Macklemore said it best, “Can we go thrift shopping?”
The answer is yes, always yes! The ‘90s are back– the finds in thrift stores are not only cheap, but in style. Some of my best finds have been at small town shops that collect donations from the locals. Not only does this fit with the college budget, but it’s a fun way to spend time with friends! The Mount Pleasant Goodwill and Salvation Army are always good places to start.
Left: I got this lace shirt at Goodwill, but paired with a bralette you could never tell!
2. Sharing is Caring
Why have friends if you can’t share clothing!? When your outfit is missing the perfect finishing touch or you’re just bored with your closet, reach out to those around you. You never know what gems you could find hiding in your friend’s closets. Also, you never know what advice they could offer to perfect your look… day or night. Your parent’s closets may have good options as well! I couldn’t tell you how many times my dad’s hoodies made for a cute bonfire outfit.
Just a typical conversation before a girl’s night out.
3. Keep an open mind—you never know where you’ll find deals
When I was going through sorority recruitment, I was entirely sick of my wardrobe. When my roommate let me look through hers, I was shocked to find that my favorite piece was from Meijer! She had gotten what I wore to the most important day of recruitment for under $10. Moral of the story—always keep your eye open for deals anywhere!
The Meijer buy that helped me get a bid from my dream sorority.
4. Be creative!
I get bored with my closet daily. I always feel like I’m wearing the same basic clothes day-in and day-out. But, if you approach your closet with a creative mindset you never know what you can create! Feel free to take risks, tie shirts in weird places, and layer. Changing the way one piece looks by tucking it in or changing what you wear for a jacket, gives a basic outfit a whole new look.
I took a kimono and tied it to give myself a cute Summer look for a beach themed party in the middle of Winter!
5. It’s okay to splurge!
We’re all broke college students, but we’re also all working hard! Treat yourself to some nice clothing occasionally. Mall trips are essential to one’s mental health every couple of months. The key is to budget properly and not overdo it! Only you know the state of your finances. However, when you die you won’t be thinking “I wish I wouldn’t have gone on a shopping spree that one time,” that’s for sure!