The Outfit Repeater

Author: Hannah Rupp

  • Everything I’ve Styled at Maurices Lately

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    What I Wore At Maurices

    Working at maurices isn’t just a job; it’s an excuse to play dress-up every single day!

    How many people can say their closet is an entire women’s clothing store?!

    While I work behind the scenes as a social media manager, I still get to go on-site and try on clothes to learn more about how they fit, feel, and the styling possibilities. And now I get to pass that information on to you!

    Let me take you behind the scenes to share the trends I’ve been loving lately and how I’ve styled them for work, play, and beyond.

    (Please note: any sale signs featured in the photos are from the past and do not reflect current sales or prices at maurices. Follow our page @mauricesmonroewi for the latest deals at our location!)

    Trending at maurices: Big Bags

    maurices has been out of the purse game for a while but is slowly making a comeback with canvas totes for the holidays, large carryalls for trips, belt bags (or fanny packs, as they used to be known as), and even a faux leather handbag.

    They’re one of our most requested items, so I’m glad to see them on the floor again—and I’m even more excited that I get to style them with outfits. I think a cool bag can really make or break a look. Don’t you agree?

    Trending at maurices: Unique Jeans

    Trends come and go but denim never goes out of style! It just keeps reinventing itself with new washes, technology, cuts, and colors.

    My standouts from the season are the return of colored denim and the Silver wide legs jeans (as seen in the first photo but already sold out!).

    Trending at maurices: Holiday Outfits

    We’re almost done with the holiday season but it’d be a shame not to share what I’ve been wearing!

    The first outfit is my own thrifted outfit that I wore to host a live video on Black Friday. All the other images are head-to-toe maurices that I tried on in-store. My takeaway? Comfort is truly king during the holidays!

    In Clothes-ing

    Which look caught your eye? I’d love to hear your favorite in the comments!

    I hope these outfits spark some inspiration for your own wardrobe or give you the confidence to try out a new trend. If you need a style number or more details before your next shopping trip, don’t hesitate to ask—I’ve got you covered!

    And if any of these looks stood out to you, don’t forget to save them to your outfit inspiration board on Pinterest. Your support means the world—thank you for reading!

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  • What I Scored on ThredUp: My Best Finds of the Year

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    Best ThredUp Finds of 2024

    If you love fun fashion finds, then you’re reading the right post!

    It’s the end of the year, and I’m looking back at what I accomplished in my closet and how the world’s largest online consignment store, ThredUp, helped add to my personal style.

    Let’s be real: I’ll never be a “zero-buy” girlie, but I am always conscious of my buys and the impact they have on my wallet and the earth. For me, thrifting isn’t just about shopping—it’s about conscious choices, personal expression, and giving clothes a second life instead of sending them to a landfill.

    So, while this post might seem like a celebration of consumerism, it’s really about embracing sustainable style, experimenting with fashion, and creating a wardrobe that feels uniquely mine.

    Now, let’s break down my best finds of the year and how I styled them.

    Best ThredUp Finds: Cozy Essentials

    When you find a secondhand basic in good condition, you KNOW it was meant to last! Considering how often I wear my comfy favorites, it’s a wonder an oversized hoodie and cropped graphic tee could make it out of my closet in wearable condition.

    It’s nice to be able to upgrade those worn-out pieces with new-to-me ones. How often do you end up replacing pieces in your closet from getting too much use? Or do you get creative with mending and upcycling?

    Best ThredUp Finds: Fancy Frocks

    I love thrifting fancier pieces because I’m never sure how often they’ll get worn and want to spend modestly in case it just sits in the back of my closet, y’know?

    ThredUp did not disappoint this year with a sequin duster, a blouse version of my favorite dress, and even some platform clogs from my thrifting wishlist.

    Best ThredUp Finds: Pretty Little Pieces

    I’m not immune to an impulse purchase, and thankfully some of my late-night shopping produced some really fun pieces from ThredUp! With the exception of the pink platform sandals that just arrived (I’m just shopping off-season for the really good deals), everything else has already gotten a few moments in the spotlight when I wore them this year.

