What I Wore: Fall Thrift Haul

It was the start of Fall when I decided to enter a “wannabe rockstar” wardrobe era—“wannabe” being the key word. Leaning into what could easily go over as absurd but making it wearable is my favorite thing—it could be a look or a laugh, fashion or a flop, but either way I’m going to liiive for every mintute. The interplay between serious and not is my favorite aspect of fashion (and life) lately. I mean, I wore a cow print bucket hat for most of Summer 2021—I had to bring that same energy into Fall.

My favorite outfits always embody some kind of character—always have. It’s not about a put upon look but, instead, finding one side of yourself and really running with that one particular side. I was influenced by my Fall Spotify playlist which is chock-full of 70’s rock and 1989 Lenny Kravitz. But mostly, I think it was the performer in me wanting to make itself known during what I can only call my “incubation period.”

Most of my 2021 was a time to focus on myself—bettering myself through health practices and bettering my art through new and continued projects. There is a laid-back sensibility found in the following outfits—each featuring a thrifted jacket—that compliment my accepting and patient state of mind as of late. I haven’t felt better in my adult life, so my wardrobe made that match—because who doesn’t want to feel just a little bit like a rockstar? (Even if your personality is more so “a walking meme.”)

I found this jacket at a local antique mall in the men’s section, knowing it could outlandish if worn with other loud pieces. However, paired with all black and silver accessories, the jacket stood out like a conversation piece without being too much, like my favorite cow print bucket hat from the Summer. I paired the outfit with Docs, channeling that frontman feeling. Is it giving Lenny Kravitz or is it giving Joe Exotic? Who knows—but it’s giving something!

There’s something about wearing a thrifted $1 bandana with a worn, well-made jacket from Depop that makes me feel ready to run away with a biker gang (except I’m a total softie, so I wouldn’t—but I can look like I would!!) I went with animal print again on the top, but more understated this time around. The green tank and brown jacket were an easygoing earth tone dream. My favorite wide leg jeans and Air Force 1s completed the outfit simply, letting my new favorite vintage jacket have her moment.

When I saw this pre-loved jacket on Depop, I couldn’t help but think of “J.D".” from the 80’s cult classic Heathers—an instant “add to cart.” The Miles Davis shirt, another pre-loved Depop piece, joined my closet at the start of last year. I stuck with a pattern, but on the bottom half this time and in camo print. The tourtise shell glasses bring in the most subtle animal print yet. The whole look is slouchy, valuing comfort above all else which is my M.O. lately—but in a way that isn’t just sweatpants. (During the pandemic, I went from owning one pair of sweats to now honestly an unnecessary amount.) The brown cuff and sunglasses bring out the brown of the camouflage and the jacket and shoes bring out the black, defying anyone who says not to mix black and brown in the same outfit.

From glam to grunge, what I wore this Fall embodied my journey this year: a completely different direction than ever. The overall “rockstar” attitude of choosing to be unbothered by critiques and life’s setbacks. Sure, if I had it my way, a project that I already poured quite a bit of my time and money and identity into would be completed and up by now—but I have to wait out the roadblocks (and more importantly, work through them) and lack of time and resources. (It might take another year or two, but I will adapt Black Country!!) If I had it my way, people around me would uplift and encourage instead of doubt and shame—but I have to continue to focus on proving myself right instead of others wrong. I know myself and I know my growth more than anyone else can or will ever know. If I had it my way, I would have the opportunity to choose my life path: a stable beginning that allowed for thriving instead of surviving—but although I was not handed that life, I can make one. That, I’m sure of.

Photos by Andrew Hughes