The best thing you can do is to plan ahead while you are shopping for clothes. Always keep your wardrobe in mind and pick clothes that you know can work with other things you already have or things you have planned to buy.
So how should you piece together outfits? My biggest piece of advice is if you are going to do patterns, stay simple. Buy shirts, skirts, and sweaters that are interchangable with many other pieces, therefore giving you more options for outfits (ie: if you have several patterned dresses and skirts, try to buy more solid colored shirts and sweaters so you can mix and match).
Second, put together a few outfit ideas before you actually head out on the mission. That way, if you find that you have a few holes in your wardrobe options, there is still time to head back to the thrift store and buy a couple more items.
I am very addicted to Pinterest, and I could spend hours looking at all of the cute outfit ideas that they have (though I am trying to cut back on that). Although many of sites that advertise on Pinterest have cute clothes, they are also usually expensive. The best way to get around the prices is to shop thrift and clearance, while still keeping in mind some of the styles you want to achieve. Then you can piece together affordable outfits using inspiration from Pinterest.
The following are some outfits off of Pinterest that I really liked and recreated with clothing I found at Deseret Industries.
Both the dress and the cardigan I bought at the DI in Provo, Utah.
I found this dress for $10 at the DI in Twin Falls, Idaho.
The shirt is from the DI in Twin, and the skirt is from the DI in Provo.
Both the shirt and skirt I got at the DI in Provo.
Moral of the story: Keep in mind what you need/want before you go shopping. ALWAYS check thrift/clearance first so you can get some great deals! AND use Pinterest to inspire some great outfits then get them for cheaper at thrift stores. May the force be with you!
