The popularity of thrifted clothing is ever-increasing, and for good reason. It’s an eco-friendly way to shop for cheap, unique pieces. But without social media influencers like Ruby Lyn, thrifting may not have become the new norm. She has accumulated thousands of Instagram followers and YouTube subscribers all eager to keep up with her fashion choices. And since many of her items are second-hand, her fans often shop at thrift stores in an attempt to imitate her style. In addition to providing outfit inspiration, Ruby Lyn also sells hand-picked thrifted pieces on her Depop and in style bundles to help fans put together cute outfits.
Ruby Lyn recalls her experience wearing thrifted clothing as a child, “It was a lot more affordable for our family, and I remember being so embarrassed because kids would come to school in new fancy clothes and I would have only second-hand items.” But her thoughts changed once she entered an art-focused high school. “Thrifting just became cool all of a sudden. It was almost like a trend and everyone who wanted unique pieces would go thrifting,” Ruby explains. Since then, she has proudly been an avid thrifter.
The endless options of unique pieces available at thrift stores inspires Ruby to try styles that she hadn’t considered before. “I think thrifting has made me much more open to try new things and not stick to a strict aesthetic or style.” This makes her exact style difficult to describe, but for her that doesn’t matter. “It is truly a mix of so many things. At the end of the day, I have always just worn what I like or think is cute and I could care less what anyone else thinks.”
Of course, some people don’t have access to thrift stores or have trouble picking out cute pieces themselves. That’s where Ruby Lyn’s style bundles can help. After buying a bundle on her website, customers send in their favorite styles and trends, and Ruby customizes a full look of mostly second-hand clothing to their taste. For those who look up to her for inspiration, this is a really fun opportunity. However, if you don’t want to buy an entire outfit, she also sells individual pieces on her Depop.
How did you come up with the idea for style bundles? What’s it like having a role directly buying people’s outfits?
“I definitely was inspired by iGirl and her style bundles. I knew I had a lot of girls who looked up to me for style inspo so I just decided to try it out. I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into, or how much time and work I would have to put in, but it’s really fun so it made up for the lack of sleep. Buyers know they are ultimately taking a risk because there is always a chance they will not like what they receive, especially if they have certain expectations or a specific outfit they are hoping for beforehand. That being said it is the best feeling when the feedback is positive because so much work goes into these bundles.”
What is your favorite part about doing the bundles?
“My favorite part of making style bundles is being able to personalize them a little, and just making the buyer feel valued and that I really spent a lot of thought on their order. It’s really cool because many of my customers are ordering from all around the world where they do not have access to true thrift stores. So it’s really awesome that I can give them pieces totally unique to anything they would ever be able to find in their own city. ”
Although these style bundles have been fun for Ruby, she plans to slowly stop creating them full-time. “I have come to that conclusion that as much as I love making them the amount of work and time that is spent in the business is not sustainable or realistic.” Instead, Ruby is working on releasing original designs that she hopes can help her followers recreate her own style. She is very thankful for her supporters, and wants to help them all achieve their dream style.
Check out Ruby Lyn’s Instagram and Youtube for some thrifted style inspiration, or head to her Depop and website to buy her clothes and style bundles.
Want to read about more modern-day fashionistas? Check out The World of Devon Lee Carlson and How TikTok Fame gave Monette K-D her Dream Career.
