Despite being well into my 30s, I never forget that August means back-to-school shopping. In fact, I regularly and enthusiastically encourage grown adults to continue their back-to-school shopping patterns for as long as possible. Keeping yourself in clothes that make you feel good is a priority that frequently gets lost once we leave the expressive world of teen wardrobes, and that’s a real shame. In fact, I think that we should be encouraging ourselves to be *gasp*… more like teens when it comes to expression through fashion. The only difference is that we will have to pay for our own clothes this time. (You’re off the hook, Mom!)
When it comes to back-to-school shopping, Goodwill – the ultimate thrift store, IMO – knows that they have the power to shape a generation’s view of shopping. That’s why they went straight to the source for their 2019 back-to-school fashion forecast: stylish teens.
Ask the Trendsetters: Students Forecast the Fashion of the School Year
Down south in Washington’s Rainier and Olympia regions, Goodwill gathered local bloggers and influencers to hear some exceedingly fashionable and savvy teens forecast the coming year’s popular styles for back-to-school. And before you even ask, definitely BTS was mentioned, and several references were made to TikTok and its associated personalities. Also “e-girls” doesn’t mean “cute girls from the internet” like it used to. It means “Exile Girls,” which is a highly-stylish female music collective from Japan. Fellow 30-somethings – we have a lot to catch up on.
Also, 30-somethings, get this: the most popular style right now, according to fantastically stylish 9th grader Rosalia Sanchez? 1980s fashion. Yep, you can thank Stranger Things for making you feel old in new and dynamic ways. Nevertheless, I can’t say I disagree with Ms. Sanchez. ’80s-inspired styles are popping up everywhere, and I would definitely consider them wearable. Oh, and remember the Exile Girls? Their apparently iconic style is indisputably from the era of Sixteen Candles despite the fact that the oldest member was born in 1994.
Retro Nostalgia Reigns Supreme
The teen style squad consisted of 11 fashion forecasters ranging from 6th grade to 14th grade, aka sophomore in college. A lot can change in 7 years, and it’s cool to hear the aesthetic preferences of such a wide and formative age range. Style is a fabulous form of expression at all ages, but these kids are right smack in the middle of personal style’s formative years. It’s exciting!
For the younger students in elementary and middle school, the focus on “being yourself” reigned supreme. While that might seem like an over-simplified suggestion, tapping into images and concepts that aren’t necessarily influenced by your peers can be the most power style weapon ever. Discovering art, music, and pop culture shape your taste at this age, and with that comes peer groups, self-image experiments, and finally, personal style.
Whitney Adams, future 6th grader, digging for thrifted treasures.
Regan Meyer, college sophomore, trying on an outfit I would 100% wear.
For the older students in high school and early college, their personal style has been dialed in, and now they’ve begun to add in a budding perception of value. The high school students were invested in their favorite music and media stars while the college students were more aware of how the prices of new clothes affected them. After all, many students move away to college after high school and have to fend for themselves for the first time. The value of a dollar really starts to hit home when your first set of bills arrives in the mail. Learning to find the balance between things you want and things you need is a crucial part of becoming a savvy shopper, and these young adults are well on their way (thanks in part to Goodwill!).
The older kids have become seasoned thrifters, so they know that repeat visits and a target list of desired items are key to scoring big at Goodwill. They suggested weekly visits to stores that are in areas likely to have the style of clothing you’re looking for. College campuses or trendy businesses nearby are promising signs. If you have a vintage-inspired style, you’re in luck because those kinds of items tend to show up all over the place!
Thrift expert & YouTuber Melanie Hauge sorting through adorable secondhand dresses
“Back to School with Goodwill” is the Ultimate Understatement
Most of us are familiar enough with Goodwill to know that they are a powerful non-profit organization with a clear-cut vision: supporting education. Aside from providing affordable, sustainable clothing and home goods to people all over the country, Goodwill is also well-renowned for their job training programs. In fact, you might not know this, but Goodwill isn’t really in the thrift store business – they’re in the job training business – the thrift store part is just the everybody-wins, money-making part of the machine.
So when you’re shopping at Goodwill, it’s less like you’re going on an indulgent shopping spree and way more like you’re giving money to a non-profit, and getting some stuff you like in return! By shopping there, you’re donating to programs that will help underprivileged receive support, find their confidence, and get good-paying jobs. In fact, Goodwill just announced a new Advanced Manufacturing job training program, and the graduates could earn as much as $35/hr! It’s more than just English and Math over there at Goodwill, they’re giving people tickets to a new, more stable lives – and you’re helping with every adorable backpack and pair of distressed jeans that you buy!
Seattle Fashion Blogger Ruthy Annie finding a steal!
How to Get Exponential Savings at Goodwill? Get Social
Obviously, everything at Goodwill is already a monstrously good deal. That being said, did you know that you could get as much as 50% off depending on the day you decide to shop?
For instance, every Sunday at the Olympics & Rainier region Goodwill stores, students get 10% off of everything! Plus, there are “tag days” that correspond to the color on the price tag of garments. Sometimes you’ll walk in and see that everything with a purple tag is an extra 20% off, or maybe you’ll get lucky, and ! No matter what, you’re getting good deals on good deals. Don’t forget about Fan Friday, where Goodwill’s Facebook friends get a special coupon that only they get to use in the store! You should also give them a follow on Twitter, @goodwillWA. Then, you’ll have no excuse for missing these killer sale days!
For true thrifting enthusiasts, you absolutely must give Goodwill a follow on Pinterest. There’s no bolder celebration of secondhand creativity than their boards! From style inspiration to DIY projects using products from their stores, this is a serious secondhand shopper’s happy place.
Personally, my favorite spot is Goodwill WA’s Instagram. Not only is it a great place to see showcased products in Washington’s Goodwill stores, but it’s an excellent opportunity to find new bloggers to follow (like Melanie and Ruthy!), style inspiration, and get closer to my local community! Yes, seriously! It’s so fun to follow such an awesome organization that really does have a vested interest in fostering a healthy community. Maybe it sounds gushy and lame, but that’s the truth, and I love it.
So even though we missed National Thrift Store Day on August 17th, it’s not too late to get a head start on your adult back-to-school shopping. Take a page from these savvy teens, and don’t forget: be yourself, support your community by shopping at Goodwill, and get ready for the return of the ’80s!
Special thanks to the student participants: Alex Delgado, Bryce Davidson, Whitney Adams, Brittney Getsinger, Kayla Pleasants, Rosalia Arredondo (Sanchez), Ruby Arredondo (Sanchez), Regan Meyer, Cierra Sher, Lauren Kupka, Justice Blucher (all in top photo)