A person’s fashion sense subtly reveals their identity. As I stroll through the campus every day, I’m fascinated by the diverse styles and preferences my peers express through their clothing choices. Although it’s often tempting to slip on a sweatshirt and head to class, it can also be enjoyable to draw inspiration from various historical eras and bring their essence back to life through contemporary fashion. Today, I’ll reveal some of the fashionable thrifting joints here in Columbia that encourage self-expression for their customers.Â
- Maude Vintage
Located on Tenth Street, Maude Vintage stands proudly in the heart of downtown. Its striking pink exterior and vibrant display of 80s-style clothing in the window make it an unmissable sight while strolling through the streets. Housing a diverse collection of vintage items dating back to the 1950s, the store’s inventory is meticulously organized by decade. The ground floor boasts a rich selection of 90s and 80s attire, while the second floor is dedicated to the fashion of the 70s and 60s. The top floor treasures items from an era predating even our parents. Whether you’re in search of an authentic Halloween costume or seeking to incorporate historical fashion statements into your daily wardrobe, Maude Vintage is the ultimate destination.Â
- Leo’s Vintage and VarietyÂ
Adjacent to the popular Coffee Zone on Ninth Street, Leo’s Vintage and Variety is a true hidden gem. Offering a diverse range of wigs, costumes, jewelry and an impressive selection of vintage pieces, Leo’s has effortlessly become an essential part of my routine whenever I stop by for coffee in the vicinity. Stepping into this store feels like stepping into a time capsule, evoking a powerful sense of nostalgia through its curated clothing collection. It is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a glimpse into the past and the opportunity to infuse their personal style with retro charm. Prepare to be pleasantly surprised!
- The Wardrobe
The name gets right to the point at this local thrift store. With the store’s limited hours open to the public, folks line up half an hour in advance to have access to the joys found here. The inside exposes customers to donated clothing and jewelry items from members of the Columbia community. With a demographic of primarily older folk donating, college students can put their retro fashion inspiration into action with authentic pieces from these eras in time. Specifically, this place has a section dedicated to vintage Mizzou gear. Hear that, Tigers? You can up your game day fits without spending much at all!
- Deco to Retro and Vintage Clothing
This is the kind of place where hours slip by unnoticed as you’re immersed in the vibrant energy and charm exuded by its eclectic collection of clothing. Drawing heavily from the vivid aesthetics of the 70s, with its bold hues and fluorescent lights, Deco to Retro has firmly established itself as one of the top thrift stores in the area. Whether you’re gearing up for a themed event or simply seeking to infuse your wardrobe with a burst of color, this is the ultimate destination. I found myself captivated by the assortment of bangle bracelets, vintage perfumes, and the enchanting jewelry collection that warmly greets you the moment you step through the doors.
As you can see, Columbia is filled with a wide range of places for vintage lovers to thrive and add to their wardrobe inventory. While these are just a few of my personal favorites, Columbia has many outlets for fashion lovers to explore what stylistic choices they can make with what they find at these joints. Make sure to take note of these small businesses next time you make a shopping trip!