For college students, it can be difficult to navigate the school year while juggling finances and maintaining a fashionable appearance. Some practice thrifting as a solution.
Whether they are looking for specific closet staples or appreciating the variety, understanding how to get the most value for your buck can turn every trip into a rewarding experience.
Recent UMKC English graduate Claire Roberts said she enjoys thrift shopping because of the affordability and selection.
“When you go to a regular store, it’s all kind of the same thing in different iterations. When you go thrifting, you can find a much wider variety of stuff,” she said.
The diversity of options at discount stores ensures that there is something that will fit for everyone, whether in size or in personal fashion.
Junior communication major Gianna Comelli uses the range in clothing to curate her own style while not having to sacrifice her bank account. She has been able to express herself more through her second-hand finds.
“I don’t like to overdo it when it comes to thrifting because I understand why it is there,” said Comelli, “ If I need a piece – something that speaks to me – I like to go to those stores cause you never know what you’re going to find.”
For junior English and communication major Shaun Stratton, thrifting is a form of spontaneous shopping.
“I go in there not knowing what I need. I don’t really grab a lot,” said Stratton. “If I’m going to buy something, it has to be something to look at and decide I absolutely need.”
Time is of the essence in shopping, so be prepared to set aside a chunk of the day to look through as many items as possible.
“Just walk around and get a feel for the store. When you look at something, try to picture the outfit in your head,” she said. “I try to envision what pants I would wear with it, what shirt and what type of jewelry I would choose.”
Roberts said she looks for specific colors, textures, or patterns that speak to her in the process. She can narrow down her options faster with her preferences in mind.
She also said morning is the best time to go, as less people will be shopping and the employees will still be putting out new items.
Junior communication student Shelyse Fields looks mainly for jackets and cardigans. She emphasized creating a budget before going and using the store’s selections to get out of one fashion bubble.
“I recently found a pair of grandma shoes at a thrift store. They were shoes that I thought were extremely ugly, and so I bought them,” she said. “Of course they weren’t typically my style, I just thought they were cool and wanted to try and rock them. And I did!”
Fields is not alone in that newfound joy. Many students pointed out shoes as being their most prized find, from Stratton’s cowboy boots to Comelli’s trendy blue and white sneakers.
Who you travel with to the stores also morphs your experience, as friends and family can offer a valuable second eye for your finds.
“I like to try things on or use a mirror. I also encourage bringing a friend because it can be hard to see yourself wearing something or not,” Fields said. Knowing your measurements beforehand can also make the process easier if there aren’t dressing rooms available.
Stratton emphasized resisting the temptations of fast fashion shopping and instead throwing your luck into the thrift stores to find something of better value.
“I used to buy things that I thought looked cool, but it slowly became more buying pieces that I know are going to be meaningful in my closet,” she said. “Just have fun and go in there with a carefree attitude.”
Students at UMKC highlighted Goodwill or Savers due to their easy accessibility, but City Thrift, Blessings Abound and Arizona Trading Company were also popular answers.
Roberts said her favorites line up perfectly on Wornall Avenue, with a Goodwill, Red Racks and City Thrift Waldo within a few minutes of each other.
If you’re looking for something with more value, Ditto, Boomerang, or Troost 39 focus on trendier clothing styles and high-quality brands.
And for teachers at UMKC, Thrift World offers 30% off Teacher’s Day every Thursday.
