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Washington | Style > Fashion

My Favorite Thrifted Fall Staples

Magdelana Long Student Contributor, University of Washington - Seattle
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Washington chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Fall has become my favorite season to experiment with new outfit combinations. This is likely because layers are necessary to avoid suffering throughout the day on my long walks to and from classes. During the early fall months a crisp morning stroll to class can turn into a sweaty trek back. Before the rain comes in for good and we’re all wearing a hoodie and puffer to class, here are some secondhand items I’ve found over the past year and been rewearing this season. 

Long skirts

Especially of the denim variety. I’ve been trying to force myself to build an outfit from a skirt instead of just putting on jeans. Starting with a skirt as a base has sparked some new outfit formulas that I keep coming back to. A pair of boots or Mary Janes paired with a maxi skirt and sweater has become one of my go to looks. 

Button down cardigans 

These have been my current obsession. I found a pink and red striped cardigan at Goodwill this summer and am wearing it while writing this article. It’s an easy way to elevate a simple outfit and can add a pop of color (if desired) to any look. You can also switch up the vibe by wearing it with just one button fastened at the top, or having it open, or completely buttoned. I like pairing my button down cardigans with wide leg jeans and Birkenstock clogs. 

Leather bags

Finding the perfect one can be a journey, but I have a black leather shoulder bag with silver buckles that has become my go-to. I thrifted it at a store in California over two years ago and I use it for everything. I love my purses oversized with lots of pockets inside. 

Striped tops 

I looked at my closet this morning and realized about half of the contents are of the striped variety. Stripes add visual interest and have no end of color combinations. Try out a striped long sleeve or crew neck in place of your normal hoodie. 

Sunglasses

Buying sunglasses is (one of my) weaknesses. I always have the itch to try out a new frame or style, and thrift stores have no shortage of options. My tried and true sunglasses are an oval pair that I found at a thrift store in New York. They feel like the cherry on top of any look. 

Thrifting is a sustainable way to get new clothes and add some fresh and unique finds to your wardrobe. Or, with the prices of some of the secondhand stores in Seattle, look through your closet and see what you already have. Hopefully this list sparked some new ideas that you can implement into your style before the rainy winter season arrives. 

Gilmore Girls walking through Fall Festival
Warner Bros. Television
Magdelana Long

Washington '29

Magdelana Long is a second-year majoring in International Studies and Communication with a pre-law intent. In her free time she loves to explore new places, read, watch movies, hike, and try new matcha flavors. In addition to writing for Her Campus, she also takes photos for The Daily.

A fun fact is she has gone ziplining in 3 countries!