January marks the start of my Low-Buy/Style Challenge, and with it, a renewed focus on intentional shopping and creative styling. Instead of filling my closet with impulse buys or fast fashion, I set out to thrift thoughtfully—seeking out quality pieces that truly fit my wardrobe needs and personal style.
This month, I found some amazing gems at my local thrift stores, and while not every piece made it into an outfit right away, each one was chosen with purpose.
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In this post, I’m sharing everything I thrifted in January—complete with prices and first impressions. I’ll also highlight a few favorite outfits I styled using some of these new-to-me finds, reflecting on what worked, what surprised me, and what I learned about my style along the way.
Whether you’re considering a low-buy challenge yourself or just love a good thrift haul, I hope this inspires you to shop more mindfully and have fun with your wardrobe!
What I Thrifted in January
This month’s thrifting was all about being intentional—focusing on quality, versatility, and filling gaps in my wardrobe. Here’s everything I found, along with what drew me to each piece:
- Navy/royal blue blazer – $7.74 – I’ve always admired the look of a classic blazer, and this one was too good (and too affordable) to pass up. Even though I don’t always reach for blazers, I’m hoping this beautiful color and fit will inspire me to style it more often.
- Blue/white dotted skirt – $14.29 – This was more of an impulse buy, but the print and flowy style felt unique. I could instantly picture it paired with the blazer or dressed down with a simple tee.
- Green LC shawl – $12.91 – The color, drape, and tassels made this shawl stand out. I’ve never owned anything like it, so I was excited to try something new and see how it could add interest to my outfits.
- Cotton ON sweater – $7.99 – I was drawn to the sequins and the neutral beige/gold color. Plus, it’s 100% cotton, which fits my goal of building a more sustainable wardrobe.
- Black wool midi-length coat – $10.49 – I gasped when I saw this—78% wool, classic cut, and the perfect weight for Texas winters. It’s a timeless piece that I know I’ll reach for again and again.
- Long brown wool coat – $13.49 – Another wool find! While the color wasn’t exactly what I was searching for, the material and length were perfect. I knew it would be a great layering piece, especially for my upcoming New York trip.
- White AE sweater – $5.39 – I’ve been on the hunt for a casual white sweater, and this one fit the bill. Even though it’s not the most sustainable fabric, the fit and feel made it a must-have for everyday wear.
- Nuuds long sleeve tee – $3.99 – I love a good basic, and this tee was a solid find for layering. The neutral color means it’ll go with just about anything in my closet.
- Leather jacket – $19.99 – At first, I wasn’t sure if it was real leather, but after checking the tag, I knew it was a steal. The fit is perfect, and it’s a classic piece that will last for years.
- Quince pink cashmere sweater – $7.46 – I spotted the soft pink color and immediately checked the tag—100% cashmere! It’s soft, cozy, and a fun pop of color for my winter wardrobe.
- Brown faux fur gloves – $12.99 – These were a bit of a splurge for thrift, but I loved the look and knew they’d pair perfectly with my new brown wool coat, especially for chilly days in NYC.
- Brown leather gloves – $3.99 – Not cashmere lined, but 100% leather outer and only $4. Still on the hunt for a cashmere-lined pair, but these are a great find for now.
- Denim trench coat – $19.99 – I gasped when I saw it and put it in my cart immediately. I had just put a denim trench on my wish list and this one is almost brand new. It’s 58% cotton, so it’s a win for sustainability too.
- Camel cotton midi skirt – $9.99 – Very similar to the one I wanted and new with tags. 100% cotton, sustainable, and I already have a cute outfit in mind to style it with the denim trench.
- Pashmina scarf – $5.99 – I didn’t realize what I had until I looked it up after buying. I’d heard of pashmina but never owned anything made from it. This piece is definitely coming with me to New York next month.
How I Styled My Thrifted Finds
While not every thrifted piece made it into an outfit this month, I had a lot of fun experimenting with the ones that did. Here are a few of my favorite looks:
1/10 – Sequin Pants for Everyday
I styled my sequin Levi pants with the green LC thrifted shawl because I realized I don’t need to wait for a special occasion to wear something fun. The shawl added a unique layer and a pop of color, making the outfit feel both cozy and intentional. Pairing these two together brought a little extra joy to an ordinary outing with the kids and proved that sparkles and statement pieces can absolutely be part of my everyday wardrobe.
