Dress Warm for Less: The Best Secondhand Clothing Shops in LA

By: Ani Antonyan ‘24

Over the last few weeks, LA has been waffling through unpredictable and uncharacteristic weather. One week it was too hot for winter, climbing into the 80s (let’s just say it was a very warm Christmas), followed by torrential downpours the next week. As the cold creeps up on us and seems here to stay, we don't always have the time (or budget) to be stylish and warm for our chilly walks to and from class. Since the cold is much more bearable when you can dress practically, here’s my recommendations on how to stay warm for less.

Picture taken at a vintage secondhand store in LA

Secondhand shopping is good for both the environment and a college budget. Finding one-of-a-kind treasures will make you feel happy, confident, and hopefully warm for this new year! Fast fashion is appealing for its promise of abundance and affordability, but it is important to consider the lasting effect it has on our environment and working conditions of those who make the garments. By shopping at one of my recommended shops, you will be helping the environment, saving money, supporting small businesses, and building a unique closet! 

The Council Shop ($)

There are 8 Council Shops throughout LA. Each store offers its own unique experience and incredible accessories, books, clothing, and furniture. The National Council of Jewish Women founded its first shop in 1924 to support immigrants, and it has continued to grow in the decades since. 84% of proceeds from the shops go to their programs and services for women in Los Angeles. This would be the first shop I’d try when looking for coats.

It’s A Wrap! ($ - $$$)

It’s A Wrap! is a famous shop in Burbank that allows shoppers to buy pieces that were actually used on movie and TV sets! Items range from seriously high-priced, one-of-a-kind, famous pieces to discounted goodies! They tend to have great sales to make up for its higher price point. 

Chance Vintage ($ - $$$)

Chance Vintage is conveniently right across the street from It’s a Wrap! and a few blocks away from one of the 8 Council Shop locations. Magnolia Boulevard in Burbank is home to some of the most unique and successful second hand shops in LA, while also being filled with amazing cafes and restaurants. Chance Vintage offers awesome vintage pieces in a curated environment. This shop tends to have great deals and frequent sales! 

Crossroads Trading ($$)

Crossroads has a few locations throughout Los Angeles and is full of the brands you know and love. They tend to have fewer sales and higher prices than other second hand stores, but they have good quality clothes and brands that are worth checking out. They also have a program where you can bring in gently used clothes from your wardrobe to exchange for cash or store credit for a cost-effective wardrobe refresh. 

Pro Tip: If you don’t have a car, hop on the Metro E line from campus and ride it all the way to the last stop in Santa Monica. There’s a Crossroads a short walk from that station.  

Out of the Closet ($)

96 cents of every dollar made at Out of the Closet stores goes into providing HIV and AIDS services in LA and around the world. There are a few locations, the closest to USC being in Atwater Village. Out of the Closet has a great variety of clothes, accessories, furniture, books, and movies for amazing prices! Various locations also offer free HIV testing for walk-ins. 

Flea Markets / Swap Meets

If you’re ready to walk, LA has some amazing flea markets where you can easily make into a fun day with friends. For free admission look to the smaller Silver Lake Flea on Saturdays and Sundays or the Los Feliz Flea Market on Saturdays. If you’re okay with paying an admission fee to visit some of the more iconic spots, make sure you have cash on hand and head over to the Rose Bowl Flea Market or Melrose Trading Post. 

Good luck with staying warm this season and I hope you can find some new pieces to refresh your wardrobe for less.

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