As New York City students head back to school, a noticeable shift in fashion choices is apparent: designer labels are giving way to thrift store finds and affordable alternatives. Dozens of public school students are returning to classrooms with carefully selected pieces from secondhand shops like Beacon's Closet and online platforms such as Depop and Poshmark.
This trend extends to vacation shopping, with some students actively seeking out pre-owned items while traveling. Twelve-year-old Matilda Tyson shared that her back-to-school outfit, including a dress originally made by the now-closed Opening Ceremony boutique, was thrifted for under $20. "I bought a lot of my outfit with my own money," she said, "but that meant 'it's not a lot!'" Tyson also borrows accessories like sunglasses and handbags from her mother, creative director Anja Tyson.
While the average family is expected to spend around $922 on back-to-school clothing, shoes, and accessories, many New York City students are finding more economical ways to update their wardrobes. From 5-year-old Nora in Bedford-Stuyvesant to 15-year-old Evan in Long Island City, a majority of students interviewed by The Post reported that their favorite shirts and jackets were thrifted.
Hand-me-downs are also playing a significant role. Nine-year-old Quinn Blake carries a pink nylon book bag that her mother used in the 1990s, describing it as "Classic... is cool!" She also wore a dress made by her grandmother, deeming it a more affordable and stylish option than many store-bought pieces.
Other popular choices include budget-friendly jeans from Old Navy and multi-packs of t-shirts from Costco. However, some items remain high on students' wish lists, particularly those associated with celebrities. Teens are reportedly keen on shirts and sneakers from Justin Bieber's brand SKYLRK, which have already sold out. Trendy labels like Edikted and Brandy Melville, worn by Hailey Bieber, are also popular among younger students.
Beyond clothing, an affordable and ubiquitous accessory trend has emerged: bead bracelets, necklaces, and bag charms. Many students made these at summer camp, traded them with friends, or purchased inexpensive bead kits. For example, a bag of 2,000 beads can be bought on Amazon for about $10.
A more exclusive take on this trend was observed in Astoria, where a sixth grader named Felix designed his own bag charm at an art gallery event hosted by artist CJ Hendry. His mother, photographer Kim Max, secured him a spot in the popular event, noting that Felix enjoys the unique nature of his creation, which prompts questions from others.
Another popular and affordable footwear choice cited were Adidas sneakers, with nearly every teen girl photographed sporting a $60 pair.