1. Wool Blazers
Old-school wool blazers are a major stylist favorite because they’re impeccably tailored and easy to modernize. Many of these pieces were made with pure wool or wool blends that outlast today’s synthetic options. A slightly oversized men’s blazer can be cinched with a belt or paired with jeans for that effortless “borrowed from the boys” look. Stylists appreciate how they anchor an outfit and instantly make it feel more polished.
You’ll often find these in thrift stores for under $20, often from brands like Pendleton, Brooks Brothers, or vintage Armani. The construction quality from older tailoring eras gives stylists a reliable structure to work with. They also layer beautifully over everything from slip dresses to graphic tees. For photo shoots or capsule wardrobes, they’re a styling staple that never loses relevance.
2. Silk Scarves
Stylists are scooping up vintage silk scarves because they’re endlessly versatile and made from natural fibers that age beautifully. You’ll often see them used as headbands, tied onto handbags, or even styled as halter tops in editorial shoots. The quality of older silk pieces—especially those made in Italy or France—is hard to replicate with modern fast fashion equivalents. Thrift stores are full of them, often priced under $5, making them a stylist’s budget-friendly treasure.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, silk scarves also photograph incredibly well thanks to their sheen and drape. Stylists love how a single scarf can instantly add color and texture to a neutral outfit. Many seek out prints from heritage brands like Hermès or Echo for that quiet luxury vibe. Even lesser-known brands from the mid-20th century offer unique prints that feel one-of-a-kind on set.
3. Slip Dresses
Thrifted slip dresses—especially ones from the 1990s—are having a big comeback among stylists. They work both as lingerie-inspired outerwear or as layering pieces under chunky knits and leather jackets. The bias-cut satin versions flatter almost every body type and move beautifully under studio lighting. Stylists often seek out vintage Victoria’s Secret or Vanity Fair labels for authentic retro charm.
Because older slips were made with thicker satins and lace trims, they tend to look more luxurious than most fast-fashion imitations. They’re also easy to dye or alter for custom shoots. Many stylists use them as a foundation piece to build a look that feels both feminine and edgy. When sourced secondhand, they offer sustainable glamour at a fraction of designer prices.
4. Leather Belts
Stylists rarely pass up a bin of vintage leather belts—they’re durable, endlessly useful, and add instant character. Real leather weathers beautifully, and older belts often come with solid brass buckles or unique embossing. These are great for cinching oversized coats, adding texture to minimalist outfits, or creating waist definition in photo styling. They’re small enough to collect in bulk without taking up much storage space.
Older belts from brands like Coach or Ralph Lauren are particularly sought-after for their craftsmanship. Even unbranded versions often feature full-grain leather, which lasts decades. Stylists love how swapping in a belt can completely change the proportion of an outfit. It’s one of those quiet styling tricks that makes thrift shopping feel like treasure hunting.
5. Button-Down Shirts
Classic button-downs—especially men’s cotton or linen versions—are a stylist essential. Thrift stores are full of them in every color and fabric, making them perfect for layering or repurposing. Oversized shirts can double as dresses, beach cover-ups, or even tied crop tops. Stylists love them because they can shift from preppy to street style with just a few tweaks.
Vintage versions often have better stitching, natural fabrics, and unique color fades that photograph beautifully. Many stylists intentionally look for brands like Ralph Lauren, LL Bean, or old Gap for their quality cottons. They can also be cut and restructured for custom fashion shoots. Their adaptability makes them one of the most dependable thrift store finds around.
6. Denim Jackets
Stylists are always on the lookout for authentic vintage denim jackets, particularly from Levi’s or Wrangler. These pieces bring real patina and texture that can’t be faked with new denim. A worn-in jacket instantly adds a sense of history to a look, making it feel lived-in and cool. They’re ideal for transitional weather styling or layering in editorial shoots.
Unlike modern fast-fashion denim, vintage versions are often 100% cotton with sturdy seams and distinctive fades. Stylists also love how they photograph under natural light—the way denim reflects blue tones adds visual depth. They’re genderless, easy to size up or down, and universally flattering. That combination of authenticity and durability keeps stylists buying them in bulk.
