It’s officially fall, meaning it’s time to switch out summer outfits for cozier options. Take it from a girl who’s lived in Western Massachusetts her whole life — it’s best to get ahead of the cold! Finding new season-appropriate pieces that don’t cost a fortune is a problem I encounter every year. Luckily, thrifting is a great way to find some cute fall apparel that won’t break the bank. Here are some of the thrift stores near campus, as well as some tips and inspo for your next trip there!
TIPS for the best thrifting experience
Feeling a little scared to step foot into the thrift? Don’t be! Use these tips
- Find your thrift!
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The first step in your thrifting journey is to find the right spot for you! I suggest doing this through trial and error — finding out which places cater better to what you are looking for. Hours of operation and location popularity are two factors to keep in mind. Additionally, some thrift stores may be vintage-centric or more expensive, so take that into account as well!
Here are my favorite local spots located in the surrounding towns:
Hospice Shop (Amherst), X-Change (Amherst), Goodwill (Amherst), Salvation Army (Hadley), Goodwill (Northampton), Cancer Connection (Northampton)
If you’re looking for a more curated experience at the thrift, nearby Northampton — an epicenter for thrifty fashion — offers many opportunities like Roz’s Place, The Vintage Cellar, and Born Again Vintage.
All of the aforementioned thrifts are no further than a 30-minute drive from campus!
- Set a budget
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Even though going thrifting is cost-effective, it’s not free. It can be easy to get carried away with the affordability of it all and end up with a full cart and an empty bank account. To combat this, I suggest that you set a budget. Having a budget lets you be more precise and conscientious with the items you grab!
If you’re over budget or debating if you really need a piece, think about practicality and styling. Is this piece functional for fall? Am I going to wear it to its best potential? Does it go well with other pieces? All of these are good questions to ask yourself when faced with this dilemma!
- Effectively scan all the aisles
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Thrifting can be overwhelming, but don’t fear, approach the scene methodically. Even just doing a quick sweep of the store can help give you your bearings and let you focus on any aisles of interest. You never know what you might find in the men’s or children’s sections!
- Use the garment test
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The garment test is very important to ensuring that the pieces you leave with are of quality. Inspect the garment for any of the following: holes, loose threads or undone stitching, stains, heavy wear and tear, and poor fabric quality. Further, make sure that the pieces fit well on you. Many of the aforementioned stores have fitting rooms, and I suggest you use them to make sure that whatever you buy isn’t ill-fitting.
- Don’t get discouraged
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Thrifting can feel like flipping a coin; you may not find anything worthwhile. I urge you to come into the experience with an open mind and manage your expectations. It’s not always your searching abilities- sometimes the offerings are sparse or not up to standard, and that’s ok! You can always come back at a later date or try another store.
- Come prepared with inspiration!
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This one, I cannot stress enough. Knowing what you are searching for makes thrifting much more enjoyable. Consult Pinterest, as well as the Inspiration section below, for some ideas!
fall outfit Inspiration
Fall is a great time to express yourself with your clothing. Accessories and staple pieces with a Fall twang can be plentifully found at the thrift.
In terms of color schemes and fabric choices, Fall is a very natural, muted, yet vibrant season. Indulge in richer colors, like cherry reds, moody browns, blacks, and deeper oranges. Denims, knits, and plaids are perfect additions to the wardrobe to achieve that fall vibe!
Scarves, bags, and boots are a must for Fall, and can usually be found abundantly at the thrift. Fall is also a time of layering. The thrift is the perfect place to find a trendy button-down flannel, a nice coat, or a knitted sweater.
Basics are important as well. Black and white long sleeves and a classic pair of jeans can serve as great bases for an outfit. With that being said, don’t be afraid of prints and patterns!
Above all, stay true to yourself, and cater to your personal style!
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