Megan Ward (left) models an Abercrombie and Fitch jean skirt, $9.50; Gap American flag T-shirt, $7.50; dark pink scarf, $6.50 and Emma Moore (right) models an American Eagle “Give Love” T-shirt, $6.50; American Rag jeans, $15; and a copper cuff, $8. Some items will stretch your summer clothing into the winter: Tights, leg warmers and funky socks can help you wear open-toed shoes and short skirts further into the cold season. Long sleeve undershirts, vests and cardigans can allow you to keep your summer tank tops and T-shirts a part of your ensemble for the fall and winter.

Emma Moore of Bangor models a Forever 21 white sweatshirt, $9.50. The quality of the material is one of the most important aspects of secondhand clothing. “You can run your hand through a rack and feel a good piece,” said Retro Sole owner Cara Oleksyk.

Conor Kenny (left) and Emma Moore (right) model thrift store fashions. While thrift shops are usually fairly well organized, try breaking your shopping into categories: pants, shirts, coats, accessories, shoes, skirts and dresses.

Conor Kenny of Bangor models a Carbon T-shirt $5.50.

Emma Moore (left) wears an American Eagle striped T-shirt, $7.50; American Rag jeans, $15;and a light pink scarf, $12. Megan Ward (right) wears a Forever 21 white sweatshirt, $9.50; a Kiva dress, $11.50; and Gap lace flats, $7.50.

Conor Kenny of Bangor models a Mossimo Supply Co. button-up shirt $6; Gap jeans, $14.50; DC Shoes, $35 at Retro Soul-Metropolitan Soul; and MAD T-shirt, $7.50. On thrift shopping tip is to look at stitching under the armpits and along the seam. Make sure it’s strong and not coming undone. Also, look for stains, especially under the armpits. Does it have all the buttons? Only for clothes you really like should you ignore defects, and then try to talk the price down.

Megan Ward of Bangor models a Lucky necklace, $21. Put aside some time to shop. Often, the majority of clothing in a thrift shop won’t appeal to you. The fun is in finding that one item that will make an outfit special. While thrift shops are usually fairly well organized, try breaking your shopping into categories: pants, shirts, coats, accessories, shoes, skirts and dresses.

Conor Kenny (left) and Emma Moore (right) model thrift store fashions. Retro Soul owner Cara Oleksyk advises to buy clothing that you can layer: In Maine, school starts at the turn of a season, and clothing that people have been wearing for months become uncomfortable in the cold. Back-to-school shopping isn’t just a fun event; for growing children and teens, shopping is a necessity. Last winter’s clothes simply don’t fit. “People in Maine have more clothes than people in Florida,” said Oleksyk. “We can cut down on that by layering.”

Megan Ward of Bangor models a Lucky necklace, $21. Accessories are important in thrift shopping. No accessory should go to waste. Ever lose one of two earrings? Retro Soul owner Cara Oleksyk takes her unmatched earrings and fashions them into charm bracelets. She suggests scarves for men and women, and clip-on earrings, which she attaches to purses and shoes. Usually, you can string a broach onto a chain and it becomes a pendant.

Conor Kenny of Bangor models Conor Kenny of Bangor models Gap jeans, $14.50; DC Shoes, $35 at Retro Soul-Metropolitan Soul; and MAD T-shirt, $7.50. One thrift shopping tip is, if you really like it, you can fix it. Patch jeans. Learn how to stitch a seam and add buttons. Try freshening up a pair of shoes with new laces.

Megan Ward of Bangor models Megan Ward (left) models an Abercrombie and Fitch jean skirt, $9.50; Gap American flag T-shirt, $7.50; and a dark pink scarf, $6.50.

Emma Moore of Bangor models an American Eagle striped T-shirt, $7.50; American Rag jeans, $15; light pink scarf, $12 and a copper cuff, $8.

Conor Kenney of Bangor models a MAD T-shirt, $7.50.