By Dina Younis
Back-to-school season was always more than just a checklist for me. It was a fresh start; a chance to express who I was through my personal style. I remember wanting to feel trendy and current, but in a way that still felt like me. So I spent summers during middle school seeking inspiration from my favorite brands and magazines (bare with me, this was before Pinterest and TikTok) then I’d turn to thrift stores (especially Goodwill®) to build my outfits and personal style.
This habit stuck with me throughout high school and college. Now, as an adult and parent, it’s still how I shop. But this lifestyle isn’t just about scoring affordable pieces (though that’s a major win), it’s about building a wardrobe that reflects my personality, creativity and evolving style.
Fast forward to today, in a world where fast fashion pushes sameness and clothing not built to last, thrifting offers something way better: originality and sustainability.
Whether you’re headed to school or you’re shopping for a student, these are the go-to steps I’ve followed throughout my years as a thrifter to help you find back-to-school looks that feel like you.
Start With a Mood, Not a Trend
Before you shop, think about how you want to feel in your clothes this school year. Let that guide your thrift trip — not just what’s trending on social media.
Branding your style makes shopping easier than you ever imagined. It’s important to stay open to trying new things, but it’s just as important to understand your personal style so you’re not buying pieces that don’t feel like you. Think of words and images that you associate with your style, the things that make you feel comfortable and beautiful. For example: chill, creative, neutral, sophisticated, vintage, feminine, modern or colorful. Then, head to Goodwill to experiment with different style moods. Over time, you will build a wardrobe that is personal and one that many will associate with just you.
With that said, If You’re Gonna Follow a Trend — Thrift It
I get it, trends are fun! But they move fast (like, really fast). One minute it’s cargo pants, the next it’s ballet flats. If you want to play with a popular look, thrift it first. It’s more affordable, better for the planet and when the trend passes, there’s no guilt and no waste — just a fun fashion moment.
Bonus tip: Thrifting trends might take a little more time than looking for basics, and it may take multiple trips to find what you’re looking for (this is a common practice when shopping secondhand) so give yourself a head start on shopping and browsing this summer at your local Goodwill stores. Go to multiple stores to keep your options open.
Create a Personal “Uniform”
Whether we realize it or not, we all have so-called uniforms. These are the go-to outfits we grab without thinking. Personal uniforms are great because they are within our comfort zone, easy to style and perfect for busy days. To create or to identify your existing “uniform”, make a list of items that you tend to wear all the time and items that make you feel comfortable and confident.
Alternatively, make note of the ones that make you feel uncomfortable so you can avoid them when thrifting because many of us will often buy things we like in theory, but not in practice.
Bonus tip: thrift the basics. A great pair of jeans. A well-fitting tee. A worn-in hoodie. These are the backbone of a wardrobe, and Goodwill stores are full of them. Don’t get distracted by only looking for statement or trendy pieces — build your foundation first.
Develop a Wardrobe Color Palette
Creating a personal color palette was one thing I did over the years without realizing I was doing it. But boy, does it help make styling outfits so much easier when the majority of the pieces in your wardrobe work well together. Most of us are drawn to specific colors when we’re shopping (yellow, pink and tan for me) so creating a color palette helps make your wardrobe more cohesive, in turn allowing you to quickly and easily put outfits together.
Bonus tip: to create a palette, make note of the colors you already wear, colors you’re drawn to and colors you incorporate in your everyday life. Then, jot down one to three neutrals you love and one to three bold colors you love. Focus on those when you’re thrifting.
Identify Brands and Fabrics You Love
Make note of brands beforehand or check the tags when thrifting. You’ll often find high-quality pieces from well-known brands at a fraction of their original price. Feel the fabric, check the stitching, and scan for signs of quality like natural fibers, lined blazers, or sturdy denim. Bonus tip: if something seems like it’s a good brand but you’re not sure, Google Lens is your bestie when thrifting!
Try at Least One “Wild Card” Item
Lastly, just for fun, pick one thing you wouldn’t normally try on like a color you don’t usually wear, a texture you haven’t explored, or something from another section. Thrifting is all about low-risk exploration.
Remember, your thrifted wardrobe tells a story. Every piece has had a life before you — and now it gets to be part of yours. Choosing secondhand over fast fashion isn’t just smart, it’s sustainable, supports a good cause and honestly, way cooler.
Dina Younis is a digital content creator, podcast host, and lifelong thrifter based in Ohio. Through her platform Dina’s Days, she inspires others to embrace personal style, creativity, and sustainability through secondhand fashion. When she’s not curating thrifted outfits or hunting for hidden gems, she’s encouraging others to thrift with purpose—and have fun doing it.
🎒✨ Find Your Back-to-School Vibe with Goodwill!!
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