    The Future of (Secondhand) Fashion

    I can’t wait to see how these pieces continue to earn their place in my wardrobe and what new frocks I’ll discover on ThredUp in the coming year.

    If you’re ready to embark on your own style journey, ThredUp is a great place to start! Use my ThredUp affiliate link to save 45% on your first order and get free shipping.

    New ThredUp customers can get 45% off AND free shipping on their first order.

    Happy thrifting!

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  • The Ultimate Thrifted Gift Guide

    Thrifting For The Haul-idays

    The holiday shopping season is here!

    For those looking for a unique experience on a budget, thrifting offers the perfect solution with a vast selection to choose from.

    In this ultimate thrifted gift guide, I’m going to share with you why it’s important to thrift gifts, some amazing gift ideas for everybody on your list, and tips for getting it all done even at the last minute.

    If you’re ready to thrift some special gifts for everyone in your life, then read on!

    Why You Should Thrift Gifts

    Shopping secondhand for gifts is more than just buying presents at a low price—it’s a small step toward sustainability. It helps counteract the waste and consumerism often associated with the holiday season.

    Did you know that up to 17.8% of holiday gifts are returned after Christmas, with many of them destroyed because it’s cheaper for retailers than reselling? By choosing secondhand, we can disrupt this cycle and make a positive impact.

    Encouragingly, nearly 50% of shoppers are open to giving secondhand gifts, with Gen Z and Millennials leading the way. This growing movement is a hopeful sign, and I look forward to seeing it grow in the years to come!

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    Thrifted Gift Ideas for Family Members

    As with all gifts, it’s important to be thoughtful and consider the receiver and what they’d love to get from you.

    When it comes to family, I think sentimental and practical gifts are best, and thrift stores are great for that.

    Some gifts to consider are: picture frames (with a printed picture of you together!), artwork, or one-of-a-kind mugs.

    Thrifted Gift Ideas for Friends

    Nobody is more fun to shop for than your friends! The sky is the limit on what you can find as a secondhand gift.

    Look out for funny t-shirts, board games to play together, and items to add to their collections.

    Thrifted Gift Ideas for Everyone Else

    We all have people on our list, like co-workers or acquaintances, that we’re not quite sure what to get. Play it safe with simple accessories, a good book, or, if all else fails, a thrift store gift card.

    Thrifted Gift Ideas for The People Who Have Everything

    For the person who has it all, is there anything better than a novelty gift? Look around the thrift store for new-in-box items that you won’t find anywhere else.

    Finger golf, funny awards, and odd bathroom items are some great options!

    Tips for Thrifting Gifts

    • When thinking of gift ideas, grab a pen and paper to make a fun word map about the person you’re gifting. Write down what they like, their hobbies, favorite colors, and any special quirks. Look for links between these ideas to spark cool, unique gift ideas. For example, if they love coffee and vintage stuff, think about a thrifted retro coffee set or a special mug with gourmet coffee beans.
    • Notice the little things people say, like a book they want to read, a favorite movie, or something they’ve been looking for. Use your phone or a notebook to write down these ideas when they pop up. This way, you’ll have a handy list when it’s time to shop for gifts!
    • Don’t put all the pressure on yourself to buy gifts in December! Make thrift shopping for gifts a year-long habit. You’ll not only spread out the cost but also have time to find meaningful, good-quality items. When you shop ahead, you can take advantage of sales, seasonal items, and that perfect piece that just happens to come your way.
    • Even the simplest thrifted find can shine with a bit of creativity. Make it your own by adding a personal touch! For example, a plain frame can hold a special photo or piece of art, and a thrifted basket can become a fun gift set filled with tasty treats.
    • Always check thrifted items closely to make sure they’re in good shape, especially if you’re giving them as gifts. Look for stains, chips, or missing pieces. For clothes, check for wear and tear or missing buttons. Spending a bit more time to choose nice items shows you care!
    • A thrifted gift can look just as nice as something new with the right wrapping. Think about eco-friendly options like reusable cloth, thrifted scarves, or vintage tins for packaging. A well-wrapped gift adds a fun touch and makes it even more exciting!

