How To Add Character to Your Closet for Cheap
The start of every season typically leads to panic regarding what to wear and how to stay current with today’s hottest trends, at least for my friends and I. All of this, of course, has a lot to do with the very tight budget many of us can afford to spend on clothing. Lucky for us, there’s no reason to spend a fortune this season with the plethora of thrift stores in the Washington, D.C. metro area!
The Buffalo Exchange is a great option for thrifters of all genders who are looking for this season’s biggest trends at affordable prices. Pieces range from cheaper Forever 21 bodysuits to designer Oscar de La Renta pumps, marked at a fraction of their original prices.
A variety of designer and retail brands makes scouring through each rack quite the adventure. Some of the best pieces my friends and I were able to find on our trip to Buffalo Exchange included a pair of textured black joggers and a cute graphic tee. Joggers are great for both formal and casual occasions, as they create a relaxed fit that compliments an individual’s figure. Graphic tees are in style right now, too. Seen on many celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Rihanna, some with political statements and some with quirky catchphrases, graphic tees are great for layering with flannels, cardigans or just a good pair of jeans.
A graphic tee modeled by freshman family science major, Charissa Zhu.
Image credit: Lindsay Garbacik for The Campus Trainer
In addition to these versatile pieces, we also came across a black, drop waist leather skirt, which we paired with a black tee that has rainbow stripes down the sleeves (the rainbows are not visible in the picture, but they’re there and it’s super cute!). Rainbow stripes have become increasingly trendy lately and give outfits a retro vibe. Leather skirts never fail to work well for a night out, too, which are perfect with a bodysuit or crop top. Additionally, they work for everyday wear when paired with a sweater tucked into the waist or layered with some tights. Meghan Markle debuted a leather skirt just this fall, as seen on Vogue.com.
Outfit modeled here by Zhu.
Image credit: Lindsay Garbacik for The Campus Trainer
“I feel like [Buffalo Exchange] was geared towards a younger, more millennial population, so I liked the clothes,” said Zhu. “My favorite thing I got at Buffalo Exchange was the leather skirt. It is so comfortable, cute and affordable. The store offered such a wide selection but I could really see myself wearing a ton of stuff there.”
Buffalo Exchange offers a wide range of clothes, all of which appeared to be unworn and in excellent condition. It is located at 1318 14th St. N.W. in Washington, D.C., and is about a 20 minute to 30 minute Metro ride from the College Park Metro stop to the Dupont Circle Metro stop. The shop is just a short walk from the Dupont Circle Metro stop.
Another great thrift store in the area is Value Village, located just a short bus trip from campus (2277 University Blvd. E., Lewisdale, M.D.). This thrift store is more of a Goodwill or Salvation Army type of shop, featuring a broad array of selections from household objects to furniture to clothes of all styles.
Whereas Buffalo Exchange has a more refined selection of pieces, Value Village has clothes for all ages and occasions. The space is very large but still organized.
One of the best pieces at Value Village that we found is this pair of patchwork jeans from American Eagle. This style of jeans were initially retailed for well over $50, but here they are on sale for just $7.99. Two-toned jeans such as these add interest to an outfit and can spice up a plain shirt or sweater with their fresh feel.
Image credit: Lindsay Garbacik for The Campus Trainer
Freshman elementary education major Rachel Herman recommends thrift shopping because she feels there is a “wider and more exciting variety” compared to regular retail stores. “The Buffalo Exchange felt more like a boutique with a more eclectic vibe about it,” Herman said.
Another great piece we found at Value Village is this Madewell sweater which, as Madewell goes, is never cheap. This sweater would look great with a pair of patterned jeans (like the ones above), or even leggings and a jean jacket for a more casual look.
Image credit: Lindsay Garbacik for The Campus Trainer
Freshman criminology and criminal justice major Alex Stewart likes Value Village but always feels a little overwhelmed by it.
“There are so many racks of clothes, it can be a lot to sort through to find the good pieces, but if you have the time it’s definitely worth a look,” said Stewart.
Aside from these two thrift stores near campus, a few other options are: Frugalista (3069 Mt Pleasant St. N.W., Washington, D.C.), Georgia Avenue Thrift Shop (6101 Georgia Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C.) and Crossroads Trading (2015 14th St. N.W., Washington, D.C.).
Grab your Metro card, bus schedule and a few friends for a fun day of shopping!
