Building Your Dream Closet Doesn’t Have to Drain Your Bank Account

Personally, I love to shop. Unfortunately, my bank account doesn’t. While a combination of clothes and cardio makes for a fun hobby, it’s not exactly a cheap one when you’re buying first-hand. Lately, no matter what store you pop into, it seems impossible to find anything for under $20 – even basics. As a college student, money is tight, which means I have to get creative when it comes to obtaining new pieces for my closet. Luckily, thrifting offers the perfect solution. 

This past Halloween I was determined to put together some good costumes while on a budget. So, I visited my local Goodwill, and I was not disappointed. For a grand total of $27, I was able to construct three costumes that I like to think were pretty on the money. An additional benefit worth mentioning: leaving the store, I didn’t feel the usual shopper’s guilt that often plagues me as I reflect on the amount of money I just dropped. 

As I’ve continued to explore new stores, I’ve fallen in love with the uniqueness each place offers. Since all of the items are donations, you’re able to get a sense of the community’s culture. Each piece you sort through has its own story and charm that you can’t find at your mall’s Forever21 – an aspect I think makes the experience all the more worthwhile.  

Furthermore, not only are the prices reasonable, but buying secondhand reduces the amount of carbon emitted from clothing production. A not-so-fun-fact: the production and sale of a T-shirt can release around 15 pounds of carbon. Think about all of the T-shirts you own. Now multiply that number by 15 – I’d gather it’s likely that’s pretty heavy for something so lightweight!

So, next time you’re feeling the urge to add a new piece to your collection, consider shopping locally. Chances are you’re bound to find something you love that comes with its own sense of character and flair! Plus, the odds of twinning with a random stranger walking down the street are significantly diminished. Happy shopping!