Winter trends on the cheap and chic

Winter brings with it discouraging fashion options—expensive clothing combined with a desire for comfort, warmth, and lots of layers makes winter shopping a little intimidating.

Sure, you can hit up the mall and pay $70 for a sweater that a thousand other people will also have, but those looking for truly unique and economical winter wardrobes should hit up Denver’s thrift and consignment circuit.

Many people have ventured into the thrift store world with Buffalo Exchange. Although the store makes it easy to find cool pieces, overall Buffalo Exchange tends to be overpriced. Pay close attention for brands there because it’s silly to pay 20 bucks for a used Target brand shirt, but the store will occasionally have some awesome designer pieces for good prices.

When looking for cool unique items, it is best to stay with locally owned consignment shops. Repeat Boutique on Colorado and Yale has gorgeous designer dresses and coats for decent prices, especially if you can catch a sale. Shops like this are good for fancy dress and flamboyant high fashion pieces with sequins, bead work, lace, and fur.

South Broadway is full of neat consignment shops, although they are mostly in the more pricey range. Places like Regal Vintage are good for one or two special over-the-top retro items, but not for full wardrobes.

For really quality consignment, make the commute outside of the city to the suburbs. Head south to Littleton and Englewood for classy consignment stores with amazing prices. Second Time Shoppe at Hampden and I-25 has classic designer clothing for unbeatable prices and frequently has sales too. Act II on Littleton and Windemere is a similar boutique.

A winter staple is the oversized sweater, and there is no better place to acquire quirky, cozy knitwear than good old Goodwill. For around $3, you can pick up an awesome sweater that will keep you warm and snug and looking classy, along with a pair of skinny jeans, leggings, or a skirt. Roll up the sleeves and throw on a scarf or necklace and some boots, and an oversized sweater becomes the epitome of both practical and trendy. Accessorize your winter at Goodwill with books and mugs for around a dollar each.

Goodwill and ARC also have the advantage of catering to both women and men, while many consignment shops focus primarily on women. Guys and girls can pick up vintage flannel and bizarre graphic tees for mere dollars.

Men, stock up on retro ties and perhaps some nerdy-chic sweater vests. Provided you’re not a germophobe, thrift stores like this can be great places for some awesome vintage hats and sweet old boots.

Secondhand shopping, of course, is not for everyone. It takes more effort and a certain psychological condition, but the rewards are worth it. Thrifting has an art to it, and receiving compliments on an outfit that cost a grand total of $7 is an awesome feeling. Beyond that, there’s something special about making things that already have a history a part of your life. Save cash and foster a comfortable style, with thrift store fashion this season.