    Remember that thrifting gifts isn’t just about saving money—it’s about giving with love, fun, and care for the planet. When you take the time to find cool secondhand stuff, you can make gifts that are as special as the people receiving them.

    Happy thrifting! I hope you find gifts that spread joy and inspire others to join the secondhand fun!

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  • An Iconic Richard Simmons Halloween Costume

    thrifted richard simmons halloween costume red tank top, tiny striped dolphin shorts, curly hair, and white sneakersA Richard Simmons Halloween Costume

    If Halloween is about dressing up and becoming a character, nobody embodied this more than the late Richard Simmons.

    Richard Simmons was a fitness guru who gained fame for his flamboyant style, never-ending energy, over-the-top personality, and genuine compassion for helping people love themselves.

    It was only fitting for me to pay tribute to this man who was a voice of my overweight childhood in the 1990s. Albeit I didn’t understand the concept of weight loss and just thought his Sweatin’ to the Oldies videos were frivolous entertainment. They didn’t call him The Court Jester for nothing!

    So in all its glory, here is my Richard Simmons Halloween costume and what I went through to put it together.

    Blood, Sweat, and Sparkles

    To be Richard Simmons for Halloween, you need to start with a cutoff tank top, a pair of striped dolphin shorts, chunky white cross-trainers, and incredible curly hair.

    From there, everything needs to be bedazzled to the hills so you can shine like the star that you are!

    thrifted richard simmons halloween costume red tank top, tiny striped dolphin shorts, curly hair, and white sneakers thrifted richard simmons halloween costume red tank top, tiny striped dolphin shorts, curly hair, and white sneakersthrifted richard simmons halloween costume red tank top, tiny striped dolphin shorts, curly hair, and white sneakers

    And contrary to popular legend, Richard Simmons never wore a headband, so keep that out of your costume. (You don’t want to ruin your hair!) Though a pair of sweatbands on your wrists are totally acceptable!

    Working It All Out

    Like all of my past thrifted Halloween costumes, I started shopping early and took my time to find the right pieces.

    This Richard Simmons costume took the longest to find, but each piece felt like it was placed on the thrift store shelf just for me.

    The shorts were found first, and while they weren’t striped, I knew some fabric paint and press-on jewels could jazz them up.

    thrifted richard simmons halloween costume red tank top, tiny striped dolphin shorts, curly hair, and white sneakers thrifted richard simmons halloween costume red tank top, tiny striped dolphin shorts, curly hair, and white sneakersthrifted richard simmons halloween costume red tank top, tiny striped dolphin shorts, curly hair, and white sneakers

    Next came the “Legendary” tank top that I had to elbow a few people out of my way for. All I needed to do was cut off the sleeves and add some sparkle to make it work.

    I planned to wrestle my natural hair into a Richard-esque afro, but the thrift store had other plans for me when I came across the most perfect wig for half price (about $5). The cashier was excited for me, and I hope this costume is everything I described it as!

    Lastly, I lost hope of finding chunky white sneakers to fit my large feet, and after trying many pairs on with no luck, I came across these in the men’s section. The sizing looked about right for me, and then I put my foot in them, and it was like a Cinderella moment. The best part came when I went to the register and learned they were half-off, making them only $3! I definitely did a little dance as I walked out of the store.

    chunky white sneakers and folded down white tube socks

    Missing Richard Simmons

    My best advice for pulling off this Richard Simmons Halloween costume (or any thrifted costume!) is to start thrifting early and take your time, just like I did. And make sure you buy a big bag of jewels and some heavy-duty craft glue. You truly can’t have enough when it comes to Richard Simmons!

    I hope, like Richard, this costume puts a smile on your face and inspires you to take action! If you loved it, please be sure to pin it as inspiration for next year or share it with a friend who would get a kick out of it.

    thrifted richard simmons halloween costume red tank top, tiny striped dolphin shorts, curly hair, and white sneakers

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  • A Legendary Dora the Explorer Halloween Costume

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    A Legendary Dora the Explorer Costume

    Are you still out exploring the aisles for a legendary disguise? Your search stops here with this Dora the Explorer Halloween costume!

