Are you new to my Frugal Fashionista series? Find out how I dress for less with designer outfits for mere pennies on the dollar. Yes, all outfits from head to toe are less than $15, and did I mention…second hand?)
We have spent time dissecting some of the essential pieces in a core wardrobe, and I have had a blast this past year hunting for these treasures.
Which piece am I featuring today?
The trench coat. This must have core wardrobe piece can go from day time fun to a night on the town with just a bit of accessorizing.
Months ago, if you had asked me about finding stylish trench coats second hand, I probably would have said that only the “dated ones” are out there. But that was because I wasn’t really on the hunt.
Now is the best time to search for coats of any style since people are clearing out winter items to make room for their summer wardrobe. Seriously, buy out of season items now. I know it’s hard to think of purchasing wool when it’s 80 degrees, but often, this is when you’ll hit the jackpot.
I started actively searching the coats section in every thrift store that I visited and just look at all the great trench coats that I have found. All of these, except for one, I’ve scored in the last four months. My last unmet trench coat goal? A classic black one. But I will not be stopped…I will find one, just give me a bit. 
This lime green trench coat is my favorite. The color is washed out in this picture, but when I pair it with any pair of pants, I don’t even want to take the jacket off….it makes an outfit in itself.
This is a great way to update my wardrobe for spring/summer.
This tan trench was the first one I found and I really felt as if I had hit the jackpot. It’s a classic style, but the great thing with any solid trench coat is the variety. I can change out the belt and add some bursts of color with a wide patterned, belt or adding variety with any number of scarves would be perfect with this classic khaki coat.
I love white for the summer, but when it’s raining and your wet, muddy dog keeps trying to rub up against you, all I could think of was trying to avoid red clay on my pristine white coat.
This was a steal at a yard sale for $3. I know…HATE.ME!
I definitely have to feel pretty in pink when I wear this rain jacket. (And yes, another GW find).Having a bad day? I highly recommend wearing bright colors to help change that mood.
Pair it with my precious pink Liz Claiborne purse and I’m set for my new role in “Legally Blond 3.”
The first three coats were basic cotton blends, but this one is a rain jacket. It may look like it’s sunny out, but it was raining when this picture was taken.
This last coat was an iffy purchase on my part. I should have taken another picture because it does look better in real life.
It is a heavy winter wool coat with a dash of cashmere. I knew that it would keep me cozy for those few weeks when I needed something a bit warmer than what I currently owned, and honestly, I didn’t want to have to pay much for something that would get such little wear.
When buying any coats, make sure the fit is good. Pay attention to the fit around the shoulders and the size of the shoulder pads. I was a little afraid this style made me look too line backer-ish, but honestly, I am glad I bought it anyhow. It’s a bit too big, but
at $5, I knew it was a steal for a quality winter coat. If I ever decide to splurge and have it taken in and fitted by a tailor, it will be well worth it for a classic coat that will last for years to come.
(Edited to add: A whole year has gone by and I still haven’t worn this because I haven’t had it fitted.. This jacket was a Frugal Fashionista mistake. Even if it was cheap, it’s no deal if you don’t wear it. 
)
So get those eagle eyes on and start looking for trench coats. They are out there, and now that you’re on the hunt, I’m sure you’ll find them.
Love your coats! They all look great! It’s tough here because it just jumps up into the 90′s and stays, so even a light trench is too hot. But hey, just right this minute I see on the news that a cooling trend is coming and in several days we may have 70′s and a touch of rain – trench weather – LOL!
I have a navy blue one right now, but I’ll keep my eyes open for a lighter colored one.
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Cute, cute, cute!! My favorite is the lime green one. Great finds!
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Fabulous. Tim Gunn has nothing on you!
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i always look at the trenches in our thrift store, but they price them sooo high! Of course less than new, but still not a real bargain! I’ll keep looking, because they do seem like an essential piece-love yours-especially the pink
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Wow, what great finds. You look great!
Jennifer
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You’re right about trench coats, and yours are great finds. My current favorite is a black and white plaid one.
Thank you for sharing your beauty with us!
