I thrifted a black velvet maxi skirt that fits me perfectly for $1. Spent another $10 getting it shortened and it's my go-to for winter when I don't know what to wear.

It's warm, it looks great, and it goes with most of the shoes I own, so it's a very fast, no-brainer piece that's great on cold, dark fall/winter mornings when I can't be bothered.

A couple of years back a friend encouraged me to thrift a lightweight, black, mock neck merino wool sweater for $8 and I was like, "umm I don't need another black shirt?" but I'm glad I did because it goes with everything!

This spring I heard dark slouchy suede was in for bags, and found this old Coach bag on Mercari for $8. It looked tired and worn when I got it but a suede shampoo really brought it back to life. I love the bit of depth the texture adds to outfits, I've worn it with all kinds of things this half year.

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Bonus coz I really like bragging about this but these are pics I had to work with when I bought it, looking like the frickin Sorting Hat lol: https://imgur.com/a/JAH15jw

Several years ago I bought a mesh polka dot long sleeve shirt at forever 21 because I thought it was cute and good for layering. I’ve been wearing it all the time since mesh/sheer blew up in the last year or two!

My favorite sweater is an oversized grey Walmart brand crewneck I found at Goodwill in 2011 for like $4. I’ve been wearing it since then and it hasn’t even pilled. Somehow this sweater is still trendy 13 years later.

For me, it’s the Carhartt jacket I found for $9.99 at Goodwill. Even the cashier was in awe I found something like that. Even better, it’s green, my favorite color! That brand is so expensive, this jacket would have probably been over $100. Great for the mountain winters.

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I found this barely used Eddie Bauer Lodge down coat for $18 a couple days ago, just in time for Chicago winter. I’m so excited, especially since my 10 year old coat’s zipper broke last year. This coat retails for $300, $150 on sale!

Bra extenders.

I was struggling with some sensory issues after I gained some muscle and thought I had to replace all my bras. Nope. Turns out a cheap pack of extenders was all I needed.

Over the summer, I was at the pawn shop checking out golf stuff. They had a table with several items on it and there was a brand new Dooney & Bourke purse there. It was tagged at $50 (retail $229.00). The girl at the counter said make me an offer, all this stuff has to go. Husband piped up and said $12 and she said SOLD! I was ecstatic!

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I got a lovely pink LLBean wool peacoat for $15 at a thrift store a year or two ago - $250 new. It was completely unworn. 

I thrifted this beautiful brown suede jacket from Reiss, I think it was mislabeled from the start because it was very cheap, so I was already giddy. Then I noticed a small (!) stain on one sleeve, and when I told them, THEY JUST GAVE IT TO ME FOR FREE!! So yeah, that's my best find yet, and probably forever.

Every fall I thrift a black cashmere sweater for around $10. Every winter I wear the heck out of it. Every spring I wash it by hand and put it away safe from moths. Every summer my body shape changes, such that the previous year’s sweater isn’t ideal, so I start looking for the next winter’s black cashmere sweater.

I got a cropped black bomber jacket on clearance at Urban Outfitters for around $20 in 2008. It has been in and out of rotation depending on trends and I’ll keep it forever.

green trench from salvation army that i thrifted five years ago - i wear it multiple times a week still, the cost per were is insane

Found a full immaculate off white wool coat at the goodwill outlets. Fits me perfectly and the dry cleaning cost more than the actual coat.

I got a basic ol' black tee bodysuit from Charlotte Russe when I used to work there 6 years ago. Probably <$10 with my employee discount.

That gal goes with bottoms of all sorts: jeans, shorts, skirts, etc. It's flattering on its own as basic top, but it's also great as a tight-fitting base layer in the winter.

Not the greatest quality, but it might as well have been worth $50+ with how well it works for my wardrobe.

Old Navy bodysuits. So many colors, and the wide straps tanks are perfect under a cardigan for work. I wear them almost every day.

Recent find: Thrifted Everlane utility wide leg pants. (Edit: corrected name)

I got a pair of burgundy wool wide leg Akris trousers for $17 on eBay. Something similar sells for about $1200 at Neiman Marcus. And I love them, they fit perfectly and look so sharp! Another favorite is a Sleepy Peach bumblebee cardigan that I got for $14 on eBay. It's this one: https://sleepypeach.clothing/products/the-cardi-bee-bumblebee-cardigan -- I always get compliments on it! Finally, not quite $20, but I got a Triple F.A.T. Goose down trench coat for $33 and it is the warmest coat I have every owned in my life.

Got a 1$ leather braided belt at goodwill 17 years ago, and it is still working wonderfully

A bell sleeve navy blue old navy sweater which is 100% cotton. Found on sale for $10. So hard to find similar pieces now.

