We recreated runway fashion with thrift store clothes

With fall quickly approaching, many people will be searching for new ways to spruce up their wardrobes with the latest and greatest trends. New York Fashion week sets the precedent for new trends each year and Fall 2016 is no exception. However, big fashion comes with a big price tag.

We took the thrift store, with Montreal-based costume designer Erinn Farmer, to try and recreate the top twelve fashion trends of Fall 2016 on a millennial’s budget.

“Fall fashion is my personal favorite because it’s transitional,” says Erinn, “One piece can say so much and being able to find these pieces at a comfortable discount is the best part of the season.”

Here were our fashion-forward and budget friendly results. Warning: some modeling is particularly goofy.

Trend #1: Statement fur

These coats were more expensive than the other pieces we found. The top coat is faux fur (which according to Stella McCartney is just as fashionable as the real deal), and the bottom coat is real fur.

Honestly, real fur feels weird is made us feel bad, but at least it’s affordable?

Trend #2: Turtlenecks under dresses 

That’s right, folks! Our elementary school days have returned on the runway and turtlenecks are officially back! Our looks are a little more casual than the what was in NYFW but it gets the job done.

This trend could be pretty fun and customizable, depending on what is available in your local thrift store.

Trend #3: Plaid overcoats

Sadly, we couldn’t find any plaid overcoats, but this one was pretty close, with a small, tweed like pattern. Fall looks are all about fashionable warmth and layers, layers, layers. Did we mention layers?

Trend #4: Gold Metallics

All that glitters IS gold! (At least in fall fashion trends). We tried our hand at legit modeling for this one because these gold outfits made us feel like real fashion queens. Erinn (pictured in second) was really feeling herself in her gold and olive ensemble. Her exact comment on the outfit was “Eeeeeek!” Very well said, Erinn.

Trend #5: Fall florals 

Is there anything more classic than a fine floral frock? Florals seem to be applicable to nearly every season. Erinn deftly combined two trends, with a gold metallic top and floral skirt.

Twenty minutes in a thrift store and we’re already fashion experts making bold choices about our seasonal wear.

Trend #6: Choker Necklaces 

Choker necklaces are back from their 90s grave and are all that and a bag of chips! (Can we please admit that 90s slang was horrible?) The best part about chokers is they can be made out of anything, a real necklace, piece of leather, lace, an old belt, a silk scarf, or a bag of chips! As if! Whatever! Boo ya! (We’ll stop now.)

Trend #7: Off the Shoulder 

The off the shoulder trend has been popular for a while now and can be found in many different pieces, from a sorority-squat-worthy purple dress to a peasant chic top and floral skirt (If it touches the ground, is it a floor floral?).

Quick, grab your scissors and cut the shoulders off of all your tops and dresses in the name of fashion!

Trend #8: Shades of Tan

Move over 50 Shades of Gray, fall fashions are all about shades of tan. Tan, beige, hazelwood, sand, oat, sepia, latte, granola, sandcastle, shortbread (These are names of shades of tan. This is someone’s job to name them. Where do I sign up?).

All shade and every shade is welcome in the fall fashion arena, completed with a scarf and model pout.

Trend #9: Ruffles

Ruffles were our least favorite trend. There, we said it. After scouring the entire store to find something not completely atrocious, we managed to find this little number. Erinn’s exact words were, “Well…” Fashion is more difficult than it appears, folks.

Trend #10: Dusty Pink and Yellow

Oh, what could have been. We loved this trendy combo. It felt very spring-like and vibrant for fall, which usually features a darker color palate. The selection at the thrift store, however, was lack luster.

We would call this look “Retired Art Teacher Goes to the Grocery Store”.

Trend #11: Shearling Bombers 

This thrift find required a bit of creativity. We couldn’t find a complete shearling bomber, so instead we layered a faux shearling vest underneath a leather bomber jacket for a Top Gun-esc look.

Are we cool yet?

Trend #12: Pant suits 

It’s finally happened, the epitome of Hillary Clinton’s America: pant suits are trendy. What a historic day for women and runways across the country. No one could be more excited about than the Queen of Pant Suits Clinton herself, but we were pretty jazzed (note the jazz hands).

Pant Suit for President 2016!

In summary, it was a trendy trip. We were remarkably sweaty for two women trying on clothing, and we received many stares and giggles from innocent onlookers to our trendy thrift store madness. The total bill for all the pieces we found was $252.72, which isn’t too shabby for a couple of perfectly on-trend millennials, especially considering any of these pieces could cost more than that in a designer brand store. Go forth and be fashionable, and remember that big fashion doesn’t have to cost big bucks.