dress to try on
be comfy & wear things you can easily take off for try-ons. assume you won't have a fitting room & wear something you can slip clothes on over or under while shopping.
check for specials!
thrift & second-hand shops will often have specials on certain days based on tag colors or type of clothing. look for signage in the store or ask someone who works there.
grab what catches your eye
there's SO much to look at which can be intimidating. grab items with colors, prints & fabrics that catch your eye first & then go thru them later to narrow it down.
check the men's section!
do this for more comfy, looser pieces. you can find great oversized sweaters, blazers, jeans & button-downs in the men's section!
shop off or end of season
just as with fast fashion retailers, deep discounts at thrift shops happen at the end of seasons & off-season. a wool winter coat can go from $20 to $3 come spring!