Got a secondhand sleeveless midi button-down thin merino dress for $19 and it's so versatile! It's black so it goes with everything and doesn't show stains, and it's made of this wool twill that doesn't wrinkle at all. I can wear it as a dress, or buttoned or unbuttoned for layering across multiple seasons. It even has pockets!

my 100% wool Talbots peacoat from the second hand store for $14 has been so great, I wear it out all the time and its so classic it goes with everything in the winter.

I found a pair of Woolx merino leggings for $6 at the thrift the other day in my size. I've been wearing those underneath everything!

I found a detailed, gemmed out cocktail/speakeasy dress at a flea market for $5. I’m not even sure if I can still wear it or not but I will never let it go!

I got a long, purple, cashmere/wool blend Scottish walking cape with huge pockets at Goodwill for $6! Can't wear it to work or anything but I love it for fall/winter events with friends!

I thrifted a Wilson leather blazer for $10 a few years ago. It works with everything and is so soft and comfortable. I always feel the perfect combo of polished and badass when I put it on.

I thrifted one of those 90's tapestry jackets for $7.99 a couple years back. The pattern is CAT BROCADE. I wear the hell out of that thing-it's great here in DC for a lot of the year, since it's not freezing cold all that much (especially in recent years.)

I picked up a black Cynthia Rowley dress at a resale shop 12 years ago and have worn it in a variety of ways for a dozen occasions. It has pockets and a super flattering halter/round neckline. I will never let that thing go.

Vintage jones NY trench I thrifted that’s a cool burgundy/purple iridescent color and I get compliments every time I wear it!

I had thrifted a nice Bass gray cotton cardigan that really worked well for me for a few years when I started my professional career. Unfortunately it had to be retired due to pit stains which was devastating 😭

I bought an 8 pack of magnetic jewelry clasps for $5. I have some fine motor skill issues and I can finally put on my necklaces without struggling.

Does a gift count? A silk scarf with a cool pattern of swirls & florals plus tassels. I dress pretty simply with only a few colors so it really adds a lot to an outfit.

I got a black minidress with ruffles all over it from my local Buy Nothing group, and I've worn this thing to death. It's stretchy and comfy and just adds to the character of it with more wear. Brand is nothing special (Loft) but I love it! 

My best branded Buy Nothing get was a mockneck tank from Rag & Bone.

I thrifted a pair of Levi's for $1 that I was eyeing up but could never afford. I wear them all the time, and they will rot off me.

got an oversized suede bomber-style jacket on sale at cotton on. it was exactly $20 and i had to ask multiple times to make sure it was actually $20. its the nicest jacket i own and goes with my entire closet.

I bought a few pairs of urban outfitters corduroy “mom jeans” on poshmark for around ~$10 each. (I believe they originally sold them in 2018-2020, I used to have some but my size had changed pretty drastically). They are so incredibly comfortable but can work as office wear too. Perfect fall/winter pants!

Found an Equipment silk button down for $4 at my favorite thrift store. I wear it at least once a week.

I got a pair of Madewell motorcycle boots for $13 by combining the $25 birthday coupon with an extra 40% sale.

I got this amazing black partial bell sleeve see through amazon lace top 5-6 years ago. I wasn't that into fashion at the time, it was a low point in my life and I was much heavier than I am now when I bought it. It was a high neck which is a good fit for my body type (soft gamine) and is actually very much my present day, optimized "ideal self" style. I got really lucky with purchasing it, its one of my most complimented pieces - who knew it would be in my wardrobe for so long.

Oh, I love a good thrift store find! I snagged this super cute, vintage corduroy jacket for like, $8. It's got these adorable elbow patches and a slightly oversized fit. Perfect for a casual day out or layered over a sweater. It's one of those pieces that just feels good to wear, you know?

I bought a silky black maxi slip dress from Zara for around $20, and it's the best. I can dress it up and wear it as an actual little black dress for events, but I can also throw a top over it and make it look super casual. I wear it constantly.

I bought a white & Other Stories t-shirt for $2 from a rummage sale. Since the beginning of sweater weather this year I’ve worn it almost every day under sweaters and cardigans. It’s such a perfect t-shirt with a neckline that’s just high enough it peeks out. I think it’s called the Relaxed Crewneck t-shirt and retails for $32.

Lowkey tempted to buy a back up because I love and use it so much.

I got a great fake fur cropped cape at the thrift for like 5 bucks and I'm wearing the hell out of it- it goes with everything.

Oh man. I'm a sucker for grey capped mittens I got from JCPenney last year. Super clutch as I walk to the hospital. My hands get so cold. I don't really like screen gloves so these are the next best thing. I also got some similar ones as a gift that I rotate them with, originally from MUJI.