    Not only is this costume a fun, nostalgic throwback, but it’s mostly thrifted to boot!

    If you’re ready to learn more about the details of this costume, then let’s vamonos!

    Finding Dora

    As a 90s kid, Nickelodeon was my jam. So when I was brainstorming costumes that didn’t require a wig, Dora the Explorer came up very quickly. Even though I was a bit older when her show came out, I was still fascinated by the first couple of seasons and still quote the show often.

    If you’re not familiar, Dora the Explorer was a TV series about a young girl who goes on adventures with her friend, Boots, a 5-year-old monkey.

    The TV show aired on Nickelodeon in 2000 and ran for 8 seasons, with multiple spin-offs over the years.

    a dora the explorer halloween costume portrayed by a white millennial women with short brown bob hair, pink t-shirt, orange shorts, and purple backpack a dora the explorer halloween costume portrayed by a white millennial women with short brown bob hair, pink t-shirt, orange shorts, and purple backpack

    Mapping Out My Halloween Costume

    So, with an idea in my backpack, er, my brain, I set off to find the pieces for this Dora the Explorer costume.

    It stayed in the back of my head as “probably not achievable” until I was at a garage sale and found “Backpack” wrapped new in plastic, lying in a free box. From there, it was game on!

    a dora the explorer halloween costume portrayed by a white millennial women with short brown bob hair, pink t-shirt, orange shorts, and purple backpack

    I already had the pink t-shirt in my closet, and eventually, I lucked out finding these amazingly bright orange shorts at Goodwill in Stoughton, Wisconsin.

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    Then came my haircut. I didn’t intentionally cut it to be Dora, but I also didn’t NOT cut it to be Dora. After my Jessica Day costume, I felt ready to chop it off, so I went short. It’s just a happy accident that it looks so identical to Dora’s famous bob!

    a dora the explorer halloween costume portrayed by a white millennial women with short brown bob hair, pink t-shirt, orange shorts, and purple backpack

    Swipe Right On This Costume

    In the end, I was excited to say that we I did it! I love when you think of a Halloween costume and then are able to build it piece by piece. It’s much more satisfying to me than just buying a pre-made costume at a big box store at the last minute.

    Do you prefer buying pre-made costumes, or do you enjoy the hunt like me?

    If you want to re-create this costume, be sure to pin it to your inspiration board! Or send it to a friend who would be the perfect companion as Boots!

    a dora the explorer halloween costume portrayed by a white millennial women with short brown bob hair, pink t-shirt, orange shorts, and purple backpack

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  • A Last-Minute Care Bear Halloween Costume

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    Care Bear Costume Cuteness

    The countdown to Halloween is on and I am so excited to share this FUN last-minute Care Bear costume with you!

    I care about the 1980s a lot and Care Bears are a staple of that decade. Plus, they’ve managed to endure over the years and still have a way of resonating with children (and kiddults!) today.

    My favorite Care Bear is Funshine and is who I based my Halloween costume on. It took about 30 minutes to put together with things I already had in my closet.

    Let’s dive into the details of this Halloween costume that I’m sure you’ll heart!

    Finding Funshine

    A Care Bear costume is one of the most simple last-minute Halloween costumes you can put together.

    As I mentioned, everything came from my closet. I used a hooded sweatshirt I thrifted from ThredUp, skinny jeans (sweatpants would be even better to mimic the cuddliness of the Care Bears) and socks or slippers in the same color.

    New ThredUp customers can get 45% off AND free shipping on their first order by using my link!

    diy yellow funshine care bear halloween costume and vintage stuffed animal

    From there, I got to work DIYing a few pieces to transform in Funshine.

    I added the iconic badge to my belly to signify which Care Bear I was representing. I did this using felt and a couple stitches, so that it can be removed from my sweatshirt after Halloween and put back in my closet.