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You are amazing! And you DO look pretty in pink!
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You are a cutie!!!
I love love love the pink. I think you should consider having the red one tailored–it would be stunning!
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Jen, those are great! That’s one thing I haven’t looked for is a trench coat. If I do find a really cool one, I’ll def. grab it up.
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I don’t have any thrifty fashion finds to share. But I love all of the coats you have found. Awesome!
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I love trench coats and long dress jackets – it helps to “hide” problem areas and gives a sleek look to any “bulges”!
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I put a post up, and then came back to read you’d pulled the Mr. Linky!! lol. oh well.
My post is up now with two of my finds.
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Anyways, here is the link http://paulsbride.blogspot.com/2009/05/ice-cream-juice.html
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The 3 middle pics are my fave!
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I just took the time to view your worship video. I am so glad I did.
Holy, holy, holy!!
Ginger
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You need a whole new coat closet for all those thrifty finds! Way to go!
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Love them all! I am really going to have to get with it! Your so inspiring!
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Love all of the coats. I need to come shopping w/ you. I tried to link up today, but by the time I had my post ready I was getting the operation abort message again, and now I don’t see the link. I had the same trouble on Tuesday.Am I doing something wrong. Anyway I did my post today too, and not quite as impressive as your finds. Have a great weekend. Jackie
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just fyi…i am having a sale at my blog! come check it out!
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I felt so silly buying a coat yesterday at the thrift store since it was in the 80s here too. It was just so, so cute (Banana Republic, brown with a pink lining) I just couldn’t resist! But I guess you’re right, now is the time to shop out of season.
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Oh I absolutely love all of your trench coats. I wish we had those kind of finds around here. I guess I will have to start looking more closely
Thanks for sharing!
Crystal
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I rarely see good coats like that at our thrift stores, and when I do, they aren’t $5, they are more like $20-$50. Which is still a good price sometimes, but it doesn’t give me the “whoo hoo!!” feeling that a $5 coat would.
I did get an Abercrombie pink corduroy jacket at a yard sale for $1 a few weeks ago, and a red suede jacket at a thrift store for $20.
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Good job, Jen — your coats are beautiful!
I don’t know about NC, but here in New England I would be wearing that winter coat with THREE layers underneath, and then — VOILA! — it would fit me!
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Wow, look at you finding so many great jackets! The red is fab, definitely have it tailored up for the winter. I was on the lookout for a wool one too and lucked out with a $7 find recently. And for plus size, that is pretty darn great!
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Man I love snatching finds like that!!! Our neighborhod garage sale is this weekend and I am so excited I could pass out
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you are amazing with your finds! FYI if you get this in time…Lochmere in Summerfield is having their annual neighborhood Yard Sale. Should have planned sooner and I could take you with me for “good luck”.
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You look so good in your great finds!
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Love, love, love all your cool new coats Jen! The impractical white one is my favorite. It would be smeared with PBJ in 10 seconds flat, but I would still wear it. And no one but YOU could still manage to look good in a coat that’s too big. You’re a cutie! Gotta get to bed…6am wake up call for yard sales comes quick!
~Amanda
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Love the coats! What deals you got!
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I can’t hate you because you are so thrifty (and beautiful!) LOL
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Oooh. LOVE that red one!
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I was inspired by reading this yesterday and had my eye out for coats during today’s garage saleing. Because of you (thank you sooo much), I have a beautiful deep red trench coat for $1 and possibly the best fitting pair of jeans I’ve ever bought for $3–would never have dared to buy them without trying them on if not for these posts. I love all your coats–such deals.
–Angie W.
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Seriously- I might have to spend my summer vacation at yard sales with you! Those coats are amazing! You have really found some great deals. I need to start looking now for winter, thanks for the reminder!
Toni
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I am totally coming down there sometimes to go yard salin’! I don’t even bother around here, but you find some amazing stuff!
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Awesome finds. I have to get better at shopping for clothes at the thrift. I have found a few things over the years, but it's pretty few.
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You are so stinkin’ cute. I don’t even have one trench coat!
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I love your coats, great finds!
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