If you’re living at home this summer, you’re in luck. Why? Because you just may end up returning to school with a new set of clothes come fall.
Not because you’re going to con Dad into taking you shopping and buying you many things, although I would not advise against this. (Pro tip: Tell him those new shoes will be really great for your next job interview because stripy sandals are the new professional.)
But I digress. One fabulous way to earn some new goodies is by upcycling old ones – and this is why your mother’s closet is the perfect place for you to go shopping.
Now, I bet you’re thinking, “Yeah, no. I don’t want any of her mom jeans and argyle sweaters,” but the whole point of shopping in mama’s closet is that you’re going to want the things that she doesn’t really wear anymore. Which is sort of perfect because those are the things she’s most likely to part with.
The definition of “vintage” is anything that’s over 20 years old. Which means that if you’re into something your mom wore back before you wear born, it isn’t a hand-me-down; it’s a vintage piece. If your mom is sort of a hoarder, you’re in luck. You’ll probably have the most success with her pieces from the 80s and before.
Need an example? My mom and I were visiting her parents a few years ago. I didn’t feel like digging through my suitcase to get PJs so she stepped into the closet and found an old nightgown of hers from like, the ’60s. Now, this thing was super cute. It was as comfy as you’d expect from a nightgown, but with its floral print and ribbon trim, it had potential to be more. I asked her if I could keep it, she said yes and now it’s one of my go-to maxi dresses.
You just might have luck going through her dress collection – maybe you’ll find something that you’d love to shorten and turn into a mini; maybe one that will look less retro under a leather jacket. Her collection of sweaters and blouses is a great place to look as well – sure, they might look completely dated, but they also might look cool if you style them right. As for accessories, attack her shoes but expect to find the best finds in her bag collection. Raid this, snag a fun, old-school clutch and some costume jewelry and congratulate yourself on a successful shopping trip.
[Lead image via NinaMalyna/Shutterstock]
