For a poor college kid who is just scraping by, the days of buying a new wardrobe for school are long over.
Twitter sponsored ads for our favorite stores, flashy sale signs covered the mall, and magazine covers fed us the latest celebrity trends and back to school looks, but we're just scraping pennies for our sociology textbook.
Luckily, Ohio University is a breeding ground for an artsier scene and kids who enjoy alternative fashion looks, so don't worry about dropping money to look like Selena Gomez on the cover of Vogue.
This fall season is all about the 90s, so hop in the car and head to the nearest thrift store to find a few of these hidden gems.
New York Fashion Week exposed Calvin Klein's collection of plaid overcoats for the fall, but why spend all of the money to get the vintage look when you can just buy an original piece?
Plaid is a great autumn look because it reminds us all of crisp air, red leaves and your favorite pumpkin spice latte. Plaid makes the perfect top for chilly weather that doesn't quite call for a winter jacket. Any self-respecting thrift store has a sizable collection of old grandpa-esque plaid button downs. In the words of artist Macklemore, "wear your grandad's clothes… [you’ll] look incredible."
That button down will double as the perfect oversized jacket that pairs nicely with tattered "mom jeans." Who said those jeans were useless? The good old 90s standby, made popular by sitcoms such as Seinfeld, Friends and American soccer mom's everywhere, is a versatile purchase. High-rise denim is all the rage this season and goes with anything.
Thrift shop for a few pairs to use all season. You can make your own frayed shorts, distress a pair, and acid wash another for less than the cost of one name brand pair of jeans.On our last stop traveling through the 90s, let's take a look at the statement choker. We all remember the cheesy plastic chokers from our childhood, but today retailers are getting away with selling them for a chunk of change.
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As you meander the thrift store aisles, look for a piece of leather or velvet clothing in a color that you like. Later, you can make a couple of chokers with a pair of scissors, some hot glue and gems if you want to add your own twist. Making your own chokers allows you to get more for your money, embellish it to suite your style and express your personality.
Don't forget to pair it with a dark lip. There is always a way to stay in style without breaking the bank, especially when school rolls around. This back to school season, nothing beats a classic look that we all know and love.
Rylie Brown is a sophomore studying journalism with a focus in news and information. What is your favorite place in Athens? Tweet her @RylieMarieBrown.
