How To…Thrift the Perfect Going-Out Clothes
By: Declyn Keiser
Going out with friends can either be an incredible night to remember or something you’ll regret the next day. But there’s one thing you can be sure not to regret— your outfit. While you might be tempted to shop at fast-fashion retailers like Shein or Edikted, it’s hard to deny the short-lived trendiness of those cheap, mass-produced clothes. Why purchase a cheap top made under horrible working conditions that you’re well aware of? It might seem like a steal, but when you factor in their environmental impact and the horrible working conditions they were made under, the price doesn’t seem quite as impressive.
Then there’s thrifting— a sustainable, wallet-friendly alternative that allows you to find unique pieces that won’t have you blending in with the crowd. Thrifting clothes allows you to show off your individual style while saving money and making a positive impact. Plus, shopping secondhand doesn’t just benefit you— it benefits the local community and reduces the amount of clothes sent to landfills.
As someone who thrifts about 50% of my wardrobe, I can confidently say that some of the best compliments I’ve received have been about my secondhand pieces. Whether it’s a Y2K tank top or a pair of low-rise jeans, thrifting has allowed me to find pieces that not only stand out but are high-quality in comparison to fast-fashion alternatives.
In the Hudson Valley area, there are a ton of great thrift stores where you can find some stylish going-out clothes at unbeatable prices. Some of my favorites include the Salvation Army, Carol’s Closet, and Rewind Kingston. These shops offer a nice variety of tops, jeans, skirts, and jackets that are perfect for creating a unique outfit that you won’t see on everyone else. Thrifting is a fun, social way to hunt for gems while helping reduce waste in the fashion industry. It makes for the perfect outing with your friends as it’s easy to spend hours searching racks and discovering the potential of garments.
But what if you don’t have time in your busy class schedule to make it to a thrift store or you don’t have access to a car? You can still thrift from the comfort of your dorm through apps like Poshmark and Depop. These platforms allow users to buy (and sell) pre-loved items, making them the perfect solution for finding going-out clothes that are both unique and affordable. Depop, for instance, is known for offering a wide range of trendy going-out tops, although they tend to be at a higher price point compared to Poshmark. However, both apps give you the option to negotiate by making an offer on items that your heart is truly set on, which is something I often do on Poshmark if I find a garment I can’t seem to live without.
Thrifting isn’t just about buying new clothes— it’s about buying into a better way of consuming fashion. Not only will you end up with an outfit that truly shows your personal style, but you’re also supporting local communities, small businesses, and helping to minimize the substantial environmental impact of the fashion industry. So, the next time you’re getting ready for a night out, try skipping the shein-haul route and shop at a local thrift store or online marketplace instead. You’ll more than likely end up with a one-of-a-kind outfit that people will be asking about.
At the end of the day, there’s nothing more rewarding than going out in something unique, sustainable, and stylish. So, the next time you’re bored or you plan a shopping trip, try thrifting in the 845. It’s a fun, environmentally-friendly way to create the perfect going-out outfit— and I promise you won’t regret it.