Creative Thrift Flip Ideas

5 Creative Thrift Flip Ideas: Transform Your Wardrobe On a Budget

Have you always had a knack for fashion? Maybe you've dreamed of becoming a stylist. 

New hobby unlocked! Unleash your inner fashion designer with a wardrobe makeover. You bring your sense of fashion and creativity, and  Clothes Mentor will bring our endless collection of unique and timeless fashion.

We know starting can be hard, so we whipped this guide up to help get your creative juices flowing! Here's a list of five dynamic DIY-style projects that will take your thrift store finds and flip them to fabulous in no time. Put your thinking cap on and get ready to turn heads with your one-of-a-kind combinations!

Not So Typical T-shirt

Where some see a basic, boring T-shirt, you see endless fashion possibilities. There's nothing quite like effortlessly incorporating a high-end plain t-shirt into your wardrobe to show others that your skills simply cannot be matched.

Fun and flowy: An unassuming t-shirt is the perfect base for easy thrift transformations. For an elevated look, select a long, flowy skirt, perhaps a slip skirt! Then, let the shoe set the mood; go with either a heel, tennis shoe, or boot to help set the vibe. Finish it off with a stylish bag of your choosing.

Lovely layers: There are tons of options with this one. You can go edgy and layer your t-shirt over a long sleeve shirt for that "I may be joining a rock band soon" look, or you can go with the "I was Taylor Swift's top fan on Spotify" vibe and layer a cute, comfy cardigan on top. There is no wrong choice!

The Denim Dream

If there's one thing about denim, it never goes out of style. Pick out a few quality jeans from brands like Madewell, Good American, or Free People and match them with just about anything for a DIY thrift flip.

Keep it casual: Go the simple yet stylish route and match a staple pair of jeans with a comfy t-shirt and some sneakers. BOOM—the perfect "girl next door" outfit.

Elevate it: You could also go the high fashion route and pair your jeans with a gorgeous blouse and rock a pair of heels—extra points for boldness!

Classic Couture

Upcycling has never looked so good! At Clothes Mentor, you have a plethora of resale designer fashion at your fingertips—think Alexander McQueen, Kate Spade, and Michael Kors, all for a fraction of the cost. Mix and match affordable designer pieces to create a one-of-a-kind look that screams sustainable fashion.

Catwalk connoisseur: Channel your "boss babe energy" and don a luxurious designer dress so perfectly fitted that people will think it was made for you. Once you have that on, you can go in any direction, but a pointed heel never hurts anyone. Dare we suggest a beautiful stiletto?

Down-low designer: Quiet luxury is all the rage! Make a statement by not having branding take away from the true beauty of your perfectly curated ensemble. Michael Kors is the perfect example—unassuming and classy, a great staple to any wardrobe, yet not something everyone has in their closet. Browsing our designer section will give you a few upcycling ideas!

Shoe Addiction

It's true; there are so many shoes to choose from that your closet can quickly become overwhelmed, and so can you. The answer is to simplify. Thrift a few pairs of shoes that are stylish, affordable, and good quality. You'll need to find shoes that work for your style. Look at the colors in your closet and get mostly neutral shoes that will work interchangeably. Then grab one or two pairs that highlight your personality through color–something fun!

Business blues: Workwear doesn't have to be boring. If you're wearing a simple shirt and pants, then you definitely need to add a touch of glamour with studded heels, luxury loafers, or maybe metallic booties. Let your imagination run wild!

Simply stylish: You don't always have to make a statement; sometimes, you just want to be comfy. That's why a staple sneaker is a must when you're feeling simple. Flats will do the trick if you need something a little less streetwear and a little more "I'm running errands today." And in the summer, you can never go wrong with an easy sandal. If you want to be a little extra, go for a platform or wedge sandal.

All the Accessories

Have you ever stared in the mirror and thought, "Hmm, this outfit is missing something"? Yeah, us too, and the answer is always accessories! Jewelry, scarves, and hats are all amazing options if you want to add extra oomph to one of your DIY-style projects.

Jazzy jewelry: Jazz up your outfit by going the statement route and rocking a colorful necklace to set off an otherwise neutral outfit. If your outfit is already busy, go for something classic. After all, a simple silver or gold hoop never hurt anybody.

A bunch of bags: Bags can make or break an outfit, and we're not talking about the ones under your eyes. If you have an old handbag that's just not doing your outfits justice, it's time to upgrade to something that can go with anything in your wardrobe. Try a neutral, convenient crossbody, or go the tote route and find a color that sets off your whole look.

With these five creative thrift flip ideas, you'll never look at resale fashion the same way again. So roll up your sleeves and start creating a wardrobe as unique as you are! If you find yourself hitting a wall, don't worry, we've got a solution for that too. Let Clothes Mentor’s Free Personal Shopper Service put you on the right path.

Don't waste time with tutorials that will only confuse you more. Simply complete our style quiz online, and we'll take care of the rest. Either way, after you visit a Clothes Mentor location, we hope you find yourself saying, “My old clothes never made me feel this confident!” because you deserve it. Have fun rocking your new look!
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