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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Mass Boston chapter.

Thrifting is one of my favorite things to do because you’ll never know what you can find and fall is my favorite season, so put two and two together, and you get absolute perfection. People always wonder what to look for at the thrift store, and while there are so many different options, I have made a list for the top ten things you should look out for this fall season. The inspo for this list was cozy, comfy, and cute, and you get bonus points if you find something that’s vintage! 

  1. Burgundy/Red Bag

The first thing that comes to mind when I think about fall fashion is a classic burgundy bag. You get extra points if you find a vintage leather red bag, but just about any red bag will do. It’s a perfect statement piece for the fall, as it brings out the colors in the trees and fits the color palette of the season. Also, a bag is essential if you are going anywhere (I know I never leave without a bag) because they can hold so many things. Why not have a designated one for the fall season! 

  1. A Pair of Black Boots 

Black boots are ESSENTIAL for the fall season. I think black boots are timeless pieces and pair with literally any style or occasion. You can dress black boots up or down or pair them with jeans or a skirt. They’re perfect for Thanksgiving, going to class, or taking pictures in Boston. They also elevate any outfit and are especially great for the colder weather if you wear high socks with them. 

  1. Black Sunglasses

You can wear a pair of black sunglasses any season, but I think they are the perfect way to spice up your outfit without even trying. The black will pair nicely with all color palettes and you won’t have to squint if you’re at a pumpkin patch or apple picking! Plus they will match with the black boots I told you to look for and tie the whole outfit together. 

  1. Flannels

Flannels are a classic fall piece, and the more worn they are the better! Finding a good quality flannel at the thrift store is one of the best feelings in the world to me. My favorite type of flannel to find is one with warm undertones for the fall and one that is super thick and oversized. The more worn they are, the cozier they look in my opinion, but really any flannel you find is great for the fall! 

  1. Chunky Sweaters 

I know everyone loves a good chunky sweater, and thrift stores have the best ones! All of my best sweaters are from the thrift store and it is so much cheaper to buy a sweater at the thrift store compared to a regular retail store. Sometimes you can find really good brands too. You have to dig for them, but they are there. A classic chunky white sweater for the fall is also a timeless classic, but any warm colors or a dark brown is always super in for the fall. 

  1. Gold Candle Holders 

FALL CANDLES. They are the best!!! Candles make everything so cozy and warm, especially on those chilly and rainy days, and they are an absolute essential to have this season. Gold candle holders will sit perfectly anywhere and add spice to your home. They look classic, and to have more fun with the candle holders, you can paint candles with your friends and make them all decorated for Halloween. 

  1. Amber Glass Jars 

This one is similar to the candles, but you can put anything in amber glass jars! You can put your jewelry in them, candy for Halloween, or your car keys/anything small. They will make your home more cozy, and they are super great for storage as well. The amber is really what makes it fall, but you can find any glass jars for fall too. 

  1. Black Mini Skirt

Another timeless piece is the black mini skirt. I’m envisioning this skirt with some black sheer tights, the black boots, the black sunnies, and a chunky knit sweater over it. So cute and classic for the fall, and they can match literally anything! Just picture gossip girl and you’ll know what black mini skirt to look out for! 

  1. Jeans

Jeans. Jeans. Jeans. A good pair of jeans makes all the difference for your outfit. They are essentials that will last you forever and you can literally wear them any season with whatever you want. For fall, you can wear them with whatever shoes (I will be wearing my Uggs) and a chunky sweater or flannel. Finding good quality jeans at the thrift store that ACTUALLY fit you is like hitting the jackpot (I found the perfect pair of Levi’s at my local thrift store and nearly cried). 

  1. Accent Jewelry 

The last thing I will advise you to keep your eye out for is jewelry! I swear the best jewelry comes when you’re not looking for it, and at thrift stores there’s an increased chance it’s gonna be some high end brand, but for way cheaper. In my personal opinion, I think gold jewelry matches the fall tones better; however, I do know some people prefer silver so that’s okay too! I recently found two vintage watches and a beautiful ring that I wear all the time. They are perfect to pair with any outfit and elevate a simple outfit so much. 

What I love most about thrifting is that it’s so environmentally friendly because you’re stopping so much waste from happening, and you get to have fun out of it while not killing your bank account. Every piece that you find in the thrift store is unique to you and your style and shows off your individual personality. While these are my tips for the fall, there are so many YouTube videos, TikToks, and blogs about what to look out for. My personal favorite app is Pinterest because you can create outfit boards/mood boards, and I look for inspiration for my thrift days on there. And while these are my tips, there is no stress to find these specific things so just go out and have fun thrifting for the Fall!

Hana Lee

U Mass Boston '25

I'm currently a junior at UMass Boston and I am an exercise and health science major! I love hanging out with friends, shopping, traveling, reading, and listening to music. I am aiming to become a Physicians Assistant after undergrad and would love to stay in Boston â—ĄÌˆ