When you’re faced with racks and racks of sequined ’80s evening dresses and pilled sweaters, it can be easy to run through a thrift store in a hurry and decide there’s nothing there for you. But while there might be a lot of kitschy sweaters and shoulder pad blouses strewn across the store, there are just as many gems tucked in between those options…you just have to recognize them.

Between all the pumpkin pie baking and tinsel hanging, gourd decorating and hot chocolate making, you’ll find that every once in a while you’ll need to leave the house somewhere in between. It might be hard to desert all those plaid blankets you’ll be curled under as the holiday season takes way, but alas, errands call and friends demand your time. For moments like those, don’t feel like you have to take off your sweatpants or swap your hoodies for dress-up clothes.

Make the space right next to your front door into a little workhorse.