Graduates across the country might want to think twice about what they change into once they’ve hung up their caps and gowns.
For young men, it might be time to give up the faded jeans and old T-shirts that got them through college and opt for a more grown-up, professional style. But before suffering sticker shock from mall stores or purchasing several poor-quality suits for the price of one, consider hitting up some of Atlanta’s thrift and secondhand options to build a respectable wardrobe without breaking the bank.
I’m 29, so I’m not just out of school. However, I found myself in a similar position recently after losing 80 pounds — how to buy a new wardrobe, but with a wallet as thin as my new waistline.
So, I set out on a quest to find the best style at the cheapest price.
I quickly found that the key to building a new wardrobe is patience. When you go looking for something, consider if it’s really essential, and if you’re finding the best price. In addition, finding a good tailor or taking up sewing can save even more cash. However you go about it, looking good doesn’t mean spending a fortune.
THRIFT STORES
Thrift stores have selections based on the donations received from the community. (Often, those donations help them further a charitable cause, so consider donating old items.) These stores tend to be the cheapest option, but the selection can vary widely from trendy to your grandma’s coat.
Goodwill
Locations throughout the metro area, www.goodwill.org
This is the giant of thrifting, and the prices set the standard for finding things on the cheap. It’s easy to leave with a button-down shirt, sport coat and dress pants for less than $20. Every week, new items are half off. The only drawback: Sometimes things can be hard to find. The selection is sorted more by color than size, so be patient. Also, each location’s selection of goods is based on the donations received from the surrounding community, so consider that factor when selecting a location.
Goodwill also has an online auction site, shopgoodwill.com. Think eBay meets thrift store, but only stocked with premier items. I recently snagged a Ralph Lauren blazer for $5, plus $11 shipping.
Value Village
Locations throughout the metro area, valuevillageatlanta.com (go to locations tab)
A friend of mine once found an orange suit at Value Village and wore it to the Clermont that night. That was always what I’d expected of Value Village — until I went there myself. Inexpensive, well organized, and with a great selection, Value Village might just be the best place to find that $15 to $25 suit for a job interview. Every item is marked by size, so items are easy to locate. The stores also tend to have more unusual items. For example, I’ve found several vests ($6) to complement a boring suit.
The Nearly New Shop
1715 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta. 404-355-3547, www.jlatlanta.org
This small shop on the westside has a wide selection of business attire, but the sizes tend to run large. The pricing is often a few dollars more than Goodwill or Value Village, but it is still possible to find a gem, like a pair of Cole Haans for $15.
Last Chance Thrift Store
Three metro area locations, www.lastchancethriftstore.com
These stores have some of the largest selections of clothes that are normally sorted by size, which makes searching easy. They also have half-price Mondays, which makes just about anything a steal.
SECONDHAND STORES
Secondhand stores purchase in-style used clothing and resell it. They tend to be better organized and have newer items. The downside is that things are a little more expensive. Since they buy clothing, think about cleaning out your closet and making a little money before shopping. Be sure to follow the stores online to learn about special sales and clearance events. (For instance, Buffalo Exchange recently had a dollar sale that was announced via Facebook.)
Plato’s Closet
Locations throughout the metro area, www.platoscloset.com
Plato’s Closet tends to have the best pricing. For example, button-down shirts can be found starting at $8. The trade-off is that the selection often looks like it came from a high schooler’s closet — a lot of Abercrombie, Hollister and American Eagle. But for more casual looks, there is still a great selection of smart button-downs and flat-front chinos. This is definitely worth a stop for building the basics of an updated wardrobe.
Buffalo Exchange
1057 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta. 404-817-0921, www.buffaloexchange.com
This small store has an excellent selection. Clothes are well sorted by size, and the staff is incredibly helpful and friendly. There are more casual items than professional clothing, but for everyday wear that looks grown up, this is a great place.
Rag-O-Rama
1111 Euclid Ave., Atlanta, 404-658-1988; 6500 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs, 404-497-0701; www.ragorama.com
The selection at Rag-O-Rama is unmatched. It’s well organized and has an extensive inventory. It’s more expensive than other options: T-shirts, for example, are rarely less than $10 or $12. The upside is that there’s a fairly large clearance section where I recently purchased a pair of Gap jeans for $16.
OTHER OPTIONS
Marshalls, T.J. Maxx, Ross
Locations throughout the metro area
Each of these stores offers cheap prices with a wide selection of items. They are especially great for finding dress shirts and ties that are not 4 inches wide. The best deals are on the sales racks; the newer, name-brand choices tend to carry a high price.
ASOS
This online shop features several clothing lines, from boxers to button-downs. The site offers frugal options of stylishly cut suits, from $100 to $200. Based in the U.K., it offers free shipping for purchases and returns.
