Your Guide to Thrifting in Charlottesville!

In my Hoos Connected class last semester, the facilitators asked each of us to name a topic that we could talk about for hours. We went around in a circle, with responses ranging from basketball and soccer to movies and music. For me, the answer was easy: thrifting!

I’m from Richmond, Virginia, and I could probably name nearly every used clothing store within a 20-mile radius of my house. Almost. And despite being a first-year, I know a good number in Charlottesville, too. My grandma has lived here for 40 years, so I have been visiting Charlottesville regularly for my whole life– long before UVA was even on my radar. While others may be able to point you towards the best study spot or cup of coffee in town, I’m here to show you all the best thrifting spots. I promise they won’t disappoint!

Darling x Dashing

Coming up first on my list, the ultimate, can’t-miss thrift shop in Charlottesville is Darling x Dashing. Located at the Downtown Mall, the store is woman-owned, expertly curated, and features both men’s and women’s clothing. There’s even an adorable section with locally-made UVA merchandise and accessories. Perhaps the most charming thing about Darling x Dashing is their dressing rooms. The walls of each one are covered in positive messages written by other customers spreading love and body positivity. So as shoppers look in the mirror, they are surrounded by notes like “you look stunning” and “every body is worthy.” Plus, there’s a stack of sticky notes waiting for you to add a personal touch! Don’t leave without first digging through the treasure chest markdown bin. Items are $3-5 and are sometimes even brand-name. 

My favorite find here is easy: my junior year prom dress. It was new-with-tags and only required minor alterations to fit perfectly. Runner-up is the $5 Lululemon top I found in the markdown bin this fall.  

Natalie Dressed

Natalie Dressed is Barracks’ hidden gem. Tucked right behind Harris Teeter and Ulta, it’s walkable and just steps away from a bus stop. You can easily pop in before a grocery or Playa Bowls run. Since it’s a consignment shop, you can easily find items for 25, 50, or even 75% off. Just look at the color of the tags that indicate markdowns!

My favorite recent finds include a black Kate Spade purse, linen pants, and a Virginia tie for my dad.

Wilder

If you’re from Richmond, you might know the thrift stores Ashby and Clementine. I have been shopping there for years and only just discovered that they have a sister store– and it’s here in Charlottesville! The storefront is a bit harder to get to if you don’t have a car, but it’s worth it. Wilder exclusively sells items they bought from customers back in Richmond, meaning each piece is carefully chosen for the store, resulting in a highly curated selection. I’ve only been here once, and between their men’s, women’s, and accessories section, there is truly something for everyone. Be sure not to miss the cute branded stickers at the checkout!

My favorite find: An adorable and versatile black skirt.

Belly Button Boutique 

This shop is a little less conventional but no less worthy of checking out. Founder Chloe Riportella takes clothes that might get overlooked in a thrift store, adds her own touch, and turns them into new, elevated pieces. Don’t believe me? Check out her Instagram. One featured post shows how she merged an old blanket and sweatshirt into a truly one-of-a-kind top. Since Chloe is Charlottesville-based, there is no shortage of UVA pieces. While BBB doesn’t have a storefront, you can find Chloe set up at Darling x Dashing or at the Charlottesville City Market some weekends. There’s even a little dressing room at the market for you to try pieces on!

My favorite find was a cozy, autumnal embroidered sweatshirt. It is double-layered and extra warm for cool fall weather. 

Uptown Cheapskate

One more thrift store to consider is Uptown Cheapskate, a national franchise that carries all kinds of clothing, including lots of brand names. While I have only been to the one here a couple of times, Uptown is my go-to clothing store back in Richmond. You can find men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, accessories, and more, all for reasonable prices! Plus, you can sell them your old clothes for cash or store credit without even having to make an appointment. To get there, hop on the CAT and head down Emmet Street to the Seminole Square Shopping Center, across from Stonefield. 

I don’t know if I can possibly pick a favorite Uptown Cheapskate find. Let’s just say I hardly go a day without wearing a piece found there! 

The Bottom Line

Thrifting has become popular and even trendy in recent years. But it’s important to remember that behind the fad is a really important aspect of sustainable living. Each year, the fashion industry manufactures approximately 100 billion garments, requiring lots of energy and all kinds of harmful chemicals. 92 million tons of textiles end up in landfills every year, adding to our already devastating waste problems. Between fast fashion companies like SHEIN and Zara, it’s easy to buy cheap clothing, wear it once, and throw it away when it inevitably wears out. 

While the best thing to do would be to buy a few, durable pieces to wear for years or even decades, many of us enjoy adding new items to the wardrobe now and then. Shopping secondhand is a great solution. Buying used saves money, helps the environment, supports local businesses, and frankly is more fun. If you aren’t able to travel to any of the stores I listed above, try looking into SWAP at UVA. Or if you prefer to shop online, check out Depop or ThredUp.

The next time you do need something new for your wardrobe, I hope you’ll check out one of the places above. You’ll save money and minimize your impact on the Earth. So why not give it a try? I might just see you there!