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Shopping for clothing at thrift stores requires a certain amount of skill. That means that just like any other skill, thrift-store shopping must be practiced- and chances are you'll have a few failures before you get it right. But for those of us who like to be fashion forward without breaking the bank, thrift stores can be the ultimate wardrobe lifesavers.

If you're interested in learning the art of thrifting- or if you've already done some secondhand shopping but want to hone your skills- this article will help. Here, we break down the most commonly found items in thrift stores and show you how to find great fashion for a fraction of the price. Next time you hit the Goodwill or the charity shop, take this article along with you and learn to look for bargains with a whole different eye.

Tee Shirts.
It's true that at most charity shops, you WILL find rack after rack of nasty, oversized, worn-out tee shirts. But that doesn't mean the tee shirt possibilities end there.
If you're a twenty-something or younger male or female, then head straight for the little kids' racks. You'd be surprised how many kids' tee shirts are just the right sizes for adults. I'm not sure why this is- maybe kids like to wear their shirts baggier than adults do. Also, many kids' tee shirts are printed with the names of camps or ball teams, and look great peeking from beneath a cardigan sweater or blazer. If you don't want to go quite that trendy, look for solid color or ringer tees that can act as basic wardrobe staples.
If you're really creative, consider the world of tee shirt modification- commonly referred to by the hipsters as tee shirt surgery. This is essentially the art of cutting up and re-stitching the huge oversized shirts found for 50 cents at the thrift store. Choose one with a logo or color that you like, and teach yourself with some practice shirts how to cut out the sides and sew new seams so that the shirt fits you properly. If you're feeling adventurous, try cutting out a new neckline or adding long sleeves from another piece of fabric.

Accessories.
Any woman will tell you that sometimes it's really, really hard to find the right purse. Most women who are even slightly fashion-conscious own at least a few purses. The problem is, the purse you buy is never exactly right for every occasion- so you end up having to buy another one at some point in the not-so-distant future. Save yourself big money by buying your purses at a thrift store.
Because of the nature of purses and the fact that you can buy one, then end up not liking it, a lot of good purses end up being given away to charity shops and Goodwills. Buying them there for two to four dollars is a lot better than dropping 12 to 20 dollars every time you need a new one.
Other small accessories, like scarves, mittens, and necklaces, can be bought in thrift stores for a fraction of the price. And you'll have the added bonus of owning a completely unique piece that isn't being worn by everyone else.

Jeans.
This one comes with a big warning: You WILL NOT NECESSARILY find good jeans in a thrift store! When I walk into a thrift store and see rack after rack of stonewashed, tapered Mommy jeans, I wish devoutly that the good souls who are donating them would just burn them instead and keep them off the streets. So don't assume that any pair of jeans you're going to find is going to be worth buying. Remember that jean styles come and go rather quickly, so buying used means buying carefully.
With that said, looking for jeans around the end of a school year is a great idea if you still wear high school or college sizes. If you don't, try looking for jeans at secondhand stores that are located in wealthy neighborhoods. Someone who buys quality jeans will be donating them there, and you can sometimes find some diamonds in the rough.
Buying jeans at a thrift store does take a certain amount of patience, but I'm including it in this list because of the fact that new jeans are expensive- and often low quality. A cheap pair of trendy jeans from a chain store may fall apart the first time you wash them. A used pair of designer jeans found in a pile at the thrift store still has a lot of life left in them.

Shoes.
Just like jeans, finding good shoes at a thrift store isn't a foolproof process. But if you do manage to score a good pair, it'll be loads cheaper than buying them anywhere else- and you'll have the added bonus of quality if you find a pair that is well made. I'm including shoes in this list for the main fact that the ones bought at outlets and made cheaply are usually uncomfortable and fall apart within a season.
One thing: if you can find quality shoes second-hand, don't be afraid of the fact that they're broken in to someone else's feet. Buy some leather softener, or just prepare to wear them for a few days straight, and let them form to your feet. I'm surprised at the number of people who won't wear used shoes for this reason. Clean the shoes, wear them for awhile to soften them up, and you'll have yourself a great bargain.

Layering pieces.
Convenience and comfort have combined to make the layered look immensely popular- and it shows no signs of falling off the radar. Check the lingerie rack at a thrift store for a lacy camisole with some length to it. Put it under a slim-fitted top and a short cardigan and create a cheap and easy layered look. Similarly, look for men's tank tops and thermal shirts that you can wear under and over your everyday pieces to add warmth and style.
If you're feeling daring, purchase a top at a thrift store with a pattern that you like. When you get it home, cut off the chest and sleeves and make it into a tube top. Slide the tube top down until it covers your hips; then layer a few tee shirts and necklaces on top of it. This creates an easy and unique layered look that gives you an artsy edge all your own.

The above list is just a short sampling of what's available at thrift stores to help you in your fashion quest. Keep in mind that you will have to do some searching, some trying on, and maybe even some wheeling and dealing to get what you want. But in time, you'll become an avid bargain hunter- and you'll be proud of the fact that your entire outfit cost a fraction of what your friend paid for one piece. Even better, you'll probably look more stylish than she does.

Look for my next installment- What NOT to Buy at Thrift Stores- coming soon!
-by bjp