Key 1960s shapes and silhouettes are appearing on the retail market this spring thanks to popular television shows like Mad Men, and if you’re not shy about showing some leg then the pleated miniskirt trend might be for perfect for you. The pleated chiffon miniskirt is a great option for mixing and matching with several wardrobe staples, and can be dressed up or down to suit most of your warm weather occasions.
While big name retailers are charging upwards of $50 for pleated chiffon skirts, the savvy Goodwill® shopper knows that this look can be easily emulated with something pulled right off the thrift store racks. My skirt was thrifted from a nearby Goodwill location. Can’t find the right length? Skirts are simple to cut and hem; you can do it yourself or hire a seamstress. Even with the cost of alteration, a thrifted version of this skirt can save you precious dollars, and it will be one-of-a-kind!
Remember that just because you’re wearing a skirt doesn’t mean you have to look totally girly. One of the ways that I style my pleated skirt is with a t-shirt, leather jacket and boots. There are few things more satisfying than finding the perfect worn-in t-shirt at the thrift store; extra points if it advertises a local business or sports team.
I always keep an eye out for leather jackets as well. This brown bomber jacket is one of my favorite thrift finds, and cost me hundreds of dollars less than a new one would have. You can even breathe new life into your thrifted leather jackets or purses with a bottle of leather lotion, which can be picked up at any full service shoe store for around $10.
If you do want to femme it up, then think ruffles and patterns. Florals, polka dots and bows are some of my favorites, and tucking in the top to the waist of the skirt helps to define your figure. You don’t need belt loops to wear a belt with your high waist skirt, just fasten it right below the elastic as seen here. Ruffles on top help bring the eye upward, while a cute pair of flats completes the look. I picked up these adorable navy blue ribbon flats at my local Goodwill for less than $5.
Of course, the pleated chiffon mini skirt is but one of the many spring and summer looks that can be emulated with clothing found at your local thrift store. And don’t forget, your clothing purchases at Goodwill not only help you to save money, but also help provide employment placement services and other community-based programs for people who have disabilities, lack education or job experience, or face challenges to finding employment.
Stop back here next month for more thrift fashion tips, or visit my personal blog at www.GoodwillHuntingg.com.
