The Complex Style Guide to Summer Thrift Shopping

Go thrifting before resorting to so-called vintage shops and consignment stores. Vintage shops are usually curated by expert clothes-hunters, which means the merchandise is great, but marked-up way higher to market value prices. Consignment stores sell awesome gear as well, but each item is priced to benefit both the store and the original owner of the piece. Head to a place like Good Will, the Salvation Army, and Housing Works instead to find rare gems. These are the places that don't realize the value of what they're selling, so you are the one that wins.

What we mean is, neighborhoods with more money tend to have more clothes to give away. And those clothes are most likely nicer ones for which you wouldn't have paid full price. Mr. Dolan who lives on Magnolia Lane dropped off last year's seersucker and linen shirts because he re-upped this season. Go make them yours.

80s and '90s Ray-Bans, whether aviators or wayfarers, might be at the bottom of an accessories box at your local Salvation Army. There will be plenty of gently-worn hats spread throughout the store as well. Ask an associate if she's seen any fishing hats come in. Find a classic from LL Bean or a cool printed one and you'll be the bucket king this summer.

Cool guy brands such as Supreme, Engineered Garments, and Stussy have been including Hawaiian shirts in their spring/summer collections for the past couple seasons. The problem with those, as dope as they are, is that they're priced at $100 or more. And even if you shelled out for one, you'll run into two other kids on Fairfax with the same shit. No bueno. Get an OG Hawaiian shirt at Sal Val instead to channel your veteran grandpa's chill vibes.

Old Levi's make for great jorts, so those would be the biggest come-up. Just cut at the knee and cuff 'em when you get home. However, always take extra caution when buying shorts from the thrift store. Almost everything is boardshort length, so hemming a pair can go a long way. Anything that's not extra long will most likely be pleated. Gross.

Patience is key, because most other people don't have it. They'll take a look at one or two dingy racks before heading out for Doritos Locos Tacos. You, on the other hand, are hungrier for the come-ups. Trust-you'll find made-in-the-USA Nike tees, Champion sweatshirts, and other cool gear if you keep digging.

Missing buttons and small tears on the seam are easily fixed, so don't worry about those. Look for real damage, such as grease or bleach stains, moth holes, and mold. Ditch the cruddy items and find ones that are in good condition instead.

Check online or call for deals before you head out to shop. Most thirft stores have sales on holidays and some have a sale every Monday. Certain days even give 50 percent off all merchandise. Prices are already reasonable, so these daily deals mean you can get stuff for real cheap.

You don't know the history of the items you just bought. Read the care label, wash them gently, and see if you need to replace any buttons or sew up small tears before wearing them out.

Think smart when it comes to buying used clothes. Gently worn jackets, shoes, shorts, and hats are what you want to walk away with. Don't buy a stained or ratty white tee because it has a vintage tag. Buy basic items brand new instead from stores like Uniqlo and Zara so it's still easy on your wallet.