Trying to find a sense of style amidst an entirely unfamiliar environment can be daunting, and quite frankly, costly. Upon coming to Harvard, observing the style of students on campus led me to feel pressure to develop my own sense of style. 

On top of this, I came from a high school where uniforms were required for all students to wear. Finding a balance of my own personal style and attire that was appropriate for a learning environment proved to be more challenging than I had originally anticipated. Thrifting was always an option I’d utilized when I was home. Buying secondhand clothing was cost-efficient and a fun way to expand my style, so I was curious to explore the thrift scene at Harvard and explore the options near campus. 

Starting with the Basics

Goodwill is a reliable option that has multiple locations near Harvard Square. The location in Central Square quickly became a regular stop for me; it is easily accessible by public transport (one stop away on the T), but I would often find myself walking there too. The second Goodwill location in Davis Square is 2 stops away on the T in the other direction. I had gotten a chance to explore the store as a group activity with friends and discover some of the other stores in the area, too. Finally, the Goodwill located near Boston University’s campus added to this variety, being located near a college campus and containing items that aligned more closely with my personal style. Overall, I found a wide variety even within this one brand and a fun way to socialize and shop for clothes. 

A Fun Activity 

The other great thing about Harvard’s campus is its proximity to the Boston area. I’ve found myself in Boston many times with my friends during my time here on campus, usually traveling with the speedy public transit, and the shopping scene is just as prominent. Vivant Vintage is another location that has cool, vintage, and antique items, even in the bustling location of Newbury Street. You run into lots of street vendors along the way, and there are always new stores to see. If this upbeat environment is to your taste, then shopping out in Boston may be right for you. 

Thrifting in the Square 

It was great getting familiarized with these locations, but there were a few thrift options that were available to me right in Harvard Square. 2nd Street and The Attic are two options just outside the yard, with handpicked selections across various styles. If I ever had a specific piece in mind, I knew that these were reliable options for trendy clothing. In a similar vein, thrift pop-ups are events to always be on the lookout for on campus. This past June, there was a thrift event that I heard about through social media, right in Harvard Square. The selection very much pertained to my own style, and it was a great chance to meet other young people in an already lively environment.

A Personal Favorite

After exploring the thrift scene at and around Harvard, I can confidently say I found a spot that caters to my liking and has become a frequently visited location for me. The Garment District is a thrift store that also serves as a costume shop. The bright building is hard to miss on the very long Broadway street as you make your way towards MIT. There are your typical labeled racks on the upper level of the store, but my personal favorite part is the pay-by-the-pound style on the lower level of the store. You can select as many pieces as you’d like and buy your clothes based on the weight of your selections. It’s an interactive and cost-efficient way to shop in style, making thrifting adventurous and fun, which is why it’s always an activity I find myself doing during my free time here on campus.