What to Thrift According to Your Zodiac – The Astrologer's Guide to Shopping Second Hand

We all want a home that truly represents us. While it's all well and good to have an interior design style you gravitate towards, uncovering pieces that truly speak to you is made a little easier when you let the stars guide you.

Interestingly, your zodiac sign can determine more than just your personality traits. Some might place more importance on their star sign than others, but when it comes to decorating with vintage and shopping secondhand, certain treasures can draw you in, depending on your star sign.

Keen to find out what things to thrift according to designers and astrologers? Amanda Barnett, founder of Barney + Flow, explains, 'As far as thrifting for the zodiac, I love thinking about it energetically. Not just items, but qualities. Another angle could be what each sign is reclaiming or anchoring through thrifted objects. Less buy this thing, more this is what feels resonant and what recognizes you back.'

'It really comes down to what draws you in,' adds Amanda. 'Not because it’s perfect. But because it already belongs to you in some way.'

Aries

Unapologetically themselves and always authentic, Aries isn't afraid of the wacky treasures found buried among all the usual decor at the thrift store. Anna Tatsioni,
Lead Interior Designer and Architect at Decorilla, says, 'Fire signs, like Aries, Leo and Sagittarius, tend to enjoy boldness in strong silhouettes. Statement pieces are a must in a fire sign’s thrifting quest. They don’t shy away from louder colors, striking art, gilt mirrors, chandeliers, or anything that draws the eye.'

'Even though these signs carry these pieces well, they should keep an eye on the balance of the room,' warns Anna. 'One statement piece speaks louder than a bunch of furniture competing with each other for attention.'

Clearly, Aries love anything with impact. Whether that's vintage art or vintage kitchenware, this sign is attracted to pieces with presence and personality. Amanda describes them as 'Pieces that can take impact. Worn leather, broken-in boots, a set of vintage iron pans, or anything you don’t have to “be careful” with, you may also look for items that are green to balance the fire. Avoid delicate things you have to perform gentleness around.'

Taurus

Known to be fiercely loyal, Tauruses aren't just faithful to their friends; they stay true to their tastes and decorate with authenticity and pride.

'Taurus is a bit of a homebody, and there is nothing wrong with that! They know how to take a space and make it wholly their own. For thrifting, they take a slow and steady approach, only ever grabbing things of value (either monetarily or to them),' explains Anthony Perrotta, queer Astrologer, Artist, Poet, Designer, Author, and Stylist.

'Because they have a love of home, it makes sense for them to be masters at finding the right pieces for a space. Think artwork, ceramics, draperies, and small knick-knacks that create the finishing touches. Artwork gives them a sort of niche look when curating their own. It makes it have that cottage, vintage feel they love. They can seamlessly blend old with new, and always make it look expensive.'

Tauruses love thrifted items that make a home look expensive. Astrologer Inbaal Honigman, founder of Inbaal Psychic, says, 'The sign of the Bull loves luxury. You'll spot designer finds which nobody else notices.'

Gemini

'Come on, Gemini rules communication, literature, and writing! So why not go full force into books, manuscripts, and pens?' says Anthony. 'They have a love of journaling, reading, and get inspired by old books and stories. They can weave their messages into everyday life. They are a bit distracted when it comes to thrifting, but the tangents they go on in a thrift store will lead them exactly where they need to be to find that perfect piece!'

Books for their home office, library, or shelves would make them appear as well-read as they truly are! Typewriters would be so fun for them, and definitely a conversation starter in their home (because they will definitely have it displayed).'

Amanda agrees. 'Find oddities. Books with notes in the margins, pieces with stories or statements, things that spark curiosity mid-use. Avoid basics that flatten your mental play.'

Cancer

Lovers of comfort, Cancers should look out for vintage quilts, plush upholstered furniture, and anything with a sentimental edge.

Cancers are ruled by the moon and innately seek comfort,' says Mak Jagger of Mak Jagger Tarot. 'Cancers can scour the thrift stores for cozy pieces like a well-made piece of knitwear, bonus points if it feels like it was homemade by someone’s grandmother.'

Whether it's a handmade needlepoint or a crocheted throw lovingly knitted, don't pass up quirky, comforting thrift finds. Amanda adds, 'Find pieces that already hold memory. Vintage kitchenware, linens, objects that feel like they’ve lived a life. Avoid things that feel sterile or untouched.'

Leo

Unsurprisingly, Leo signs should seek out anything flamboyant or eye-catching. From gilded furniture, mirrored surfaces, to any Art Deco decor, Leos love vintage pieces with a little decadence.

'As children of the sun, Leos naturally gravitate to the spotlight,' says Mak. 'Thrifting for a Leo is going to be a mission to revive old Hollywood style glamour that is hard to find in the contemporary shopping experience. Leos are wise to style their thrifted looks around a bold statement piece to capture everyone’s attention.'

'Find pieces that feel like they’ve already been seen. Something with presence and with royalty,' says Amanda. 'Gold tones, dramatic silhouettes, a statement piece that draws your attention the minute you walk in.'

Virgo

Highly organized and always ahead of the game, it comes as no surprise that Virgos gravitate towards anything that promotes order. Keep an eye out for some good old storage next time you're at the thrift store, from home office desk decor to well-made essentials like catchalls or trays that make your everyday a little easier.

'The sign of the Virgin is practical and neat,' says Inbaal. 'Storage solutions such as vintage suitcases, leather chests, and trunks will be their picks.'

Amanda suggests Virgos should focus on craftsmanship. 'Find well-made basics, pieces that reveal their intelligence the longer you use them. The perfect crisp white shirt, but in a chair. Add a piece that invites play or whimsy to remind you not to take it all so seriously. Avoid hyper-fixating on flaws and missing the function, or collecting “almost right” things you plan to fix later.'

