The shifting trends in fashion are a constant cycle and vintage clothing can be a creative way to embrace current trends without the risk of being seen in the same outfit as a fellow peer.

Janice Millare, a vintage fashion lover, said her love for vintage clothing has grown through the years as she has experimented with styling and mixing her pieces.

“What really drew me to (vintage) was that you have the ability to modernize it and make it your own,” Millare said.

Finding vintage clothing pieces at thrift stores is a cost-effective way to revamp a cookie-cutter wardrobe with one-of-a-kind items.

“I usually go to thrift stores, the vintage stores can be a little pricey and I feel like I can find the same thing on my own,” Millare said.

Yet sorting through the racks can be a daunting task and many pieces – especially vintage pieces – can require slight alterations or repairs before being worn.

But with some pre-shopping preparation and an open mind, thrift store shopping can be a rewarding and fun process.

Jennifer Im, a student at UC Davis, runs the YouTube channel “Clothes Encounter.” Her videos include ideas for styling vintage pieces and provide tips and tricks for buying and wearing thrifted clothing.

In her video, Im said the most important thing when shopping at thrift stores is to try everything on without relying on the size printed on the tag.

“Don’t trust the labels because a size 4 in the 80s is not necessarily a size 4 today,” Im said in her “Tips on Thrift” video.

Brandon Duvall, a local fashion blogger and frequent thrift store shopper, said trying on items is critical as sizing can vary between decades, brands and styles.

“I always shop for blazers in the women’s section,” Duvall said. “I found that the men’s jackets are all huge.”

Yet, even oversized items can be modified for a better fit.

Im recommends belting, tucking and tying as easy, no-sew methods to quickly alter a garment. Belting a baggy dress can create a more sleek and fitted silhouette, while rolling up the sleeves and tucking and tying the bottom can modify a shapeless, extra-large shirt, Im said.

Millare also suggests layering items with other, non-vintage pieces to keep the outfit from looking behind the times.

“Usually adding a layer to it will help the outfit to not look outdated,” Millare said. “Playing with pieces that you already have will help make (the look).”

Patience plays another important role when sorting through the racks. Shopping with purpose can keep disappointment and exhaustion from overwhelming the process.

“After going for years, I’ve narrowed down my search and usually list things that I’m looking for,” Millare said. “I go with a plan.”

Millare and Duvall agree creating a list of key pieces to look for can save time and energy when searching for the gems among the outdated items.

An additional set of eyes is also helpful when trying to narrow down the selection. Im recommends taking a friend but warns against those who may be hoverers or try to compete over pieces. Once inside the store, divide up to shop and then reconvene to sort through the finds. Friends who know each other’s tastes can help find pieces that might have otherwise been overlooked.

With a little bit of patience, creativity and an open-mind, thrift store shopping can be a rewarding and inexpensive way to stock up on vintage clothing.

Jessica Scharff can be reached at [email protected]