Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
By Brittany Nguyen
Contributing Writer
As a college kid strapped for both cash and closet space, I understand the temptation of wearing sweats to the DUC, classes, library, CVS or basically anywhere that receives public attention.
On the other hand, I also know the struggle to change clothes multiple times in one day in order to be dressed appropriately for multiple occasions.
Almost every undergraduate student has had to compromise convenience with personal style.
I have two key answers: smart thrifting and quality basics.
Over winter break, I had the opportunity to browse through the local thrift stores, consignment stores, and the ever-popular Goodwill.
Although finding great pieces does take time and patience, the price and satisfaction is well worth it.
Here are a few tips to cut the moldy pajama shorts and ketchup-stained tank tops:
1. Go straight to the men’s section. Those over-sized 80’s knit sweaters, worn-in flannels and cheeky Hawaiian shirts? You won’t find them cheaper anywhere else.
2. Finding luxury fabrics for a discounted price can be a challenge, so they’re usually in the least sought out departments: women’s pajamas. Silk pajama tops can easily work as wearable kimonos or layering pieces.
3. Unless you have a limitless pool of patience, do not sift through every hang in every rack. The best approach is to skim, then pull out what catches your eye.
4. Don’t buy anything that requires modifications that will be costlier than its actual retail price (e.g. hemming, patching, etc).
Because thrift stores are mostly made up of donations, keep in mind that these clothes were given away for a reason.
Basics, pieces that often outlive the more trendier pieces, are both easily flexible to work with during multiple seasons and made from quality material. No one would throw away their favorite jeans or leather jacket because they can be worn with anything.
Keeping that in mind, approach thrifted pieces as unique accents that can work with your basic attire.
Not only does this help with scourging through massive clothing racks, but throwing on a layering piece or two helps accent the entire look without wasting time between classes and trudging to an all-nighter at the library.
– By Brittany Nguyen, Contributing Writer
The Emory Wheel was founded in 1919 and is currently the only independent, student-run newspaper of Emory University. The Wheel publishes weekly on Wednesdays during the academic year, except during University holidays and scheduled publication intermissions.
The Wheel is financially and editorially independent from the University. All of its content is generated by the Wheel’s more than 100 student staff members and contributing writers, and its printing costs are covered by profits from self-generated advertising sales.
