Updating your wardrobe doesn’t mean throwing tons of cash at brand new clothes. The thrift store is a veritable goldmine of steeply discounted garments and accessories—some still with brand new tags and others that are now true one-of-a-kind gems. And if you know what you’re doing, you can completely refresh your wardrobe with secondhand finds.

Whether you’re sprucing up your closet ahead of a seasonal shift, are bored with your current selection, or want to incorporate trendy new pieces into your closet, your local thrift stores are where to go for an affordable (and sustainable) wardrobe refresh.

Follow these expert thrifting tips that’ll help breathe new life into your wardrobe.

Meet the Expert

Related: How to Find Designer Handbags at Thrift Stores (and Spot Fakes), According to Experts

Take Inventory of Your Closet

“Taking note of what you have and what you need will prevent you from buying doubles of what you own,” says fashion expert PJ Gach, author of “The Grumpy Fashionista.” It’ll also help you identify and remember any gaps or pieces that need replacing.

“Drill down on exactly what you need,” says Gauch. “Are you lacking a winter jacket, spring coat, or a blazer to wear with jeans? Think about what you own, how you wear it, and what items could elevate your wardrobe.”

Related: 11 Best Thrift Store Finds for Spring, According to Shopping Insiders

Consider Your Personal Style

The thing about shopping at thrift stores is that it’s very easy to get swept up in the thrill of a serious snag. But if that high-end piece isn’t your style or something you ultimately won’t wear, it’s just not worth the spend.

“It’s easy to get persuaded by a low price tag,” admits Gach. “The reality is that if the item doesn’t fit our lifestyle or needs, it ends up taking space in the closet or drawer, never to be worn.”

Integrate New With Old

Unless you’re aiming for a complete overhaul, get strategic about integrating new (to you) pieces with what’s already hanging in your closet, advises Rhonda Marinoff, a New York City-based personal fashion stylist.

“You can add a personal, fun touch with a thrifted accessory or new pair of shoes,” she says. Create contrast by layering a vintage blazer over a modern outfit, or pick up a statement piece—like a patterned silk blouse or structured handbag—that complements your go-to staples.

Look for High Quality Garments

Ensuring you’re spending money on quality pieces may require some extra legwork—but it’s worth the effort. Familiarize yourself with signs of high-quality garments and accessories, urges Gach.

“The best tips that I can think of when finding high end goods—like my Balenciaga dress that was priced at $8—are the look and feel of a garment’s fabric,” Gach says. Also check the seaming and stitching, metal accents, and lining, and consider natural versus synthetic fibers.

Pass on Items That Require Major Repairs

As a general rule, Gach recommends steering clear of any item that is in need of extensive repairs or massive altering.  The only exception is if it’s a particularly rare or special (to you) piece—and you’re OK with spending money and time altering it.

“Sometimes repairs, especially for leather goods, might be more expensive than what you paid for the item,” warns Gauch.

Consider Where You Can Alter and Personalize a Piece

All that said, some pieces are just waiting for your personalization. A hole in a pair of vintage jeans can be repaired with a patch, and zippers are a quick, cheap fix for any seamstress. Gach adds that leather conditioner and suede brushes can work wonders in revitalizing leather goods, so don’t be turned off by a bag with good bones that needs a little work. Pants and skirts can be hemmed, and small tears or missing buttons are easily handled by pros—or those who feel comfortable with a needle and thread.

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