Among a pile of handbags in a vintage store, a gold clutch from the 80s caught Becca Harsch’s attention. Harsch, Lyndon senior, was instantly mesmerized by the chain-strap detailing and the large elephant pendant adorned on the clutch. “If you get something from a vintage store you know nobody else is going to have it around here,” Harsch says. “You know it’s one-of-a-kind.” Although it’s been two years, that clutch remains a staple in her wardrobe and is her favorite piece in her closet.

Harsch wasn’t expecting to discover such a rare find, but she educated herself about all things vintage. Vintage items date back to about 20 years or older and relate to a specific era. Shopping for vintages pieces can be intimidating because you’re scouring through piles and racks of different items. When buying vintage clothing shoppers should consider the age, condition and size of the item, the store’s return policy, as well as allow enough time to shop and do research on other vintage stores. Then you can make a properly informed decision when entering a vintage store.

RETURN POLICY

Harsch has been shopping vintage since high school when she started buying dresses. She turned to vintage shopping as an alternative to still be fashionable, but remain within her budget. Harsch says the first rule to consider is that you shouldn’t buy vintage pieces on impulse. She says vintage stores aren’t trying to fool consumers and sell everything in its current condition. Although vintage stores check the condition of each piece, they might miss an item that has a small defect. Some vintage stores don’t allow returns, so it’s important to ask the employees what the return policy is. If you’re willing to spend the money, however much it costs, the item should be something you won’t regret buying.

RESEARCH

Phil Chiles, owner of Wild Man Vintage, 939 Massachusetts St., says you shouldn’t enter a vintage store with high expectations. “With vintage stuff it’s totally unpredictable what you’re going to find,” Chiles says. He suggests doing research beforehand. If there’s a particular item or era of style you’re interested in, check out other vintage stores or online to see how common or rare the piece is. You can also research what labels and designers were popular during a specific era, which can reveal whether an item is vintage or not. Chiles says by researching you can compare the pricing among other businesses. He says larger cities sell vintage at a much higher price compared to smaller cities.

TIME

When you shop at the mall or department stores there’s a certain amount of predictability for consumers — you expect there will be multiple sizes and colors of each item. But when you shop at a vintage store each item is unique and typically there’s only one of its kind. Erin Houston, Wichita junior, has been shopping of its kind. Erin Houston, Wichita junior, has been shopping in vintage stores since she was in high school. She suggests allowing enough time to rummage through a variety of items in the store. “It’s kind of like a treasure chest,” Houston says. “You have no idea what you’re going to find in there.” Being patient is the key to shopping vintage because it can be time consuming.

AGE AND CONDITION

Michael Palladino, adjunct professor of the fashion department at Laboratory Institute of Management College in New York, says shoppers should consider the age and condition of the piece. “If I were looking for vintage now, I would look inside of the garment just as much as I’d look on the outside,” Palladino says. He suggests examining the stylistic features and fabrics that were unique to that era. The 50s were known for full skirts and scarves, while the 80s were famous for neon colors and stonewashed denim. Since vintage clothing dates back to 20 years ago and older, the life span of the fabric depends on how well the previous owner took care of it. Inspect the clothing and texture for any holes or defects in the garment. If it’s an accessory such as jewelry or a belt make sure the stones or buckles aren’t missing. It might be more difficult and expensive to find a replacement piece for the accessory.

SIZE

Palladino says the sizes and shapes of people have evolved throughout the decades, so size is an important factor. For example, he says during the 40s and 50s a majority of American women had a more ample figure with wider hips and a larger bust whereas women of today strive for a slimmer figure. Sizes vary from each decade and the number on the label might actually be a size smaller. Today, what used to be a size 10 is now a size 8. Don’t be afraid to try on the garment at the store and ignore the size.

Vintage clothing can allow you to experiment with your current wardrobe and transport you to a different time and place. “Fashion is like a pendulum and vintage is everything that has happened before us,” Palladino says. “For the college student that’s looking for a unique way of expressing him or herself, vintage could be the solution.