7. Pleated Skirts
Pleated midi skirts from the 1980s and 1990s are getting a second life thanks to stylists’ love of movement and texture. The pleats create beautiful motion on camera, whether styled with sneakers or heels. Older skirts often feature rich fabrics like wool blends or metallic lamé that hold structure well. Thrift stores tend to have plenty, often overlooked by casual shoppers.
Stylists gravitate toward these because they can swing between preppy, vintage, and avant-garde aesthetics. They pair effortlessly with oversized sweaters or cropped blazers. The silhouette flatters a wide range of body types, which makes them easy to use in editorial work. It’s one of those classic shapes that keeps reappearing in trend cycles.
8. Trench Coats
A well-made trench coat is a stylist’s best friend, and thrift stores are full of them. Many of the older ones—especially from London Fog or Burberry—are crafted from water-resistant cotton gabardine that holds its shape. They instantly elevate any outfit while adding a cinematic sense of drama. Stylists love their ability to tell a story, even when layered over casual looks.
Vintage trenches often come with details that modern versions skip, like removable liners and real horn buttons. They also drape better thanks to heavier fabrics and precise tailoring. Stylists know that a thrifted trench can transform a look from “everyday” to “editorial” in seconds. It’s a timeless investment that always earns its rack space.
9. Vintage Jewelry
Costume jewelry from past decades is a stylist’s secret weapon for adding personality and sparkle. Thrift stores often carry gold-plated chains, bold clip-on earrings, and enamel brooches from the 1960s through 1990s. These pieces add texture and storytelling to shoots without the cost of real gold. Stylists especially love the mismatched, maximalist vibe these accessories create.
Older jewelry often features higher-quality plating and more intricate designs than modern costume pieces. Brands like Monet, Trifari, and Napier are frequent thrift finds with real collector value. They’re small, easy to store, and endlessly reusable across projects. For stylists, a little bag of thrifted jewelry can go a very long way.
10. High-Waisted Trousers
Stylists know that high-waisted trousers from thrift stores offer impeccable structure and long, elegant lines. Many were originally tailored from wool or rayon blends that hang beautifully on the body. These pants flatter most silhouettes and evoke that “old money” aesthetic that’s trending again. A good pair instantly makes any outfit look intentional.
Vintage trousers often feature higher rises and pleated fronts that are rare in modern cuts. Stylists use them to create proportion play—tucking in tiny tops or pairing with oversized blazers. They’re also practical for shoots because they elongate the legs on camera. Thrift stores remain one of the best sources for these timeless staples.
11. Knit Sweaters
Chunky, oversized sweaters are a stylist’s go-to for layering and creating cozy contrast in outfits. Thrift stores often carry natural fibers like wool, alpaca, or cotton that age gracefully and outlast synthetic blends. Older knits have unique patterns, from fisherman cables to Fair Isle motifs, that photograph beautifully. They add depth and warmth to minimalist styling.
Stylists appreciate that these pieces can shift between casual and editorial settings. A vintage sweater thrown over a silk skirt instantly creates a high-low mix that feels modern. Many stylists also look for handmade or locally crafted knits, which bring texture and authenticity. They’re practical, photogenic, and endlessly restylable.
12. Cowboy Boots
Stylists are buying up vintage cowboy boots for their durability and timeless edge. Made from real leather and built to last, older pairs often come already broken in with that perfect scuffed look. They add instant attitude to dresses, jeans, or editorial looks. Thrift stores and estate sales remain reliable sources for these rugged, statement pieces.
Beyond fashion, cowboy boots have deep cultural roots that add context and character to photo styling. Brands like Tony Lama, Lucchese, and Justin Boots are especially prized for their craftsmanship. Stylists love how they can ground a feminine outfit or toughen up something polished. They’re the kind of find that instantly earns repeat use across multiple shoots.
This post 12 Thrift Store Castoffs That Stylists Are Quietly Buying in Bulk was first published on Greenhouse Black.
