The Myths You Still Believe About Thrifting for Cottagecore Clothing

Thrifting for cottagecore clothing isn’t just a way to save money—it’s an adventure, a treasure hunt, and a way to create a wardrobe full of timeless, romantic pieces. But I’ve noticed that so many people hesitate to dive in because of outdated myths about secondhand shopping. I’ve been thrifting since I was a young newlywed with a tiny budget, just trying to dress myself and my baby in beautiful clothes without breaking the bank. And let me tell you, those myths? They’re just that—myths!

So let’s bust them together, shall we?

Your Thrifting Challenge

Before we dive into the biggest misconceptions about thrifting, I want to challenge you: Step into a secondhand store this week or browse an online thrift shop like The RealReal, Poshmark, or ThredUp. Even if you don’t buy anything, just take a look! You might be surprised at the hidden gems waiting for you.

I've handpicked the dreamiest Cottagecore pieces under $20, and here’s the best part—when you shop, you get a $25 credit to use on your first purchase! That means you can snag one of these romantic, vintage-inspired finds for FREE. Why not treat yourself to your first thrifted cottagecore piece at no cost?

Debunking the Biggest Myths About Thrifting for Cottagecore Clothing

There are so many outdated ideas about thrifting that hold people back. Here’s what we’re tackling today:

1. “Thrift stores only carry worn-out, outdated clothes.” (Hint: I’ve found brand-new LoveShackFancy pieces secondhand!)

2. “You can’t find cottagecore styles in thrift stores.” (Vintage prairie dresses and lace-trimmed blouses say otherwise!)

3. “Thrifting takes too much time.” (I’ll show you how to make it quick and effortless.)

4. “Thrifted clothes are dirty.” (A simple wash transforms any piece.)

Now, let’s get into the details!

Myth #1: Thrift Stores Only Carry Worn-Out, Outdated Clothes

Oh, this one makes me laugh because I’ve found some of my best pieces secondhand—sometimes with the tags still on! I once scored a New With Tag Spell Set for $30 at a resale boutique, and it was in pristine condition. People donate or sell items for all sorts of reasons—fit, impulse buys, closet cleanouts—but that doesn’t mean the clothes aren’t gorgeous.

If you know where to look (hello, estate sales and curated thrift shops), you can find dreamy, lace-trimmed dresses, floral blouses, and vintage cardigans that look like they came straight from a storybook.

Myth #2: You Can’t Find Cottagecore Styles Secondhand

Some people think you have to shop brand-new to achieve the cottagecore aesthetic, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, thrifting is one of the best ways to get authentic, vintage-inspired pieces!

I once found a 1970s prairie dress at a tiny thrift shop while traveling—it was a soft, faded floral with delicate ruffles, and it felt like something straight out of Anne of Green Gables. It cost me less than $10, and it’s still one of my favorite pieces to this day.

To make thrifting work for your cottagecore wardrobe, know what fabrics and silhouettes to look for—linen, cotton, eyelet, puff sleeves, and vintage floral prints. And don’t forget to check the nightgown section! Some of the most romantic, flowy dresses I’ve found were actually meant for sleep but work beautifully as day dresses.

Myth #3: Thrifting Takes Too Much Time

I get it—digging through racks and bins can feel overwhelming. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to go in blind.

Make a list of what you’re looking for before you go (I always have my eyes peeled for delicate blouses and midi skirts). Also, find out which thrift stores in your area specialize in higher-quality items. Consignment shops and vintage boutiques are goldmines for pre-loved cottagecore fashion.

And if you really don’t have time? Online thrift stores like The RealReal, Poshmark, and ThredUp make it easy to find dreamy secondhand pieces from the comfort of home.

Here are some of my favorites you can shop now!

Myth #4: Thrifted Clothes Are Dirty

I promise, a good wash solves everything! Most thrift stores only accept gently worn items, and many even clean them before putting them on the racks.

That said, I always give my finds a little extra TLC when I bring them home. A soak in vinegar and baking soda freshens up older pieces, and a quick stitch or button replacement can bring new life to a garment. Some of my best vintage dresses looked a little sad on the hanger but transformed completely after a wash and a steam.

This guide on how to clean thrifted clothes is a great step-by-step resource!

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Magic of Thrifting

Cottagecore is about appreciating the beauty in simple things, and what’s more magical than giving a forgotten piece of clothing a second chance? Thrifting lets you build a wardrobe full of charm and character—without contributing to fast fashion waste.

So, if you’ve been hesitant to thrift, I challenge you to step into a secondhand shop this week. You never know what treasures you’ll find!

Want more thrifting tips? Check out my guide on How to Create a Sustainable Cottagecore Wardrobe for even more inspiration!

Tell me in the comments—what’s the best thing you’ve ever thrifted? I’d love to hear your stories!

Brooke

Hello Gorgeous Threads

---

Related Posts

More You May Like

I’m Brooke, a homeschool mom and cottagecore enthusiast dedicated to creating a cozy, sustainable home. My journey into cottagecore is all about savoring life’s simple pleasures, from baking to gardening. Thank you for joining me on this journey. I can’t wait to share more about the beauty and charm of cottagecore living with you!