1/17 – Cozy at Home in a Thrifted Sweater
I chose my thrifted American Eagle white sweater for a cozy day at home. I’ve been searching for sweaters that are soft, comfortable, and well-made, and this one checked all the boxes. Styling it with comfy H&M pants was a reminder that quality basics can make even a stay-at-home day feel put together.
1/21 – Casual Comfort with a New Basic
I reached for my newly thrifted Nuuds long sleeve tee because I wanted to see how versatile a simple, neutral basic could be. Pairing it with sweatpants and a cropped jean jacket (that I finally wore after a year!) showed me that even the simplest pieces can anchor an outfit and make it feel intentional.
1/22 – Sparkle for Any Occasion
I styled my cotton ON sweater with sequins because I wanted to bring a little sparkle into my everyday routine. Even though I wasn’t leaving the house, wearing something that felt special lifted my mood. It’s a reminder that style is for me, not just for going out—and I’m already planning new ways to wear this sweater.
1/31 – Denim Trench
I chose to style my new denim trench coat today because I wanted something that balanced warmth, comfort, and style for a busy day of breakfast out and hosting friends. Even though I was excited to wear my new cotton skirt, the 20° weather made jeans and a sturdy outer layer the smarter choice. I’ve always wanted a denim trench, and finding this one (almost brand new and 58% cotton!) felt like a dream come true. It kept me cozy for quick errands and made me feel put together for our get-together at home. This piece is already proving to be a practical and stylish addition to my wardrobe—exactly what I hoped for when I added it to my wish list.
Hits, Misses, and Lessons Learned
As I look back on my January thrifted finds and how I styled them, a few clear favorites—and a few not-so-great choices—stand out. Here’s what worked, what didn’t, and what I’m taking with me into next month:
Hits
- The sequin Levi pants and green LC shawl were a surprise win. Pairing them together made me feel bold and creative, and I loved how they brought personality to my everyday outfits.
- The denim trench coat was an unexpected star. I’ve always wanted one, and finding this almost-new, 58% cotton version made me genuinely excited to get dressed on cold days. It’s both practical and stylish—exactly what I hoped for.
- My sparkly cotton sweater and the American Eagle white sweater became instant favorites for comfort and versatility, whether I was staying in or heading out.
- The pashmina scarf and camel cotton midi skirt were both beautiful, sustainable finds. The scarf is coming with me to New York, and I already have outfit ideas for the skirt.
- The Nuuds long sleeve tee proved to be a versatile basic. I can already tell it’ll be a layering staple for the rest of winter and beyond.
Misses
- Some impulse buys, like the blue/white dotted skirt, haven’t made it into rotation yet. While it’s pretty, I’m still figuring out how (or if) it fits my style.
- A few pieces, like the navy/royal blue blazer, are still waiting for their moment. I love the idea of them, but I need to push myself to actually wear them instead of letting them hang in my closet.
- The brown leather gloves, while a great deal, aren’t as warm as I’d like. I’m still on the hunt for a cashmere-lined pair.
Lessons Learned
- Thrifting with intention pays off. The pieces I chose with a specific purpose or outfit in mind are the ones I’ve reached for most.
- It’s okay if not every find is a hit. Sometimes it takes a little trial and error to figure out what really works for my lifestyle and wardrobe.
- Don’t save “special” pieces for special occasions. Styling sequins or statement items for everyday makes getting dressed more fun and helps me get more use out of what I own.
- Comfort and quality matter. I’m learning to prioritize how things feel and fit, not just how they look on the hanger.
Looking Ahead
With one month of the Low-Buy/Style Challenge behind me, I’m feeling motivated to keep going and refine my approach even further. Here’s what I’m focusing on for next month:
- Stick to my savings goal: I’m aiming for a 57% savings rate in February to make up for going a little over budget this month. Rolling over the extra spending will help keep me accountable.
- Limit thrifting trips: I plan to thrift only twice a week, focusing on quality over quantity and making sure each purchase is intentional.
- Refine my wishlist: I’ll revisit my clothing wishlist and prioritize filling true gaps in my wardrobe, rather than picking up pieces just because they’re a good deal.
- Experiment with styling: I want to challenge myself to style the pieces I haven’t worn yet—like the navy blazer and dotted skirt—and see if they can earn a spot in my regular rotation.
- Prepare for NYC: With a trip to New York coming up, I’ll be looking for practical layers (like a wool base layer) and making sure I have everything I need to stay warm and comfortable.
I’m excited to see what next month brings and to continue building a wardrobe that feels both intentional and inspiring. If you’re on your own low-buy or style journey, I hope you’ll join me and share your wins, challenges, and favorite finds!
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