Top Thrift Picks For Spring

Sharing a post within the same calendar space as Earth Day and Fashion Revolution Week* it is especially necessary for me to highlight how dressing well can occur without the outrageous exploitation of the planet and our sisters around the globe. One of the biggest bangs for your habit-changing buck, is to shop secondhand.

Here are some of my favorite secondhand finds for the transition to warmer temps. Of course shop your closet first, but then check your favorite secondhand sources for these spring styles.

Detailed Tee - look for patterns, textures or embellishments that suit your style. A puff sleeve or knotted waist are flattering to many shapes.

Straight Leg Jeans - a straight (or skinny) leg with plenty of stretch in a darker wash is easy to wear around the house or dress up for a (virtual) happy hour.

(Faux) Leather Sandals - elevate a humble flip flop with (faux) leather uppers and/or soles.

Denim Jacket - an absolute spring staple you can find secondhand (and perfectly lived-in) in a range of washes and fits to top everything from tees and shorts to dresses.

Crossbody Bag - source a designer style for a deal or your favorite recent trend from mass retailers. I love a good light neutral or metallic for warmer weather.

Day Dress - the ultimate pull-on-and-go "outfit" for spring. Pick your favorite color or pattern to feel your best with one easy piece.

Metallic Sandals - flat metallic sandals walk the perfect line between casual and dressy casual making them perfect with cutoffs or boho maxi dresses.

Feminine Blouse - a pretty, breezy blouse is perfect for virtual meetings now and any dressy casual affairs once we can have them again.

Denim Skirt - hem lines and shapes may trade headlines, but denim skirts always emerge when we bare our legs each spring. Find a fit that you love and rock it with your most casual tee or gorgeous top.

Ladylike Flats - or fun, edgy or classic - whatever tips your tulip! Flats glide through errands and the essentials but the right ones add plenty of personality.

Textured Tank - a texture or pattern really elevated a basic cotton tank so that it can go from under a cardi at the office to church or a girls' night out.

Distressed Denim - a lighter wash, more relaxed fit, and maybe a few well-frayed edges give off the kind of casual, easy vibe I want to feel this spring and summer. I love to add a pretty top for a little balance, but plain white tee works just as well.

Straw Tote - the kind of bag I'd pack for a tropical getaway but it works just as well for packs of sanitizer wipes and my planner.

Neutral Mules - a great option when it's been too long since your last pedicure but your poor feet need a little air! A woven texture or light neutral color helps mules feel warm weather-ready.

Festive Dress - the most practical, no. But a stretchy fit and flare style is ideal for virtual celebrations now and the parties we'll throw later. Bonus: prints are very forgiving for little kid smudges and isolation body changes.

Strappy Heels - a simple metallic or neutral strappy heel works for nearly every special occasion that will eventually fill our calendars again.

Every item featured in these outfits was sourced secondhand in either local brick and mortar stores or online. While restrictions are in place, shop your local thrift stores online inventory if available or check out thredUP or Poshmark. While there is a larger company that profits, the sale of each item on these online platforms supports an individual seller or a full-time reseller small business.

Regardless of where you source it, shopping secondhand ensures that all of the awesome clothes that have already been created won't end up in a landfill or incinerator. It also allows you to shop on a budget without padding the pockets of enormous companies who we know are investing little to nothing in the safe production of their goods or fair wages of their workers. It's the perfect time to look good, feel good and do good.

*Seven years ago there was a tragic building collapse in Bangladesh that killed thousands. The workers inside had reported cracks and structural issues but were forced to continue working on pieces for more than two dozen clothing labels. Fashion Revolution Week recognizes the sacrifice of those garment workers and the myriad conditions and factors that lead to an avoidable tragedy and still exist today.

I couldn't write a post today without mentioning the significance of it, but if you want more information I've started a working document of resources.