This summer, I went thrifting for the first time for much of my back-to-school clothing, and I had more fun shopping then I’ve ever had in my life. Going to a normal store, while fun, can be tiring and tedious when the hour mark passes and you’ve only picked out one pair of pants.
My mom and I visited 8 stores on the day we went shopping, and found at least fifteen things we loved at each store. The best part is, each piece is completely unique and original, and it gives you weeks worth of outfit inspiration, even if you don’t end up buying every piece you try on.
We went into a store with antiques from over 30 years ago and found a pantsuit from the 1960s. It was floral patterned with shoulder pads and buttons, and it was absolutely stunning. To try on an outfit that someone in the 60s wore was an amazing experience and extremely surreal. There were pieces dating all the way back to the 50s - hats with feathers and flowers! You may think buying such antique pieces would be pricey, but they’re the exact opposite! In one store, all of the pieces were $5 or $10 and even some were less exepensive than that! Some stores had more expensive designer clothing, but for the most part, the clothes were very affordable. Yet another reason to start thrift shopping!
All in all, thrifting can help you find a new style, save money, and it is just so fun! Plus, buying used clothes (they wash them, it’s very sanitary) can help the earth and is much better than fast fashion. I ended up getting 13 pieces and spending an average of less than $20 an item!
I hope this inspires you to give thrift shopping a try!












Here are the stores we visited! All in Chicago.
Lost Girls Vintage https://lostgirlschicago.com/pages/locations-1
Eldorado Thrift https://www.eldoradothrift.com/
Kokorokoko Vintage https://www.kokorokokovintage.com/
Ragstock https://ragstock.com/stores/chicago-wicker-park/
Buffalo Exchange https://buffaloexchange.com/location/wicker-park-chicago/
Una Maes Chicago https://www.unamaeschicago.com/
Store B Vintage https://www.storebvintage.com/
Cross Roads Trading https://crossroadstrading.com/location/chicago-north-milwaukee-ave/