5 tips on scoring pre-loved outfits for P500 or less

In an episode for GMA ONE Online Exclusives' #Goals, Millennial It Girl Gabbi Garcia gave tips on how anyone can build a stylish #OOTD for P500 or less from ukay-ukay stores.

"I feel the most confident when I wear pieces that I'm comfortable with, for example a denim jacket or a track pants, yun 'yung mga pieces na stylish na comfortable pa. The good news is hindi natin kailangan gumastos ng malaki to have the perfect OOTD so I challenge my self na maghanap ng pieces sa ukay-ukay na hindi mageexceed sa P500," Gabbi said in the video.

1. Wear something comfortable. Ukay-ukay shopping is a strenuous activity — it's like digging for gold, so you have to be as comfortable as you can be. "Ngayon, naka-sneakers lang ako and a sling bag," Gabbi says.

2. Know what you're looking for and focus on that. This will help you weed through all the goods in the store and save time. "Kapag nag-u-ukay-ukay ka, for example alam mo na 'yong gusto mo bilhin — shorts, or  jacket or shirt — d'on ka na pumunta, para concentrated ka na d'on."

But because ukay-ukay is almost a game of chance, Gabbi says, you must be open to surprises, too. "Ang maganda sa ukay-ukay nag-iisa lang talaga 'yung piece na 'yun, so kung kasya sayo ibigsabihin para say 'yon."

3. Check if everything is in good condition. Because everything inside an ukay-ukay store is preloved, check if there are any stains or problematic parts before you purchase anything. "I-check niyo 'yong quality nung damit na nakuha ninyo kasi siyempre secondhand siya and all, check niyo kung may mantsa o may punit," said Gabbi.

4. Keep a look out for branded pieces. The big ukay-ukay lure is coming across a unique branded piece at dirt-cheap prices, so be aware. "Minsan talaga makakaswerte ka, may mga nagtatago diyang branded or 'yon yung mga treat sa ukay-ukay eh, kaya kailangan talaga eager ka maghanap."

5. Be visual, creative, and flexible. To maximize everything you've just purchased from an ukay-ukay make sure to master your skill when it comes to mixing, matching and revamping ensembles, check out the video to find out how Gabbi did it from school outfit, sporty look, edgy outfit to a night out look.

— Jannielyn Ann Bigtas/LA, GMA News