The Perfect Outfit for Only $35

I woke up 30 minutes before my 9 a.m. alarm on Tuesday. It was a cold morning, and the remnants of the weekend’s snowstorm continued to latch onto the ground. The sun barely peeked through the clouds — the perfect recipe for staying home. I defied that instinct and challenged myself: I set out to put together an outfit on a $35 budget.

Typically, I’d head to American Eagle or H&M, flip over the price tag, and walk out empty-handed, stunned every time I saw items priced over $50. But after being introduced to thrifting in my sophomore year of college, my mindset changed. A friend texted me about a thrift store called Boomerangs in Cambridge and invited me to go with them. 

Would it be dramatic to say that text changed my life?

When Boomerangs temporarily closed in June 2024, I felt devastated. But soon after, it reopened under the management of a nonprofit organization, More Than Words, continuing its mission to promote sustainable fashion and provide employment opportunities for at-risk youth. I decided to revisit Boomerangs, this time with a $35 budget in mind.

I caught the 47 bus on University Road and walked just a minute after getting off at Green Street. Once I got to the store, I was greeted by the same familiar sign: “Boomerangs.” But inside, the space had been modernized with a fresh, updated look. 

Warming Up at the Sweater Section

Colorful sweaters filled the top and bottom racks of the store’s entrance. I scanned each piece, brushing my fingers against the fabrics. I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this great quality at affordable prices. It was difficult to choose just one. I decided on a black, H&M cashmere button-up sweater for just $13. 

The soft fabric was warm and cozy, and reminded me of the clothes my cousin once gave me. I imagined pairing it with a cami top, perfect for everyday wear or a business casual look.

Finding the Right Pair

Next, I moved to the jeans section, where I browsed various styles, including straight-leg, skinny, and ripped. It took me longer to find a specific style — the trendy wide-legged jeans — than it did to find a sweater.

After moving hangers around on the rack, my eyes caught the words: “Abercrombie & Fitch The Crop Wide Leg.” I picked the pair up to look closer, stood in front of one of the mirrors, and placed it along my waist to see how it would look. They were perfect, and only $10.

One Last Touch

I hadn’t shopped for shoes at a thrift store before, so I took the opportunity to do so. 

The shelves were filled from top to bottom with sneakers, heels, and even a red pair of Doc Martens boots! I would have snagged them up, but they weren’t my size. 

I took a moment to picture the outfit and decided that a pair of sneakers would complete my vision. I saw a pair of Nike Sport shoes on the right-hand side of the top shelf that were my size. I turned around and went straight for them.

I was surprised to see a name brand like Nike in a second-hand store. There were signs of wear, but they weren’t falling apart. Rather than being retailed at Nike’s average price of $90, they were only $10.

The Final Cost

I gave the store one final glance to see if anything else caught my eye, but my outfit felt complete. I walked up to the register and watched the cashier scan the price. The total was $33.

Finding clothing that was high-quality and affordable reassured me: the world did not end when I left retail stores behind. I developed a connection to the pieces I found while breathing new life into someone else’s old favorites. I’m glad that accessible secondhand stores like Boomerangs continue to exist, and I can’t wait to see what pieces await me on my next visit.