"Knowing what you like sounds simple, right? But it’s the secret sauce to scoring something in a thrift store that you’ll actually love, use, and maybe even name - wait, you don’t have a chair with a pet name? In regular stores, they tell you what you should like by displaying only what’s ‘in style’. But in a thrift store, it’s all up to you! Think about what style makes your heart skip a beat, what patterns and colors suit you, or what fits your vibe at home. This will help you sift through the meh and find the wow."

"Worried you’ll get distracted by cool things you didn’t even know existed? Make a list! Write down what you really need: maybe you’re hunting for a specific book, that one perfect coat, or a vase that complements your living room - write it down. But keep that open mind wide open at the same time. The best part of thrift shopping is the thrill of surprise—who knows what treasures you’ll find when you least expect it? Or as I like to say: you walk into a thrift store not knowing what you need, but trust me – the thrift store knows exactly what you’ve been looking for… even if you didn’t know it yet."

"Here’s the deal: most thrift stores are gloriously disorganized. So, don’t rush. Take your time and really dive into everything the store has to offer. It’s like a treasure hunt—sometimes you have to sift through a lot of stuff before you hit gold. I myself always do a couple of laps around the store. One time, I did a third lap past a clothing rack when my eye landed on a blazer. Turned out it was a vintage Max Mara jacket for a whopping €7.50. Crazy it hadn’t caught my eye earlier – the color, the quality of the fabric, the fit... I had it altered at a tailor’s and now it’s one of my absolute favorite jackets."

"And don’t just pop in once. The more you visit, the higher your chances of finding something amazing before someone else does, or you didn’t know existed. It reminds me of another great find. I’ve had issues with my hips for years, and one day while doing my thrift store rounds, I spotted a weird, oddly-shaped medical cushion in a box. Sealed and brand new. Turns out, it was a pelvic cushion. Never heard of it before, but I bought it anyway because hey, €3.50 is a pretty sweet price to try things out. And guess what? It’s exactly what I needed to sleep comfortably with my hips supported. Without the thrift store, I’d have never discovered this gem!"

"Like any great skill, thrifting takes practice. Try on lots of stuff, wander around sections you’d normally skip, Google weird brands, and check out different stores. It’s all about getting familiar with the scene and training your eye to spot the real gems. And, pro tip: ask when they’re getting new stock in. You’ll be first in line! Danish design, here I come."

“Not sure where to start? Feeling a bit shy about flying solo? Ask a thrift pro for a thrifting date! Odds are, they’ll be just as excited as you are and ready to share their wealth of knowledge. As they say: two pairs of eyes spot more vintage Adidas than one. Happy thrifting!”

By following these tips, you'll shop smarter, save money, and contribute to a more sustainable future - all while enjoying the thrill of the hunt. Need more inspiration? Check out Rianne’s or Hanneke's top thrifting advice right here. Happy thrifting!