the hip and have two chest pockets.
Thrift Tip: Levi’s has a curated selection of thrift and secondhand pieces available online, so you can skip the thrift store altogether and still get a classic jean jacket at a secondhand price.
4. Tailored Blazer
Many people instantly think of workwear when they hear the term, but a blazer can be thrown on with just about anything for an instant style upgrade, whether you’re in the office or out and about.
A well-fitting blazer is a timeless wardrobe piece that can be worn for decades, regardless of trends that come and go.
Fit is key when it comes to a blazer that will look good for years. If you’re looking for a go-to blazer to round out your classic wardrobe, keep these fit tips in mind when you’re thrifting.
- Make sure it can close comfortably without bunching visibly around the bust.
- Don’t forget to make sure you like how it looks unbuttoned, too. Sometimes a blazer that looks great closed just doesn’t hang quite right when open, and vice-versa.
- Shoulders can be tricky, and a telltale sign of an ill-fitting blazer. The shoulder seam of the jacket should end where your shoulder does. Also, try hugging yourself with the blazer on; a little pull is ok but if it feels too tight it probably is.
5. Loafers
Once relegated to the office, the loafer is a fun and fashionable footwear style that plays nicely with all sorts of looks. You’ll typically find loafers to have a pretty low heel, which makes them super comfortable for all day wear.
Loafers look great with jeans or ankle-skimming trousers. Show a little skin with an ankle bracelet for a more feminine take on these borrowed-from-the-boys shoes, or put your favorite pair of patterned socks on display.
At the thrift store, you can find this classic wardrobe staple in all kinds of variations. You can likely score a higher end leather pair of loafers for a fraction of the original cost.
6. Leather Boots
Nothing says classic like a pair of leather boots. Whether you go for a tall equestrian style or a low-cut Chelsea boot, leather boots are a classic wardrobe staple you can easily find at the thrift store.
Either black or brown can be considered neutral, depending how it goes with the rest of your wardrobe colors and the handbags you like to carry.
Buying a pair of secondhand real leather boots in good condition means you’re getting a pair of shoes that are already broken in (this can be uncomfortable with brand new leather boots), and are likely to last a long time if you care for them well.
There are usually plenty of faux leather boots available at the thrift store as well.
7. Metallic Clutch
If you don’t already have a metallic clutch on hand as part of your wardrobe, this might be the first item on this list you start looking for at the thrift store.
Having a metallic clutch at the ready can help you add an air of elegance to any of your classic looks, from jeans and white sneakers to a smart wrap dress.
A metallic clutch makes a fun statement for a night out, and doesn’t have any shoulder or crossbody straps that might take the focus away from the special outfit you put together.
Although you do have to carry it, a clutch also helps you to be unencumbered by all the normal “purse stuff” you usually carry with you.
With just the essentials in a neat little container, you’re free fully to focus on the event you’re attending and enjoy the people you’re with (and maybe the occasional lipstick touch-up).
Thrift Tip: There’s often a set of bins next to the purses (particularly at Goodwill) that’s full of free-gift-with-purchase cosmetic bags and other small travel pouches. Sometimes the best clutches are hiding underneath.
8. Button Up Shirt
You can pretty much never go wrong with a crisp white button up shirt. A button up shirt can read as understated, elevated, and anything in between depending on what you style it with.
And, it’s the perfect piece for layering with and dressing up classic wardrobe staple #10.
When you’re looking for a button up shirt at the thrift store (or a department store), how it fits should be your number one consideration. For a more tailored, feminine fit look for darts – small folded seams near the bust line that give shape to the top.
Thrift Tip: Admittedly, finding anything white that’s unblemished with no stains or marks can sometimes be a tall order when you’re shopping at the thrift store. The good news is, you don’t have to limit your classic wardrobe to white button ups only! As long as it fits you well and is in good condition, any button up shirt in a color that flatters your skin tone and makes you feel confident is right for your wardrobe!
9. Neutral Dress Shoe
Whether nude, black, or metallic, having one or more pairs of neutral dress shoes that go well with your classic wardrobe’s colors is essential. And the thrift store is a great place to get dress shoes for any occasion!
Unless high heels are part of your everyday uniform, breaking the bank on a pair can often be a gamble.
Usually you won’t know how comfortable or uncomfortable they’ll be until you’ve worn them outside of the store (or out of the box they were shipped in).
Since many of us usually purchase dress shoes for a specific event, our dress shoes often languish in the closet long after the event has ended. We may never wear them again, but may feel regret at getting rid of them if they were expensive.
With an average cost of less than $20 a pair, stocking your classic wardrobe with neutral dress shoes from the thrift store gives you more freedom to find a pair that works – and less guilt when it comes to discarding the ones that don’t.
10. Knitwear: Sweater or Cardigan (or both!)
A key piece for a layered look, added warmth, and all-around coziness, a quality knit sweater or cardigan is a classic wardrobe staple you can easily find at the thrift store.
With the bevvy of options you’re sure to be presented with, fit is (again) number one! Don’t be afraid to look in the men’s or children’s sections to find a sweater with flattering proportions. Depending on your height and build, a cropped sweater can be flattering, too.
The second thing to look for is feel. If it starts itching you the moment you put it on, that could be the reason the previous owner donated it – and a good reason to move on to another sweater.