Libra

'Often considered the most stylish sign of the zodiac, Libras are frequently perceived as lovers of a dramatic look,' says Mak. 'Ruled by Venus, Libras should utilize thrift shopping to find dream designer pieces they couldn’t afford otherwise.'

'Air signs, like Gemini, Libra and Aquarius, should look for pieces that feel calm and eclectic,' adds Anna. 'These signs are like quirky little details that strike conversation but don’t announce themselves when someone enters the room. Crystal lampshades, framed sketches, and sculptural glassware are things these signs could look out for. Try to look for items that do well in pairs for symmetry. I’d style these in a way that makes the space feel light but still have layers to it.'

Amanda advises, 'Find balance in form. Pieces that feel harmonious without trying. Beautiful lines, symmetry, things that just sit right in a space.'

Scorpio

Known for their passionate and mysterious nature, Scorpios love a bit of drama. It makes sense then that they're attracted to all sorts of decadent textures and rich hues when shopping vintage.

Scorpios love anything with depth and richness. Whether it's a pair of heavy velvet drapes or a textured vintage tapestry steeped in history, characterful pieces with story and patina sum up Scorpio to a tee.

'Find depth, darker tones, rich textures, and pieces with a past,' says Amanda. 'Leather, velvet, something slightly hidden or mysterious. Things that feel like they chose you and items that create sanctuary and are a reflection of you. Avoid anything too exposed or obvious. If everyone would grab it, it’s probably not yours.'

'They are the sign that rules over heirlooms and inherited pieces, so really, they are the monarchs of vintage! However, I feel they really understand the value of ambiance,' explains Anthony. 'For them it is about a particular era, think like Mid Century, Baroque or Art Deco furniture. They want the pieces that have lived and breathed the air of the time period they are curating in their home or closet. They know authenticity when they see it. When they thrift, they enter quietly, eyeing everything available. They skulk toward what they want and make their claim quickly with their keen senses!'

Sagittarius

Known for their adventurous spirit, 'The sign of the Archer loves faraway lands and foreign cultures. They'll be the first to make an offer on a handmade Moroccan bowl or a Baltic amber necklace,' says Inbaal.

Sagittarius signs love travel shopping. 'Sagittarius is ruled by expansive Jupiter, and their style is also informed by their adventurous spirit, says Mak. 'Sagittarius should make an effort to hit the thrift on their many travels to create a worldly, diverse aesthetic. Pairing unique, eclectic multicultural pieces together creates an unrivalled personal aesthetic.'

'Find pieces that feel like they’ve traveled,' suggests Amanda. 'Global textiles, oversized layers, something that carries movement, adventure or philosophy in it. Items that feel expansive to you, but also ground you.'

Capricorn

Capricorns believe that homeware shopping is an undertaking worth investing in. They steer clear of vintage pieces that date the home and instead treat each purchase as one worth ample consideration. 'Ruled by practical, stable Saturn, Capricorns are known for living a work-hard and play-hard lifestyle. They are frugal by nature, so thrifting is a natural passion for them,' explains Mak.

Inbaal says, 'The sign of the Sea-goat loves quality, whether new or old. Items which improve with age, such as cast iron cookware or olive wood furniture, are their thrifting heroes.'

'Timeless pieces, durability, and something that holds its shape over time,' adds Amanda. 'Quality over quantity, classic vibes always, terracotta, a painting of a mountain (snow-capped is fine but preferably lush) as with all Earth signs, you may feel drawn to beautiful ceramics.' Amanda adds, 'Avoid buying just because it’s a “good deal.” If it doesn’t serve a long game, it becomes weight.'

Aquarius

Aquarius loves the thrill of sourcing a truly unique gem that stands out from the crowd. 'Yes, Aquarius is the early adopter, but they are also the niche collector,' says Anthony. 'They love eccentric things that other people have a hard time obtaining. They rule over electronics and technology, so it feels right to have them search for vintage games, records, and electronic devices. They will use them unironically, too.'

'They are truly just that offbeat and always their own person. They see the value in owning a sliver of the technological time capsule. Looking for that hard-to-find Atari game? I know for a fact that an Aquarius placement has it somewhere! Their thrift style is vibey. They sort of roll in nonchalantly and go for what seems cool to them (doesn’t matter what other people think). They are definitely at the vintage store you have never heard of.'

'Find the unexpected,' says Amanda. 'Something slightly off, futuristic or outdated in a way that loops back around. Pieces that feel like no one else would pick them. Avoid choosing something just to be different. You’ll feel the difference between authentic and forced eccentricity.'

Pisces

'Considered the most whimsical zodiac sign, Pisces can find the simplest pieces at the thrift store and style them in the most dreamy, romantic fashion,' says Mak. 'Look for items that are soft, sensual, and possess a type of magic that only vintage can provide.'

Pisces gravitate towards vintage fabrics and soft furniture. 'Fabrics that move, colors that melt, pieces that feel like they came from another time or no time at all,' says Amanda. 'Inherited pieces work really well with these signs, especially if they bring a soft, comfortable vibe to them,' suggests Anna. 'Iridescent crystal vases, floral pieces, pleated lampshades and anything silver works really well in a water sign’s home.'

'Moodier pieces that gravitate towards a more intimate atmosphere are welcome. The space should still feel like a retreat from the outside world.'

Shop Preloved Pieces According to Your Star Sign

'When thrifting for any sign it's about what your body leans toward,' says Amanda, 'what sparks recognition, what you keep touching, or continue to think about even after you leave. Most of these pieces orient toward a Sun sign, but you may find yourself even more drawn to pieces that comfort your Moon.'

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