Before you rush to fast fashion for your trendiest outfit, go through your parents old clothes. Chances are they still have pieces that were the biggest trends back in their college years. Here are a few reasons that it makes more sense to borrow, or steal if they’re chill, instead of buying new.
- The ability to wear vintage will give you more original pieces.
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Chances are your dad has tee shirts from the concerts he went to in college. Your mom probably has crop tops and mini skirts as fabulous as what Cher Horowitz had in her closet. But their pieces are originals from decades ago, therefore you will be the only one to rock such cool pieces and unique outfits.
- Clothing will be chic and oversized.
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Chances are your dad doesn’t remember that he owns half of these articles of clothing, so bat your eyelashes and borrow them. On your dad in 1995, they probably fit perfectly. But on you, these pieces will have a chic oversized look. So, borrow his denim jacket knowing you can layer cozy sweaters underneath. Or his old band tees, with a swift french tuck in your favorite jeans.
- If you don’t love the piece you can diy it.
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If you find a piece that is cool but could be better, find a way to diy it. Crop tee shirts, tie dye white fabric or bleach jeans. You can also raise the hems of shirts or cut jeans into cutoffs for spring break. With diying vintage pieces, your possibilities for self expression and experimentation through your wardrobe are endless. If you love the way it turns out, your vintage piece is even more unique. If you don’t like how it turns out, donate it to a local thrift shop.
- Borrowing clothes is more sustainable.
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By rewearing vintage pieces from your parents, you are cutting down on your carbon footprint since no new clothes were made. It also keeps these clothes from getting thrown away and ending up in landfills.
- For an extra vintage look, call your grandma.
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Now when you call your grandma, rules of the universe say you have to talk to her for a while about school and boys and the news before you ask any favors, talking to you is probably the highlight of her week. But, it’s worth it, because she will have the uniquest of pieces hidden in her basement, attic and secret closets. More important than the cool outfit, is the story that is behind each piece of clothing. Ask what she was doing, what her life was like, who her boyfriend was, when she wore this piece. This is an opportunity to connect with your family and score a cool outfit.
- They might have all kinds of pieces.
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This act of borrowing from your parents is not limited to clothing. Check out the jewelry your mom (or dad) wore in college. Your mom might have vintage purses, scrunchies, hair clips and sunnies. Your dad might have vintage baseball caps for spring break, bandanas or funky ties for more masculine looks.
Of course, don’t forget to ask your parents before taking pieces out of their closet, many argue once its in storage it’s open season, but before you put bleach, tie dye or scissors on anything – ask first. Band tees can be worth surprising amounts of money and a sick photo for your grid is not worth a major fight with your dad for destroying his vintage (insert some band your dad loves) tour shirt that’s worth tons of money. Also, wash everything before you wear especially if it’s been stored in your attic or basement. Bonus points for vintage, but you’ll definitely lose points if you smell like your grandma’s closet.
Wash all of your vintage pieces in cold water and air dry them to protect the piece and make it last even longer. Remember some of these pieces are older than you and might need some more tlc than your favorite jeans.