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Here in Amherst, we seem to be in a season of opportunity for fashion. One second, it’s 50 degrees; thick sweater, 8 a.m. class. Then, by noon, with the lunchtime sun batting down on the campus, you wonder where you went wrong. I have even caught myself in moments of frustration—perhaps it was the misguided wool sweater—but I remind myself how fun this time of fall is. And I am seeing exactly that in all of the outfits seen around campus.
Before we are bogged down in our calf-length winter coats and can hardly distinguish our friends from our ex-situationships through their hats and scarves, we should be enjoying the now and dressing for the season. Even if now is still a little sweaty.
In these transitional times with a new season looming, I often take stock of my wardrobe, looking for holes to fill. In some seasons, the “hole” is another sweater I most certainly don’t need. One of my favorite places to shop to fill said holes and do some window—save this for when I’m not a broke college student—shopping is through TheRealReal, an e-commerce marketplace known for selling second-hand designer items for a fraction of the original price.
If you’re unfamiliar with the platform, think of it as a high-end version of Depop. Similar to the latter, the gems from TheRealReal, while bountiful, certainly don’t always appear as the top candidate from a single search. However, through my many logged hours of experience and endless scrolling, I have it down to a science: descriptive keyword + the desired price range + the “editor’s pick” option = the best, most perfect piece you didn’t even believe existed.
Even with this formula, however, duds are unfortunately inevitable. So please, allow me to do the work for you. Below are my favorite pieces from TRR for fall, but they work well for any “in-between weather” that plagues Western Massachusetts in the future. These pieces are special because they are perfectly unique yet entirely functional across a wide range of outfits.
AllSaints Plaid Midi Dress
Size: S
Price: $135
https://www.therealreal.com/products/women/clothing/dresses/allsaints-plaid-print-long-dress-rtm5m
One of the quintessential prints for fall is, of course, plaid, and this AllSaints monochrome dress is a fun twist on the classic reds and blues typically featured. Similar to the other items on the list, this dress can be dressed up or down and suits a variety of aesthetics. I envision this dress paired with a pair of chunky black ankle boots (find my favs here) and a leather jacket, a la Lindsay Lohan in “Freaky Friday”. Or, on the opposite side of the spectrum, with a pair of dainty kitten heels and a white cardigan.
Rebecca Minkoff Leather Tote
Size: One Size
Price: $108
https://www.therealreal.com/products/women/handbags/hobos/rebecca-minkoff-leather-hobo-rmwg5
A tote is a classic staple that can upgrade any outfit and be a great transition into post-grad life. This Rebecca Minkoff tote is a mix of grungy and sophisticated, and its large size will let you carry your laptop, pilates outfit, and Grab-and-Go from Worcester.
Zadig & Voltaire Bomber Jacket
Size: XS
Price: $75
Transparently, almost a year ago, I was traipsing the streets of New York when I saw the chicest Dakota Johnson look-alike wearing this jacket, and I immediately fell in love. After months of searching and much praying to TheRealReal gods, it appeared during my daily search for Zadig and Voltaire items. I have kept a close eye on the jacket ever since (another tip: items that aren’t sold immediately will always go on a higher markup sale!). A bomber like this is the epitome of a transitional piece and can be styled in a multitude of ways. Opt for a flowy yet structured crepe white skirt with a pair of black ballet flats to feminize the look, or pair it with jeans for a casual counterpart.
Isabel Marant Suede Slides
Size: 7
Price: $57.50
https://www.therealreal.com/products/women/shoes/sandals/isabel-marant-suede-slides-qzba5
Perhaps it is my current affinity for berry colored clothing, but I think these Isabel Marant buckled slides are the perfect elevated alternative to the Birkenstock. When styling an outfit, I’d let the shoes do all the talking, pairing jeans (my favorites are from the Gap!) with a simple white tee.
Paloma RtA Sweater
Size: XS
Price: $76
https://www.therealreal.com/products/women/clothing/knitwear/rta-striped-turtleneck-sweater-ru761
It would be something of a fashion crime if I failed to include a sweater on the docket. I am a sucker for stripes, a slouchy turtleneck, and natural materials; this RtA sweater could arguably be the ultimate fall sweater for your fall wardrobe.
I hope these picks inspire you, help you step out of your fashion comfort zone and shop second hand!
XX, Finley
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