Gen Z Trends for Back-to-College Shopping at Goodwill

By Felicia Czochanski Bisaro

The countdown to the college return is on, which means there are only a few weeks left to create the ultimate, elevated back-to-school wardrobe. There’s something so fun about the start of a new school year. The opportunities feel endless; there’s excitement about being in the same place with your friends again and getting one step closer to reaching your goals. That’s why heading into the school year with new wardrobe favorites is a smart move. It’ll save you time for studying and late-night hangouts if you have your outfits planned. Luckily, you won’t have to go far to find your perfect wardrobe because Goodwill® is full of Gen Z trends.

Starting off the school year on the right foot by making a great first impression is important. You want to show up sharp and put-together, which is easy when you’re dressed to impress. When you shop at Goodwill, you’re not only sure to find amazing deals on the latest trends, statement pieces and staples, but you’re also giving those items a second life and supporting the environment, which makes it a win-win to shop secondhand.

Take a look at some of these cool, trendy finds from my local Goodwill store in Brooklyn, NY, that are perfect for returning to campus. Don’t forget to tag @goodwillintl in your Instagram posts with your own back-to-school shopping hauls for a chance to be featured in a future article.

An image of a red top and black jeans pants.

  1. Mixing Textures and Styles

It almost felt like fate when I came across this outfit pairing together on the rack at Goodwill. The bright orange mohair sweater is scoop-neck and cropped, making it the perfect match for the black high-waisted, flare corduroy pants. I love this outfit for fall because it mixes different Gen Z trends while also helping you look great for class. Not to mention, the full outfit would be under $20.

An image of a white short dress.

  1. Day to Night Dress

This light-washed green denim dress is a great back-to-school staple for any college student who has a late-night class. I remember some of my college classes wouldn’t end until 10 pm, meaning I’d finish class and then head right to whatever social event was happening that night. Pairing this dress with a pair of booties and a sweater for class is the perfect move so that you can shed layers as needed to become more casual at night. Convenience can go a long way in college.

An image of a blue sandal on a wood floor

  1. Square Toe Sandals

This summer’s ‘it’ sandals will still be popular going into fall. The chunky heel makes them versatile and easy to wear on longer walks or longer nights, while the straps make them perfect for dressing up or down. The next time you’re browsing the shoe rack at Goodwill, don’t forget to look for any heels in your size that you might be able to wear to one of the early semester social events to get ahead of the game.