Just one scroll through TikTok will tell the average teenager all they need to know about the latest fashion trends. Fit checks, sponsored promotions and users who simply keep with the times constantly churn out the newest shoe, shirt or necklace that everyone needs in their life, regardless of how cheap or flashy it may be. This concept of fast fashion and “microtrends” has gradually taken over the world of fashion on social media. However, teenagers at McIntosh have started to center their wardrobe around pieces they buy from the thrift.
“Thrifting offers so many different types of styles,” sophomore Sydney Harwell said. “It really allows you to find your own sense of style instead of what the store tells you to wear.”
For senior Eden Piotrowski, the head of the fashion club at school, the thrift store is where her one-of-a-kind clothing is found.
“Most of my best pieces are from thrifting,” Piotrowski said. “You just don’t really find that sort of unique affordability in regular stores.”
Thrift stores offer low-price clothing of many varieties, offering something for everyone and catering to the diverse world of fashion. Meanwhile, stores that often mass-produce clothing sell pieces with lower quality and lower selection.
“I think that people should dress however they want and express themselves,” senior Luke DellaTorre said. “However, I feel that fast fashion is not my preferred manner and I like the high quality better.”
Harwell often pays less attention to microtrends, instead focusing on more vintage pieces.
“I for sure pay less attention to [microtrends] because in thrifting, it’s more diverse,” Harwell said. “You can find anything from a shirt from Shein to a dress from the 1980’s.”
Editor’s note: Students interested in joining the McIntosh Fashion Club can follow @themhsfashionclub on Instagram to keep up with club meetings and additional events.
