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It’s a new era for old clothes.

When Macklemore said, “I’m at the Goodwill, you can find me at the bins,” Gen Z took it to heart and hit the thrift, with other generations following close behind. The secondhand market is expected to grow 3 times faster than the traditional apparel market by 2027, accelerated by viral TikToks of eccentric vintage hauls and personal style winning out over trends. 

Not only is buying secondhand often easier on your wallet (hello, half-price Chanel bag!), it also denounces the controversial labor practices many fast-fashion companies use, and lessens the pollution and landfill contributions the constant manufacturing of new garments generates (the industry accounts for 2–8% of global emissions). Ethical benefits aside, who doesn’t love one-of-a-kind fashion finds? After all, there’s no better feeling than responding with, “Oh, I thrifted it!” when someone asks where you got your ’fit.

Ready to (thrift) shop till you drop? The bigger the city, the better thrifting scene, so Raleighites are in luck. Here, we feature some unique finds from local secondhand retailers.

Doc Martens
From ’90s grunge to early 2010s Tumblr to today, the brand’s ultra-durable platform sandals, Mary Janes and combat boots are the go-to. Soften up the edgy Doc Martens look by pairing with a babydoll dress, or welcome the nostalgia with ripped jeans and a band tee. Alexa, play “R U Mine?” by Arctic Monkeys. Shop similar finds: MODE

Sea Denim Dress
A denim dress is a classic, and this quilted puffy-sleeved number is no exception. Easily dressed up or down, the versatile seasonal-transition piece is giving autumn-meets-coastal cowboy—and we’re here for it. Shop similar finds: Revolver

Vintage Windbreaker

Windbreakers suddenly feel fresh again. Play up the pragmatic piece and slip on a pair of classic white sneakers, or draw inspo from Rihanna and throw on a miniskirt and a pair of stilettos with your jacket. Shop similar finds: Unorthodox Vintage

Bottega Veneta Jodie Top Handle Bag

“People will stare—make it worth their while.” Elevate the much-needed accessory with this slouchy woven bag, big enough to carry all your things and small enough to slide on your shoulder, so you can be hands-free no matter what you’re touting. Shop similar finds: Dress

Vintage Denim

Denim is always in season—and easy to style with quite literally anything. That, paired with its durability, makes denim a fab secondhand find—NTM the worn look is de rigueur. Pro tip: Not in the mood to try on? Wrap the waistline of the pants around your neck. If the two sides meet comfortably, the pants will fit. Shop similar finds: Unorthodox Vintage

Gucci Platforms 

“I’m not afraid of heights, have you seen my shoes?” Take a cue from Carrie Bradshaw and reach new heights in these New York Fashion Week-worthy yellow Gucci platforms. The sandal’s wide base makes strutting your stuff and elevating your outfit far easier than your average heel would.
Shop similar finds: Dress