Thrifted & Thriving: How To Nail Spring Style The Secondhand Way

Think polished, on-trend spring style has to come straight off the rack? Think again. From oversized blazers to effortless denim and one-of-a-kind finds, secondhand shopping is quickly becoming the chicest way to refresh your wardrobe—and shop more sustainably. With Earth Month in full swing, we caught up with super-stylish Jeffrey Stonehouse of Value Village to get his insider tips on scoring standout pieces and styling them into looks that feel anything but thrifted. —Noa Nichol

Spring fashion often leans into fresh, elevated dressing—what are some key trends you’re seeing translate especially well when shopping secondhand?

This spring, we’re seeing a mix of classic staples and more expressive pieces coming through in a big way. Things like maxi skirts, double-breasted blazers, oversized button-downs and relaxed denim are really strong. There’s also a lot of colour and lightweight layering, which works well for the season. What’s great about shopping secondhand is you can tap into those trends while still finding something that feels one-of-a-kind and personal.

How can shoppers curate a polished, “put-together” look from thrifted pieces without it feeling overly eclectic or mismatched?

It comes down to being intentional with how you build your outfit. Sticking to a cohesive colour palette — like monochromatic or tone-on-tone — can instantly elevate a look. I also like pairing similar fabrics, like linen with linen in the summer or knits with knits. Most importantly, stay true to your personal style. When everything feels consistent, the outfit comes together in a way that looks polished, not mismatched.

Are there specific categories—blazers, denim, dresses—that consistently deliver standout finds this time of year?

Some categories are consistently strong this time of year. Blazers, denim and dresses are always great places to start, along with longer coats and transitional pieces. Each Value Village store merchandises about 34,000 unique items every week, so there is always fresh selection coming through across these categories.

What styling tricks instantly elevate a secondhand outfit into something that feels current and fashion-forward?

Layering is one of the easiest ways to elevate a secondhand outfit. You can also play with structure—like cinching a blazer or even a t-shirt with a brooch to create a more tailored silhouette. Small styling choices like that can make a piece feel more current and intentional.

For someone new to thrifting, what’s your strategy for finding those “hidden gem” pieces that anchor a great spring wardrobe?

Take your time and go beyond your usual sections. Some of the best finds come from exploring racks you might not normally look at. It also helps to think about what you already have in your wardrobe and how a piece could fit in or elevate it. Thrifting is really about discovery, so the more open you are, the better your chances of finding those standout pieces.