Style File: Thrift Shopping for the Curvy Girl

An old friend and Dina's Days Facebook follower, J.C. wrote on the fan page wall requesting a post about fall thrift styles for the "curvy fashionista." This is an interesting and what I think is a simple request considering more than half of the things I find at second hand stores are indeed made for the curvy woman. I've known many thriftaholics who buy and alter dresses and skirts regardless of the original size. The advice I'd give for the curvy girl shopping at the thrift store is very similar to the advice I'd give to anyone second hand shopping: look for textures not size. 

Clothing from the 80s and 90s
I know that piece of advice sounds completely outrageous when the purpose of this post is to guide the curvy girl to the right corner of the thrift store, but it doesn't always work that way. When it comes to retro, vintage, and older clothing, sizes are hardly ever accurate. I own a number of maxi skirts that read a size four times bigger than me and fit me perfectly,  but then I sold a skirt at the market that was my "size" but wouldn't go past my thigh. However, with that being, said, many of the items carried at the thrift store are on average 20-30 years old (at least from my experience at the local Akron thrift stores). More often than not you're going to be rummaging through blazers, sweaters, dresses, and skirts from the1980s and 90s. Clothing from these decades were mostly boxy and over sized ( think of suits from the 80s) so you are more than likely going to find items that are already looser or have a larger style. If you like something, try it on. Unless it's clearly not your size, try it on and see how it fits.

Above: I found a "plus" blazer and layered with a plaid button down from the men's section. Because this look is very masculine, I'd wear a very feminine necklace or accessories with it.

Texture, texture, texture
This is my thrifting secret. You think I have time to go through every item on the rack? Who does? I browse and wait for the right texture to catch my eye. It could be a silky top, an embellished jacket, or a beautiful print on a skirt. This tip goes for any thrifter, at any size.

For the office: Wool lined skirt with a cream blouse. This top was from the plus section and the skirt from the women's skirt section. 

In a nutshell, here's where I recommend you start:

Blazers: blazers are great for fall for many reasons. There is absolutely no shortage of blazers at the thrift store.

Skirts

Men's button down rack: is great for plaid flannel shirts. Layer with blazers or with other button downs for the coziest fall look!

Women's blouses

Plus size rack: most thrift stores have a plus size rack, but certainly don't limit yourself there

Accessories  From faux pearl strands to chain necklaces to silk scarves, the accessory counter is one you don't want to forget to visit. Look for pieces that make a huge statement, like a layered necklace or heavy gold clip on earrings. Take them home and start putting them together with things you already own. If it's overwhelming at first, just pull out your solid pieces like a black sweater or a white t-shirt and start there. Accessorizing solid pieces never goes out of style in my book!

Sorry about the crappy iPhone photos, these are just some looks I put together at the thrift store to give you some inspiration while thrifting.  The possibilities are endless!