A passion for fashion: CCHS students find clothing through thrifting

BY KAYLA GATES

Old clothes are the new craze. CCHS students are following the trend of thrifting to take a new approach and express themselves through their wardrobes.

Fashion is no new fad for CCHS. The school has made a significant appeal to the artistic perspective of students through past programs such as the Fashion and Design Team. Events like the Met Gala have showcased the student body’s passion for fashion.

During the initial stages of quarantine, individuals sought to engage in simple “do it yourself” (DIY) projects. As environmental awareness began to spread, there became a bigger emphasis on recycling. This translated well into the fashion world as individuals began to take a more personal and artistic approach to build their wardrobe.

This new trend took the form of thrifting. Technically speaking, thrifting refers to the act of shopping at thrift stores, flea markets and garage sales along with any outlet that resells items at a low price. The hobby has led many to frequent retailers such as Goodwill and The Salvation Army.

Many thrifters point to the apparent benefit of this practice.

Many thrifters point to the apparent benefit of this practice. As a form of recycling, buying old clothing prevents it from ending up in landfills, which can be harmful to the environment. Shoppers are also saving money by avoiding large corporations and luxury fashion brands.

One CCHS student who participates in this practice is junior Malak Sadoumy. Hoping to hop on the trend popularized by the social media platform TikTok over the course of the past few months, Sadoumy frequents Goodwill stores in the South Florida area.

“I love thrifting because it is a great alternative to fast fashion,” Sadoumy said. “You are getting cute clothes while helping to cut down on environmental waste.”

Sadoumy sees thrifting as a better alternative to traditional shopping from both a financial and an ethical standpoint. While she still shops regularly, Sadoumy says that she prefers thrifting.

“Going thrifting with friends is also a great experience.”

Junior Malak Sadoumy

“Going thrifting with friends is also a great experience,” Sadoumy said. “You can make it an entire day event and visit a lot of stores all at the same time.”

Sadoumy is not alone in her ventures. She often frequents thrift stores with the company of her peers. Sadoumy believes that thrifting becomes more of an experience than an errand when done with friends. One such companion is fellow junior Eric Galluzzi, who thrifts often.

“I prefer to thrift because it’s significantly less expensive,” Galluzzi said. “But more importantly, I’m giving my money to a small, charitable organization instead of big-name corporations.”

Juniors are not the only students hopping on the thrifting train, underclassmen like sophomore Francesca Jaques are also embracing the art of fashion in a new way. Jaques’s frequent visits to local thrift stores have allowed her to compile a wardrobe based upon new fashion trends.

“I think thrifting becoming relevant again is really good for our environment.”

Sophomore Francesca Jaques

“I think thrifting becoming relevant again is really good for our environment,” Jaques said. “It is removing the negative social construct that second-hand shopping has.”

Thrifting has clearly infiltrated the lives of CCHS students. What started as a simple fashion fad has now become a hobby for many. Such individuals have begun to incorporate the practice into their everyday lives. Their enthusiasm has helped to spark a new fashion movement, one that is focused on charity and sustainability through the reuse of old clothes as a new craze.

All photos courtesy of those pictured