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It’s that time of year! The vibrant July heat fades into calm, neutral colored, cozy August. It honestly seems like either your favorite time of year or a chilling reminder that winter is around the corner. But not to fret: summer meets fall in the space between transitional outfits, a staple boot, a coffee in your hand, and a stroll through one of Atlanta’s many fall festivals and events. My favorite activity to do in the fall is thrift. It allows for sustainable and affordable ways to creatively build one’s closet and layer clothes into cute fall outfits. Thrifting in Atlanta is more than just a fun fall activity. It’s a way to care for the environment, express your personal style, support local communities, and get into the seasonal spirit. Whether you’re looking for staple pieces, eclectic statements, or just browsing, remember: building your style takes time. Embrace the process and let each piece carry you into the next chapter of your journey.

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It’s that time of year! The vibrant July heat fades into calm, neutral colored, cozy August. It honestly seems like either your favorite time of year or a chilling reminder that winter is around the corner. But not to fret: summer meets fall in the space between transitional outfits, a staple boot, a coffee in your hand, and a stroll through one of Atlanta’s many fall festivals and events. My favorite activity to do in the fall is thrift. It allows for sustainable and affordable ways to creatively build one’s closet and layer clothes into cute fall outfits. Thrifting is a skill, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. It can be a relaxing hobby and a way to create inexpensive Halloween costumes. It can also be a great way to get out and do something as the temperature goes down.
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Here, I’ll share some of my favorite spots to thrift this fall in Atlanta.
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Eclectic Fashion
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Little Five Points has a vibrant, youthful, and authentic energy that Gen Z gravitates toward. I never step into that area without leaving with a compliment on my personal style. I have so much appreciation for the unique expressions I see there.
Junkman’s Daughter – A vintage staple since 1982, known for alternative brands, knickknacks, wigs, and decor, even the zombie mannequins. It’s a must visit in Five Points.‍
Psycho Sisters – Known for decade themed racks, petticoats, corsets, and colorful accessories. Ideal if you love bold vintage fashion or have a costume in the works.

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The Clothing Warehouse – Organized by color with tons of vintage tees, dresses, skirts, boots, even kids' vintage. Very shopper friendly layout.

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Streetwear Fashion
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If you’re interested in secondhand vintage and designer brands, these are the places for you.
2nd STREET Vintage – Ponce City Market Located just near Ponce City Market, 2nd STREET Vintage brings Tokyo’s renowned secondhand fashion experience to the heart of Atlanta. This spot features streetwear and iconic labels with major cultural significance.

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Brands You’ll Find:
Off White
Louis Vuitton
BAPE (A Bathing Ape)
Telfar
Yohji Yamamoto, Supreme, and more
Rag O Rama (L5P) – A buy-sell trade model with funky, colorful, gender inclusive finds. Often stocks Doc Martens, Harley jackets, and graphic tees.\
Ecologie Vintage (Kennesaw) – Slightly outside ATL, but packed with curated racks: denim, 70s florals, retro tanks. Great for Instagram thrift content and styling.
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With everything authentically vintage or gently used, these stores channel luxury and streetwear in a way that feels both sustainable and hype. If you're into brand labels and streetwear, these secondhand luxury spots offer recognizable fashion that lasts.
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Community Thrift, Nonprofit, and Affordable Finds
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Goodwill (Northside Drive) – Huge and a little overwhelming to sort through, but filled with clothing waiting for a new home.
Lost N Found Youth Thrift Store – An LGBTQ+ youth focused nonprofit with Gen Z energy, a supportive environment, and a great turnover. Gender inclusive, queer friendly, and affordable.
Second Life Upscale Resale (Avondale Estates) – Pet rescue funded thrift with cute home goods, books, and clothes. Where Gen Z finds old money grandma core.
Revive Consignment (Smyrna/Woodstock) – Church based but not conservative. Full of clean, affordable pieces. Great for clean girl aesthetic staples.
City Thrift / Value Village (Various Locations) – Massive secondhand stores. Hit or miss, but when it hits, you’ll leave with a $4 trench or vintage Juicy hoodie.

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Attic Treasures Thrift Shop (Chamblee) – Volunteer run with vintage decor, furniture, books, and quirky clothes. A hidden gem for grandma core and kitsch.
Out of the Closet – More than a thrift store, it’s a nonprofit that directly supports HIV/AIDS healthcare through the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF). When you shop or donate, you’re helping fund free HIV testing and treatment services.
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Tips to Make Thrifting Worth It
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Look through your closet at home
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Have an organization system or take a quick survey of what you already have.
Do you own certain colors more than others?
Do you have a preferred color palette?
Do you gravitate toward a specific style?
I personally organize my clothes by color and keep my denim grouped together.
Look for textures, colors, and patterns that show up often in your wardrobe.
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Make a list of what you want
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‍It’s easy to want everything you see. Go in with a plan, even if it’s loose.
The plan could be to find fall skirts
To stay under 50 to 100
To build one full outfit
Or to find pieces that simply resonate with you
Tailor your approach to your needs.
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Be patient and realistic
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You likely won’t find everything in one trip, and that’s okay. It took me years to build my closet into what it is today.
You may need to visit multiple stores
Check for discount days
Come back the following week if your style isn’t in stock yet
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Be kind to yourself
‍‍Make sure you feel good in what you're wearing.
Try items on. Reflect on your closet. Can you create at least one or two outfits with a new piece?
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Stock up on solid basics
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A black boot
A sturdy jacket
Long sleeve shirts and neutral basics
Good jeans (corduroy, non ripped, bell bottoms, girlfriend jeans)
Staple accessories: bags, scarves, belts
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Thrifting in Atlanta is more than just a fun fall activity. It’s a way to care for the environment, express your personal style, support local communities, and get into the seasonal spirit. Whether you’re looking for staple pieces, eclectic statements, or just browsing, remember: building your style takes time. Embrace the process and let each piece carry you into the next chapter of your journey.

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