Ryder McEntyre, Campus Carrier Graphics Editor
Sometimes it’s hard to find clothes that match your individual style. As a longstanding obsessor over menswear, I know this struggle all too well. Apparently a lot of people think that dressing “nicely” is simply too expensive and/or time consuming.
What people do not realize is, dressing nicely doesn’t have to be expensive or time consuming.
You’re probably not the only one on a budget, so don’t play like you are. We all are.
In my early struggles towards stylistic grace, I quickly figured out that it’s actually rather easy to find pieces that are either timeless or statements without taking my Wells Fargo bank account and smashing it over a shrine to Tom Ford, as much as I would like to.
Your first step to a new wardrobe should be Goodwill, or a similarly equipped thrift store. Thrift stores like Goodwill are notorious, thanks to the rapper Macklemore’s song “Thrift Shop” for having off-the-wall, gaudy and often passé vintage pieces that no one really wants to buy. (Unless you know the rules, and you know how to break them correctly.)
Newsflash: Thrift stores have a lot more than neon zebra FUBU jumpsuits.
Follow me here: There are a lot of wealthy people in Rome. Goodwill depends on donations of clothing from people in the area which they are built. Basically, wealthy people are funneling clothes into a thrift store. I cannot count the times I’ve found and bought brands like Cole Haan, Brooks Brother’s, Christian Dior, etc in the Rome Goodwill.
Sure, brand hunting isn’t the singular goal of shopping but celebrated brands like the ones I’ve just mentioned are time honored to be of both quality and style. You could potentially buy a new wardrobe from Goodwill for well under $100.
It’s easy to get bogged down while you’re diving through the stacks of Goodwill proper, but it’s important to walk in with zero expectations. If you’re looking for something very specific, you’ll almost always be disappointed. I go through the racks rather haphazardly, scanning each color, pattern, and texture. I do not stop unless something particularly catches my eye.
This emphasizes the time-saving aspect of Goodwill – it’s easy to dismiss so much because it’s either a used McDonalds uniform, or a Christian Dior fitted polo shirt.
Guilt-free stylistic gluttony is in good health at Goodwill. Just do not buy sleepwear from thrift stores. That’s just gross.
Do you have style questions? Email them to campus_carrier@berry.edu and Ryder will answer all of your style woes weekly.