    My ears are simply construction paper cut into the shape of ears and safety pinned to my hood! If you don’t have a hood, you could add ears to a headband for a simple alternative.

    diy yellow funshine care bear halloween costume and vintage stuffed animal

    diy yellow funshine care bear halloween costume and vintage stuffed animal

    Crafty Touches For Your Care Bear Costume

    To really sell this Care Bear costume, you could continue to add small touches to your clothes or body like hearts (ala my heart nose!) or heart patches the bottom of your socks or slippers.

    diy yellow funshine care bear halloween costume and vintage stuffed animal

    As a lifelong Care Bear fan, I picked one (or three!) of my favorite matching Care Bears to join me in this photoshoot. Together we make up over 40 years of Care Bear history!

    diy yellow funshine care bear halloween costume and vintage stuffed animal

    Sharing is Caring

    While this costume is normally reserved for children, I loved being able to capture the magic as an adult! This would be a great group costume for you and your family, a crew of children, or a bunch of adults who also love tapping into their inner child. You could each represent a different color Care Bear or even make up an entirely new one!

    What do you think of this costume? Have you ever dressed up as a toy from your childhood? Let me know in the comments!

    If you enjoyed this costume, please be sure to Pin it to recreate at your next costume party!

    diy yellow funshine care bear halloween costume and vintage stuffed animal

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  • An Adorkable Thrifted Jess Day Halloween Costume

    Jess-tival of Fun: A New Girl Halloween Costume Guide

    Are you ready to get your quirk on this Halloween? I’m channeling the ultimate millennial that had us running out to get our bangs cut and learn how to play the ukulele. Who’s that girl? It’s Jess!

    The beloved TV series “New Girl” introduced us to Jessica Day, a character whose unique fashion sense captured hearts and inspired whimsical wardrobes worldwide.

    Whether you’re planning a themed Halloween party, looking for a unique costume idea, or simply want to infuse some adorkable charm into your everyday style, this is your guide to all things Jess Day.

    The best part of this Halloween costume is everything is easily thrifted. Or maybe it’s still hiding out in the back of your closet from 2012? Either way, let’s dive in!

    The Essence of Jessica Day Style

    At its core, Jessica Day’s style is a delightful mix of vintage-inspired pieces, playful prints, and cozy layers. It’s the sartorial equivalent of a warm hug mixed with a spontaneous dance party. Let’s break down the key elements to nailing a Jess Day Halloween costume:

    • A dress with a quirky print.
    • A belt and ballet flats in a matching color that complement the dress
    • A cute colored cardigan. Cropped is better!
    • Bold eyeglasses. Jess rocks chunky eyewear like nobody’s business!
    • Bright lipstick. Preferably one that matches your outfit.
    • BANGS! You can cut them for real or buy a pair of clip-ons to achieve the look.

    Accessorizing The Adorkable Way

    To truly capture the essence of Jessica Day, consider these playful additions:

    • Musical instruments as accessories (ukulele, anyone?)
    • Quirky purses or bags (the more unusual the shape, the better)
    • Hair accessories like bows or vintage-inspired clips

    New Girl, New You

    So there you have it—a playful guide to becoming the ultimate Jess Day this Halloween!

    This Jess Day Halloween costume isn’t about copying exactly what you see on screen – it’s about capturing that spirit of quirky confidence and making it your own. Whether you go all-out with a head-to-toe Jess-inspired ensemble or just add a touch of adorkable charm to your existing style, the most important thing is to have fun with it!

    Now go out there, spread some joy, and remember: the best accessory is always your smile!

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  • What I Wore To Work at Maurices This Summer

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    New Arrivals at Maurices

    Looking for some fresh outfit inspo? You’re in the right place! As a social media manager at Maurices, I’ve got the inside scoop on all the latest and greatest arrivals. And let me tell you, they’re chef’s kiss perfection!

    This post is all about the fun, fabulous pieces that are perfect for those sunny days out and about—think brunch with friends, weekend adventures, or just lounging in style! I’m giving you a sneak peek at my favorite outfits that will keep you looking cool and comfy all season long.

    Ready to upgrade your wardrobe from “meh” to “yasss”? Let’s dive in!

    Markdown Madness

    Summer is the best time for serious savings, especially in late July and early August.

    This year our markdowns were full to the brim with good pickings! I had fun styling the clearance clothes into wearable outfits. Most of these cost less than $20 total!

