I was browsing through my coat closet in preparation for this post to share my favorite, most colorful, secondhand coat for the 12 Months of Thrifting Challenge and I couldn’t get myself to narrow it down to one. I stood in awe at how many great coats I’ve thrifted over the years. But not just any coats; bright, cheery, and colorful ones all for a fraction of what it would have cost at the mall or a boutique. As a Northeast Ohio native, I take my coats seriously but I never feel like I have to sacrifice style for function. Here’s my wardrobe strategy on coats: always, always have an extremely warm, durable coat in a neutral color like gray or black (I prefer black) and then throw in a couple statement coats in your favorite color.
Considering most of what we see during the frigid winter months is our coats, our outer layer needs to make a statement! There’s no better way to do this than with a bold color. Don’t hesitate to wear bright summer hues either, a bright pink or even yellow coat are completely acceptable in the winter. Plus, who doesn’t like a little color on a cold, gloomy day? Vintage wool coats are built to last, so keep an eye out for unique styles and colors that you can make your own.
All this to say: I LOVE to thrift coats. It amazes me how you can find a durable, warm coat for around $6 at Goodwill Akron stores (or even less if you have a coupon!) $6 for a coat is absolutely unheard of at regular retail stores.
Here’s how I thrift coats at Goodwill:
First, I seek some inspiration online or in magazines. For example, over the last year, I was heavily inspired by the yellow trend I was seeing on the runway so I set out to find a bright yellow coat or jacket.
Then I head to my favorite Goodwill stores armed with a coupon to see what I can find. It always helps to go to several stores to really find what you’re looking for. My favorite Goodwill stores for coats are the Waterloo and State Road locations. I always have great luck there!
Next, I make sure to check the coat’s lining to ensure it’s warm and in good condition. I always try the coat on because there’s nothing worse than a coat that’s too tight. Sometimes I’ll even grab a sweater off the racks and wear it underneath the coat to make sure I can move around comfortably.
Need some thriftspiration? Let’s take a walk down thrifty lane and check out the best statement coats I found at Goodwill, all $6 or under!
Be sure to join us in the 12 Months of Thrifting challenge. This challenge is designed to help you build a thrifted wardrobe of essential items, month by month. All while learning to love the art of thrift!
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