Your Guide to Thrifting the Perfect Fall Wardrobe
Who doesn’t want to wear their dad’s flannel from the 90s?
by CAITLIN MCGONAGLE ★ OCTOBER 19, 2021
Fast fashion is at its all-time high! With shorter trend cycles (we can thank TikTok for that one), companies are trying to keep up with a high and fast demand for new clothes. Not only is this super harmful to the environment, but also has terrible effects on the people carrying out all these production demands. There’s a better way to keep up with fall trends… thrift store finds! In this article, I’ve provided you with a foolproof guide to find hidden gems that will spice up your closet this fall season.
Flannels
Flannels are the epitome of fall fashion. You know the season is changing when you see the classic checkerboard pattern on practically everything. Finding a staple flannel is going to be the perfect way to start your fall wardrobe off on the right foot. Whether you’re throwing it over a hoodie for a casual look to class or pairing it with jeans, booties, and a crop top for a night on the town, you seriously can’t go wrong. One thing to remember when looking for the perfect piece is to find something with good fabric and durability. A flannel is something you can wear a few times a week just as an added layer to your outfit, so you need to make sure it will hold up over time. The thrift store is the perfect place to find pieces that have already been worn in, so look for something with some fading to it, or maybe even some natural rip’s to give it that cozy feel.
Jackets
When it comes to jackets, there are so many different styles to wear. The great thing about the thrift store is that you will be able to find something, unlike anything you’ve seen before. When I think of jackets for fall, a couple of options come to mind. First, try looking for a bomber jacket. These oversized throw overs can be the perfect thing to elevate an outfit. Look for something with a cool graphic, vintage sewn-on patch, or even a Harley Davidson logo (a thrift store gem). Next, always try and dig for the perfect leather jacket. We’ve seen celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner sport this piece in casual and classy ways (you can seriously never go wrong). And lastly, you can’t forget about puffer jackets. Possibly the best fashion trend to take over Tik Tok last year. You can find them in cropped styles or go for a longer look: whatever you prefer. Some brands to look out for are North Face, Patagonia, Adidas, and Nike.
Graphics
Look for the graphics! Thrift stores these days are stocked with our everyday brands at a fraction of the cost. Look for familiar logos and prints that you know, such as band names, high-end designs, or maybe even a cheesy sweatshirt repping your favorite beach spot. You can seriously never go wrong with a funky graphic. The cool thing about thrift stores is that you never know what you’re going to find. Band tees are very trendy right now. The thrift store is a budget-friendly place to find the same unique pieces without breaking the bank. Also, be on the hunt for any name-brand hoodies or pullovers. You can find companies such as Nike, Polo, and Champion and pay little to nothing for the iconic logo.
Thrift stores near YOU
Syracuse has plenty of places to thrift, so go get those clothes, girl! Some of the popular stores around Syracuse are:
3fifteen located at 720 University Ave · In Marshall Square Mall
Cluttered Closet located at 742 S Beech St · In Casa De 'Cuse
Thrifty Shopper located at 2214 W Genesee St · In Westvale Plaza
Of course, you can always stick to the classics:
Goodwill located at 4722 Onondaga Blvd · In Onondaga Plaza
Salvation Army located at 2433 Erie Blvd E
Take a break from the countless hours of online shopping (trust me I’ve been there) and learn to start shopping more sustainably! Thrifting is a great way to explore the city around you and find some niche stores that speak to your style. Take some quality time out of your day to find some cool clothing pieces and have an exciting new experience.