    Cue The Blue

    Denim is always a big seller at maurices so there’s no shortage of new styles, cuts, and washes for me to try on.

    I tend to favor anything high rise and wide leg, but I’m also excited about the return of jeggings this year! I am a a millennial after all. lol

    Endless Summer Nights

    I swear fashion seasons fly by faster than actual seasons. We already had snippets of fall and Halloween hitting the store in July!

    For that reason, I was happy to put this outfit together to try to hold on to the last bits of summer and those endless nights you have sitting around with friends or going out to a rooftop cocktail hour!

    In Clothes-ing

    And there you have it—my top picks from the latest summer arrivals at maurices! I hope these outfits inspire you to embrace your style and have fun with your wardrobe this season. I’d love to hear which outfit you liked! Drop a comment below and let me know your favorite!

    If you’re ready to refresh your closet, check out the new arrivals at maurices for more great finds. Don’t forget to follow me on social media for more style tips, outfit ideas, and behind-the-scenes fun. Thanks for reading, and happy styling!

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  • Is AI The Secret To A Better Thrift Haul?

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    The Future of Secondhand Shopping Is Here

    What would you think if a robot appeared on your screen and helped you thrift on the web?

    That reality is already here, and you might not even realize it!

    With the rise of AI (artificial intelligence), many apps, websites, and plugins are now utilizing special features to help us find the exact secondhand clothes we’re looking for or get the best deal online.

    ThredUp, the largest secondhand clothing website, is the latest to release new AI features to help you navigate their platform and become a better thrifter.

    In this post, I’m going to explore these new features and share how I’m using them and what my honest thoughts are about them.

    What is AI?

    AI is defined as artificial intelligence, a technology that allows you to generate, classify, and perform tasks like image analysis and speech recognition.

    It’s been around since the 1950s and is more a part of your life than you think.

    Most people became cognizant of it with the rise of ChatGPT, but it does so much more than write poorly structured social media captions for your Instagram.

    I honestly am in favor of AI and how accessible it makes things for many people. I’m not afraid of it taking my job, but I am in favor of how it can help me and you!

    Now that we have covered that, let’s take a closer look at how AI is being used on the ThredUp platform!

    AI-Powered Thrifting: How ThredUp is Transforming the Thrifting Experience

    Search Bar

    The first change to appear on ThredUp was an improved search bar. I was excited to be part of this Beta testing earlier in the year and was impressed with how quick it sped up my searches for specific pieces!

    According to ThredUp, this feature is meant to help you search for anything you want–from brands you love, specific pieces, or trends you can’t get enough of and they’ll show you endless options to add to your cart.

    Image Search

    The next AI tool being implemented is an image search. This is already a popular feature on other apps like Gem or Beni, and now ThredUp is getting in on the fun.

    Upload any photo (even from Instagram) and they’ll find the picture-perfect pieces to match.

    In my experience with this feature, I found it to be very accurate! It was able to detect multiple pieces in one photo (despite a messy background or a human being featured) and found matches every single time. I’ll be utilizing this feature most to help search for Halloween costumes this year!

    Style Chat Bot

    The last AI technology that ThredUp is using is a style chat bot.

    Just tell ThredUp what inspires you–a look, an aesthetic, or even a celebrity–and they’ll instantly show you options that bring your imagination to life.

    How does this differ from the search bar? While the search bar is great at finding singular pieces (ie: purple tank top, black strappy high heels) the style chat bot can collaborate with you to build the perfect look or share new ideas with you.

    I entered a few style scenarios into the bot and it came back with collections and searches I wouldn’t have thought of. This would be so great to use if you need help getting dressed for an event or want to revamp your personal style.

    Is AI The Future of Thrifting?

    Whether we like it or not, AI is going to continue popping up on our favorite thrifting platforms and change the way we shop. Are those changes going to be good or bad? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this!

    If you found this post interesting, please be sure to Pin it and share it with a friend.

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  • The Dream Thrifted Swimsuit I Scored for under $10 – And How I Styled It!

