Back to School The best thrifting around town

So you’re poor, like really poor. And you need some clothes beyond the immature department duds your parents sent you out the door with. Or maybe you’ve just realized that here in the Twin Cities, we do care about looking fabulous or dapper, depending. But the large incoming college class can skew even the most fashion-forward brain. We’ve all seen the Trying Too Hard, the That’s A Costume, and the out-of-place suit on campus.

You can be like them—or not—but just make sure it’s done on the cheap. Here’s The A.V. Club guide to shopping with thrift in mind.

Best Thrift Shops

St. Vincent De Paul Thrift Store: Good thrift is only for those with a good eye, creativity, some luck, and the ability to click through hanger after hanger like it’s Cheapo. St. Vincent’s is a great start for outfitting the new dorm or apartment. Let’s be clear: It takes grit and work to look through everything here, but there are bargains. Saturday is a good day to shop, with the store buzzing with regulars chatting throughout. Need to stock up on wine glasses to impress your prospective sisters? This is the place. Don’t miss the back room, full of discounted Ikea furniture and housewares, plus you can practice your swing with this-decade sports equipment. You’ll find better deals here than anywhere else, but it’ll take some digging.

Unique Thrift: This East Side address is home to a much broader selection of miscellany, but men’s cowboy boots and women’s scarves and handbags are truly the only items of note. Prices tend to be a bit higher, but a large selection of old magazines, cassette tapes, and some plastic-bagged tchotchkes (including a pound of Mardi Gras beads) makes it an interesting stop. Plus, you never know when you might need some retail therapy after a night at the Lamplighter Lounge next door. (That’s a strip club, for you newbies.)

Tatters: Tatters focuses on recycled vintage. Though the men’s selection shreds the women’s, there is a fun shoe and cowboy boot collection for both. You’re not finding bargains, but a vintage leather jacket circa Easy Rider at a good price is definitely something to talk about. Need a Le Smoking? It’s here. How about a walking stick with metal cobra head? Also here.

Best Resale/Used

Goodwill: Go early, go often, and take your grandmother. Check the calendar for deal days. Some locations get the surplus unsold clearance or returns from retailers, so be on the lookout for those. If you’re really brave, or a hoarder, you’ll attempt the Outlet (2505 University Ave. W., St. Paul, 651-603-1544), where college students serving community service for underage drinking will greet you. 

Buffalo Exchange: Buffalo is a little rough around the edges, but it makes up for it in very well cared for used items and a reasonable price point. For women, dresses are a deal, but the collection seems mostly populated with an abundant remix of items from Target Go!, H&M, Urban Outfitters, and Forever 21, with the occasional Diane von Furstenberg thrown in. For men, the range is vast, from Abercrombie & Fitch (take note Jersey Shore-ers) to streetwear. However, the best bet is gently used denim from a range of higher-end brands.

Best Vintage

Blacklist Vintage: An extremely well organized vintage shop featuring looks from 1940-1980. For women, purses, leather jackets, skirts, belts, and scarves are cheap and super cute, depending on your era of choice.

Everyday People: Everyday People has certainly stayed up to speed. Dresses, both unique vintage (less Betty Draper, more AbFab) and work-appropriate line the racks between $10-20 each. The Uptown location boasts better picks, like fabulous girl-sized plaid shirts, designer jeans under $35, and for men, great boots, cardigans, and vintage slacks. You can trade in for credit at the store if something catches your eye that’s above what’s in your wallet.