Fashion and clothing are key aspects of personal expression in the world today, and ones that I believe more people should explore deeper. I believe everyone, when given the opportunity, should explore their style, expand their wardrobe and express themselves and their personality through their clothes and fashion. It’s an incredibly underrated form of putting yourself out there, and I truly believe there is so much you can share about yourself with no words, but simply how you choose to style yourself. However, exploring your style and seeking to expand your personal fashion can be a daunting task. It can feel like there’s so much to explore, from brands and stores to inspiration from a variety of people and the prices themselves are a massive roadblock. Prices for basic clothing items range from $20 to $50, and can often exceed $100 for branded items. These prices for basic clothing and self-expression are absurd, and they’re incredibly unnecessary, which is why I’m thrilled to tell you there’s an absolutely fantastic alternative, thrifting. 

Thrifting is the act of purchasing second-hand clothing, accessories, and goods of any kind at discounted prices. While a simple shirt alone can cost you up to $25 at the mall, an entire outfit can cost you $20 at a thrift store, and at perfect quality too. Most clothing items at thrift stores are consistently priced under $10, ranging from shirts, jackets and pants, so if you walk into a thrift store with plenty of spending to spare, you will walk out with infinitely more new items as opposed to if you shopped at a mall or any other clothing store. These prices are so reasonable that the concept of thrifting sounds like it comes with a detrimental pullback, but it’s simply just that good of an alternative for purchasing clothes. The one fear could be the quality of second-hand items, but most items at thrift stores, despite being previously owned, are consistently found in reasonable to perfect condition, like any other store-bought item, at a far lower price. Thrift store staff also work diligently to ensure the quality and sanitation of items meet standards, to make the experience fully worthwhile. 

I also believe thrift stores are the perfect outlet for you to begin exploring your style and fashion. Not only are the prices much more reasonable, but thrift stores are wonderful because of the variety of options they offer, and how accessible they are. When you spend time going to different stores, each store and brand has its own style or identity they’re trying to sell you, and chances are you’re not only gonna waste time viewing items you see zero appeal in, but potentially throw away $30 on something you don’t even want to wear. A thrift store allows you to explore clothing items of every aesthetic, mix and match items to create an outfit you feel suits you. Once again, this is all on the cheap. Add on the fact that not only can you begin exploring and creating your personal style and aesthetic at a thrift store from clothing items, but jewelry and accessories all come at even lower prices. Rings, necklaces and earrings are consistently under $5.

All of these reasons are good enough for people to personally start thrifting more for themselves, but the act of thrifting becomes superior to store-bought clothing due to its added effect on the environment. Buying second-hand clothing reduces the waste of clothes, conserves resources, lowers carbon footprint by avoiding further manufacturing, and directly opposes the concept of fast fashion and its negative effects. Thrifting is not only better for you to save money finding your aesthetic, but also genuinely benefits the world and the environment. It’s all around a fantastic approach to clothes shopping.

Thrifting is an excellent practice. Of 145 people polled on @bvnnews on Instagram, only 28% of students at North thrift consistently. I truly encourage it to become a more common practice and alternative to shopping for clothes, and believe everyone should also just explore their fashion and aesthetic in general. The world is a better place when people express who they are, and your fashion is the perfect place to start, so get $20 and go thrifting.