Luxury for Less: How to Score High-End Preloved Fashion at Unbeatable Prices

Are you a fashion enthusiast always looking for the next piece to add to your wardrobe? What if you could have high-end, designer pieces without stretching your budget? Look no further than consignment stores! Current Boutique was founded on the belief that high-quality fashion should be affordable and accessible. Consignment stores are treasure troves of designer pieces and luxury items at a much lower cost than their new counterparts. But there are tricks to consignment shopping to snag those huge deals. Here are our 11 tips and tricks to score luxury for less and learn how to shop the consignment racks like a pro.

1. Research consignment stores in your area.

Finding a consignment store in a new city is one of my favorite joys of traveling! But if you want to become a frequent consignment shopper, you’ll need to do some research to narrow your search. Look for stores specializing in high-end fashion and have a good reputation for authenticity so you know the pieces you’re buying are worth their price tag. Read online reviews and social media platforms to see what other fashionistas are saying about the store. Review their online website or give them a call to get an idea of the brands they carry and their overall price points. This is a great first step to ensure you’re spending your money on quality, genuine pieces.

2. Build relationships with owners and staff.

Building rapport with local consignment stores is a great way to snag the best deals. Most consignment stores are local, small businesses, and the store owners and staff want to build a community. Joining this community helps the store grow while giving you VIP access to the hottest restocks and sales.

By cultivating true friendships, the staff might even send personal messages if they see something you’ll like in a recent restock. They may even offer personalized styling advice, exclusive access to new arrivals, or invitations to store events. They can also give you the “inside scoop” to help you navigate their store more effectively, including the low-down on the best deals, lowest prices, and upcoming discounts.

3. Be the first to browse the racks.

Consignment stores are constantly stocking new inventory. Shopping frequently and knowing when the store puts this inventory on the shelves will give you first-pick of the “just in” pieces. Some tips for timing your consignment purchases:

• Visit stores early in the week. People tend to drop off items over the weekend.
• If you’ve befriended your favorite consignment store’s staff, ask them the best days to buy. They may have one day each week where they restock the shelves, and you can make that your weekly shopping routine.
• Follow your favorite consignment stores on social media to see their new pieces, trends, and styles.
• Social media, websites, and newsletters will also keep you updated on seasonal sales and discount events, giving you even bigger savings on your favorite preloved pieces.

Check out our Just In pieces for the first look at our hottest inventory.

4. Pay attention to quality and condition.

Price is a driving factor for many shoppers, but you should really be looking at value. Spending $20 on a shirt you can wear twice isn’t a solid investment compared to an $80 high-quality shirt you can wear for the next five to ten years. When shopping at some thrift stores, you might be guaranteed a low price but not necessarily a lot of value for what you’re paying.

Focus on the quality of the fabric and craftsmanship to ensure you’re investing in a durable, timeless piece. Carefully inspect each piece to ensure your money is being used wisely. Look for signs of wear or damage, like loose threads, stains, missing buttons, and broken zippers. You might be able to fix minor flaws or make alterations, but be realistic about your willingness to invest in repairs.

At Current Boutique, we are transparent about the quality of our stock. Our price tags and website descriptions show the condition of each item. We generally only resell items that are in excellent, like new, and new condition; if it’s in “good” condition, it’s likely a great find that we just couldn’t pass up!

5. Check for an authenticity promise.

Along with quality designer pieces, you want to ensure you’re purchasing an authentic designer item. There’s nothing worse than spending $700 on a Chanel bag only to find out it’s not real Chanel. Some thrift and consignment stores don’t guarantee genuine pieces, but high-end consignors like Current Boutique will generally offer an authenticity promise so you can feel confident in your purchases.

6. Buy classic pieces.

In keeping with the concept of value, you might want to consider buying classic, timeless pieces rather than trendy ones. Classic pieces will have a longer “shelf” life in your closet, and they’re more likely to complement your existing wardrobe. They also tend to hold their value better over time. 

7. Stay budget-friendly with trends.

That said, don’t neglect trendy pieces altogether. Trends are what make you look stylish and fashion-forward. And in terms of budget, trendy pieces might be discounted to make room for new or micro-trends.

At Current Boutique, we often promote trends because our clientele are trendy fashionistas. And just because something is trending doesn’t mean it’s not also a piece you’ll be able to wear for years to come! Check out our Trends section here.

8. Shop off-season.

All fashion stores, including consignment stores, might change prices depending on the season. For example, winter coats are often discounted in spring to make way for summer inventory.

To score the best deals, consider shopping these off-season prices. Although you may not be able to wear your new clothing right away, planning ahead and buying off-season can save a lot of money and build a gorgeous capsule wardrobe for much lower price point. 

9. Invest in accessories.

Accessories are the key to taking your style to the next level. Jeans and a tee go from simple to sophisticated when you add a designer handbag, stunning sunglasses, and gorgeous wedges. A little black dress transitions from casual to formal when you add heels, a statement necklace, and pearl earrings. Use these touches of luxury to elevate the more basic piecesin your closet.

When it comes to consignment shops, a lot of the value is found in the accessories. Often, consignors drastically mark-down accessories, so you can get designer pieces at a fraction of their original price.

Read: The Art of Matching Accessories

10. Try everything on.

Many consignment stores have limited return policies or no return policy at all. That means you’ll want to take extra time in the fitting room to ensure each piece looks and feels good on your body. Don’t rely solely on the label because size and fit vary widely across brands. Taking time to ensure the pieces fit your body and budget will help you avoid buyer’s remorse. Current Boutique hates the idea of buyer’s remorse. That’s why, unlike a lot of our competitors, we have a 21-day return policy!

11. Stay patient.

Consignment shopping requires patience, which isn’t always easy. Unlike traditional retail stores, consignment stores have a steady stream of constantly-changing inventory. You never know what hidden gems and discounts you’ll find! Don’t be discouraged if nothing speaks to you on your first visit. Explore different stores and racks over multiple days or weeks, and enjoy the thrill of the hunt! One day, the perfect piece – at the perfect price point – will jump out to you and make it all worth the effort. 

Luxury for less: consignment shopping 

Consignment stores are the go-to spot for fashion enthusiasts seeking high-end fashion at affordable prices. With the above tips, you’ll navigate these stores like a pro to score the best deals. Start browsing designer clothes and accessoriesat Current Boutique, where you’ll find designer, authenticated goods at unbeatable prices.