We are in the midst of a vintage clothing era. This isn’t just another trend, it’s a cultural shift.
I would make the argument that for the last 15 years, thrifting has grown from a niche hobby to a crucial skill used to define personal style. These days, people are turning towards thrifting, rather than purchasing a top from Zara’s spring collection that half of campus is wearing. That’s not to say there isn’t value to closet essentials, but thrifting offers a new vision to individual expression.
Thrifting is more than a hobby, it is an art. It’s a skill that requires intense digging through unique clothing racks for hidden treasures. Secondhand shopping is both sustainable for the planet and more economical.
In honor of the semi-annual Wildcat thrift in the center of Villanova’s campus, here’s my take on the art of thrifting.
The Social Media Effect
As someone who has never lived without easy access to the internet, I have been able to see the progression of the endless scrolls, addictive apps, brain rot videos and recycling trends. What used to be advertised through printed magazines on monthly occasions now comes at just a click of a thumb.
The worst part about this never ending cycle of rapid trends and constant sharing – there is no individuality. I do this too, don’t worry. When faced with the question of what to wear to a Jersey Shore wedding in 50- degree weather, I didn’t rely on my instincts. How did I figure out how to wear a sage green patterned dress, nude heels and a sweater shawl with pearl details along the edges? Pinterest and Instagram gave me this exact inspiration in under five minutes.
It worked out, but it wasn’t entirely mine. That’s the trade-off. Effortless access, but personal identity compromised in the process.
The Oldies are the Goodies
Recent trends have influenced people to scroll through pinterest for a 90s black dress or 80s denim pants. Many designers have caught on to what consumers really want, the past reimagined. Whether that is lace resurging or the classic floral spring, fashion exists in a constant rotation of the new, the old and the bold.
During the 2010-2020s, there were major revivals of past decade trends. Y2K fashion dominated, with low-rise jeans, baby tees and tiny sunglasses making their comeback. I’m not sure if anyone else watched Emma Chamberlain Youtube videos circa 2018, but her style was exactly the Urban Outfitters vibe I am referencing. 90s minimalism: slip dresses, baggy jeans and adidas sneakers were the stars. Personally, this was my favorite to return. 80s trends of oversized blazers and bold colors are here to stay and I am cheering them on.
My point is, fashion cycles historically repeat every 20 or 30 years, but with digital culture expanding, this process happens faster than ever. Thrift stores become the easiest way to access them authentically and participate in these trend cycles.
Thrifting: A Sustainable Skill
When you walk into a mainstream retail store, you know what to expect. Half the time, we know what the selection is, what sizes they’ll have and exactly the piece we want. A thrift store, however, requires skill. You arrive not knowing what to expect, and that my friends, is the best part. Somedays, you may walk out with nothing but a waste of 45 minutes. Or, when the thrifting Gods are in your favor, you will skip out with a pair 1987 Levi 501’s. You just never know.
Beyond style and individuality, thrifting is also one of the most accessible ways to engage in sustainable fashion. Reuse, rewear, recycle isn’t just a common slogan, but it is rooted into every purchase made secondhand.
Thrifting: My Story
My mom is the kindest person I have ever met. My role model. She’s right in almost every capacity, except for one thing – she hates thrifting.
She always has hated the idea of putting money into a piece of clothing that someone else once wore. This, I learned, was not ignorant, but how most people think too. WHY spend $50 on a denim jacket that is a size XXXL? Because the retail price was $350 (and yes I still own and wear it).
In high school I began to find oversized sweatshirts as I was sick of wearing the same old track merch. It became a fun Saturday activity with my friends. I would come home and hide my findings, throw them in the wash immediately, and bring them into my room without my mom finding out.
I went abroad last semester to Florence, Italy. Most of the thrift stores I went into were organized by color, size and product. It was clean, inspiring and, as someone on a strict budget last semester, financially sustainable. I came to love the art all over again.
As I’m writing this article, I’m wearing the navy sweater I bought for $14 in a thrift store I passed on the way home from class. It sounds simple, but it feels like mine in a way new clothes rarely do. It adds value to reused clothing. Again, you never know what treasures you will find.
But that’s the thing with thrifting, you’re not just purchasing clothes, you’re finding pieces with a story behind it, their own unique history now a part of your own.