    Normalize Thrifted Swimwear

    Would you wear a thrifted swimsuit? Why or why not?

    It’s a question that keeps making ripples in the fashion pond. If you’ve been following my blog, you know I’m no stranger to this topic (check out my previous post for a refresher!).

    I recently thrifted a couple more swimsuits to wear this summer so I thought it would be a good time to take on this taboo topic and help normalize thrifted swimwear.

    I get it – the idea of secondhand swimwear might seem a bit fishy at first.

    But let’s debunk some myths and dive into why thrifted swimsuits deserve a spot in the sun.

    Busting Myths About Thrifted Swimsuits

    • Not all thrifted swimsuits are created equal. Yes, you will find ones with mystery stains from 40 years ago. But you’ll also find suits hanging up NWT from a year ago that someone wasn’t able to exchange.
    • Sanitizing is simple. A good wash does wonders, just like with any other clothing item. Still ‘icked’ out by the bottoms? Switch out the material with a DIY lining!
    • You’ll have more selection than what would be available to you at a retail store at a much lower cost. Plus, the option of finding vintage cuts, colors, and patterns is thrilling!

    a smiling white female with brown curly hair is standing outside on a sunny day. she's wearing sunglasses, a colorful swimsuit, an oversized button up, and sandals.

    My $10 Thrifted Swimsuit + How I Styled It

    I did luck out finding my suit new with tags at a thrift store last year. The store specializes in secondhand AND retail overstock so they were quite literally swimming in swimwear!

    Because of the abundance, they were running a special buy one, get one free. And at only $5 a piece, that was a deal I couldn’t pass up!

    I actually visited 2 out of 5 store locations to try to complete a set. (If you’re in Wisconsin, the chain is called “Bargain Nook“) But my persistence paid off and I found a set I could mix-and-match for $10!

    Styling A Thrifted Swimsuit With Colorful Clothing

    My other swimsuit (that I still own and use for the occasional pool day) is black, so I was excited to have some color opportunities with my new-to-me thrifted swimsuit. I added some dressy options on top to make it appropriate to wear out and about, if need be on a vacation or summer outing.

    Styling A Thrifted Swimsuit With A Kimono

    If you’re trapezing on the beach, all you really need is some strong SPF and a cute cover-up like my thrifting white lace kimono!

    Styling A Thrifted Swimsuit With A Cover-up

    As much as I don’t want to cover this cute suit up, I did have a thrifted swim dress that matched perfectly. It’s great for extra sun protection or keeping my top half covered while I dip my toes in the pool.

    Styling A Thrifted Swimsuit With Matching Shorts

    Another way to style a suit to be street appropriate is a pair of shorts! I went with this pair of vintage high rise shorts.. that I also thrifted. Are you sensing a pattern here?

    Tips for Choosing a Thrifted Swimsuit

    Thrifting a swimsuit takes just as much time and effort as buying a swimsuit new at a retailer. I sifted through countless options, some… less than appealing. To save YOU time, here are my 3 top tips for finding the perfect secondhand swimsuit:

    • Inspect the garment for stretched out elastic or worn-out material. Some pieces can be saved but others are best left on the rack or thrown away.
    • Try it on over your clothes (wear something fitted like leggings and tank top to gauge the fit). This is both hygienic AND friendly for those without fitting rooms at their thrift stores.
    • Just like any clothing item, give it a good wash and sanitize it for peace of mind. Hand washing is usually best for delicate items like this – and even better if you use white vinegar, rubbing alcohol, or antibacterial soap. Avoid boiling, a washing machine, or other heats as it breaks down the elastic and makes it unwearable.  On that note, remember to air dry it to retain it’s shape too!

    a smiling white female with brown curly hair is sitting outside on a sunny day. she's wearing an oversized pink and white button up and reading a magazine.

    Ready To Make Some Waves?

    Thrifting swimwear is more than just saving money – it’s about making waves in sustainable fashion. My $10 find proves that with a little patience and an open mind, you can score amazing deals while reducing fashion waste.

    Take the plunge and join the thrifted swimwear revolution! Tell me in the comments if you’re into this poolside style!

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