Fall is absolutely my favorite season of the year, especially because we endure super hot summers in Sacramento. Once the calendar turns to September, my mind immediately goes to the autumn essentials like hot apple cider, flannel plaid shirts and dreaming of fall foliage.

When it comes to my fall wardrobe, I have a favorite capsule collection that I pull out of storage once the weather temperatures turn cooler (which is usually in October). I’ve spent years building up my autumn attire collective with amazing thrift finds that I bought for a fraction of the cost of retail prices.

In this guide I will reveal some of my secret tactics to finding those fall fashion hidden gems inside a thrift store and shopping second hand online. I also include a list of the best quality fashion brands to search for while thrifting.

Building Your Thrifted Fall Capsule Collection

To build my capsule wardrobe, I start with the bigger statement pieces such as coats and ponchos. And from there I add base bottom items such as denim jeans and skirts, cords, etc. And then finally I pile on the layering pieces such as tunics, warm thermals, sweaters and even dresses. I love to wear a chunky sweater over a dress and leggings. Add your favorite boots voilà, you're all set for the autumn season!

Cozy Loungewear

One of the best parts of the weather getting colder is going into hygge mode and wearing comfy clothes in the house. This fall invest in some new leggings, pajamas, chic sweats and hoodies.

Fall Shoes and Boots

Think about your head-to-toe fall style and don’t let your footwear be an afterthought. Below I’ve listed the autumn shoe styles I’m loving year after year. These are worth either making an investment in new shoes or scoring them secondhand.

Boots
- All styles including Over the Knee, Tall Boots, Rainboots and Ankle Booties
Loafers
Sneakers
Slipper Flats and Slip-Ons
Cozy Slippers

Accessories Complete the Look

Everyone is falling in love with leather belts, knitted hats and scarves, baseball caps, and cozy socks.

Chunky Knit Sweaters and Cardigans

The easiest way to get dressed quickly on a fall morning is to throw on your favorite pair of jeans and a sweater. Instantly cozy!

Denim Jean Jackets

The jean jacket is the perfect versatile outer layer to wear over sweaters, dresses and tops.

The Thrifted Fall Capsule Collection - Top Brands and Wardrobe Essentials to Buy Second Hand

Top Quality Fashion Brands to Buy at a Thrift Store

If you aren’t a veteran thrift shopper like myself, you might assume that thrift stores like Goodwill only have old and untrendy clothing styles and brands. But I promise if you roll up your sleeves and dig around in the racks, there will be some amazing finds. It just takes some time, patience and elbow grease for these thrifted treasures to be uncovered.

The below listed brands make quality clothes that will last you a long time, and they also specialize in quintessential fall wardrobe essentials that will stay in style year after year.

Madewell

I’m pretty much madly in love with the Madewell brand and I especially love their fall pieces. They make the best sweaters, plaids, cardigans, denim and layering essentials.

Levi’s

At first glance when you look at the Levi’s options inside thrift stores it often looks like a bunch of older and outdated styles. But it’s worth it to take the time and dig around to your size just to see what vintage denim gems you can find. Finding vintage 501 Levi’s jeans is akin to fining fashion gold. Remember, it’s all about the hunt!

Joie

Joie is premium brand that usually retails tops and sweaters between $150 - $300, but if you can find them at the thrift store then it’s a major score. Joie makes very classic but not boring attire that goes easily from office to the weekend.

Activewear Brands

Something about the cooler crisp air makes you want to spend time outdoors with recreation activities like hiking and camping. You’ll need quality activewear like Lululemon, Athleta and Girlfriend Collective. These brands make activewear that is so stylish that you can even pair them with sweaters and boots for a casual fall look.

Premium Denim

Finding that perfect pair of everyday jeans is a must for fall. Premium denim brands Hudson, Citizens of Humanity, Mother and Paige usually retail for $200 a pair, but you just might find your favorite new pair of jeans on Poshmark or Mercari at a bargain price.

Splendid

The Splendid brand has mastered the fine line between comfortable clothes that still look put together (and not sloppy!). Their fabrics are so soft and snuggly, perfect for those extra chilly fall days.

Free People

If you’ve been following my blog for a while then you know I have a deep love for the boho brand Free People. I have written about their long and flowy boho dresses for warm weather days, but they also have excellent fall attire too. Every year Free People makes a collection of long-sleeve thermal tops for autumn, and the best part is that the styles carry-over every year.

Anthropologie

If your fall style includes vibrant colors and patterns, then you should definitely have Anthropologie on your radar. Every year they come out with a collection of statement sweaters that you’ll look forward to wearing every autumn. Their in-house brands include Avec Les Filles, Maeve, Pilcro and By Anthropologie.

J. Crew

You can easily shop for all four seasons with J.Crew thrifted clothing. For fall stock up on essentials like J.Crew sweaters, jackets, denim, and tops. They are especially known for colorful and statement wool peacoats.

Pro Thrifting Tips to Thrift Shopping Online

In recent years there’s been a boom in shopping apps and online websites that are exclusively dedicated to second hand fashion. If you have a very specific brand or style you’re searching for, then your best bet is to check out these virtual thrift stores.

Best Marketplaces for Online Thrifting:

Shop By Brand

If you’re a brand-loyal gal, Poshmark makes it really easy to find your favorites by using quick filters. Click into the Women’s section and in the top header you’ll see the brand options. If you don’t see your brand listed, use the homepage search tool. With over a million items listed, you’re sure to find some of your favorite brands.

First Thing Always Filter By Size

The best way to avoid scrolling forever through clothes is to immediately filter by your size. Use the brand filter too, it’s super quick! Because these aren’t new clothing with multiple sizes available, everything is one-of-a-kind and you really have to only look in your size range.

My Secret Online Thrifting Tip

With thrifting, it’s all about hunting for that hidden gem. Every once in a while check the girl’s Junior section for clothes. Filter to sizes JR 9, JR 11, JR 13, JR 15, JR 17, and JR 19 (depending on your size). I’ve found some great designer brand clothes this way, and they’re often much cheaper!

New with Tags

If you’re looking for never worn clothes, you can easily filter to “new with tags” products. But I have to say that the quality of almost everything I’ve ever bought from online thrift stores, even items that have been previously worn, has always been great.

Mark Your Favorites

Be sure to make use of the little hearts feature and add clothes you like to your wishlist. It makes it super easy to quickly scroll through the pages and pick out your favorites. And then you can review them later before you add to your cart. You will also get discount alerts specifically tailored to the items you have favorited.

Swap and Thredup Buyers Have a Return Option

In the old days, shopping thrifted always meant final sale and you were stuck with whatever you bought. But with Swap and ThredUP you have 14 days to change your mind. When your box of product arrives, try everything on and see what you can pair it with in your wardrobe. Don’t love everything you received? Send it back with a pre-paid label, easy!

* Update October 2022 - Swap is now charging a $4.99 shipping return fee. ThredUP may charge a $2 restocking fee per item returned.