12 Aug Buying Festival Clothes on a Budget: Best Thrift Stores in NYC
Photo courtesy of Bonnaroo
Whether you’re ready for it or not, it’s festival season! Now that festivals like Bonnaroo and Lost Lands are fast approaching, it’s time to prepare with some new outfits. That being said, festival clothes aren’t always wallet-friendly.
Many ravers rely on sites like iHeartRaves to fill their closets with iridescent dresses and light-up boots you can dance in. They are a great online retailer for your outfit needs if you aren’t in the New York City area.
Click here to read an informative article we wrote discussing some of the best options to shop for festival fashion ideas for EDC specially but the guide also works for any festival in the electronic dance music space as well!
With the cost of tickets and travel, buying all new clothes for a rave isn’t an option for many people. That’s where thrifting comes in. As an avid thrifter myself, I know the best places in NYC to go for festival clothes on a budget. If you are in the New York City area or thinking about attending a festival like Electric Zoo which happens right here on Randalls Island then this guide was made for you!
In This Article (Click on a section to quickly go to it)
Buffalo Exchange
Buffalo Exchange is a buy, sell, and trade store with locations all over the United States. Many people sell the clothes they don’t want anymore to Buffalo Exchange making this an excellent spot for buying festival clothes on a budget. There are six different locations in New York alone and each store is unique.
You’d be surprised at what you can find here. From funky sunglasses to trendy jewelry and accessories like sparkly hoods, there’s something for every raver here.
Photo By Anne Evenou
Urban Jungle
This spot is worth a visit if you’re looking for something that no one else will have. It’s located at 118 Knickerbocker Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237. Urban Jungle lets you be creative with your outfits.
You may not find exactly what you’re looking for, but you’ll probably leave with five new festival looks anyways. That’s the magic of this store. It always gives you something beyond your wildest rave dreams.
Photo by Matt W
L Train Vintage
As with Buffalo Exchange, L Train Vintage has locations all around the city which makes it an accessible thrift store for finding festival clothes on a budget.
I love their selection of oversized vintage tee shirts. I pair it with fishnets and my rave hood (purchased from Buffalo Exchange, of course), and that never fails to get many compliments from kind strangers.
Monk Vintage
You can find all sorts of fun and funky clothes at Monk Vintage. I usually go there when I need a new purse or backpack to hold all my stuff while I dance, but I usually leave with something extra.
This store does price their stuff a little higher than other thrift stores on this list, but I promise you it’s worth a visit anyway!
Photo by Jordan Schacht-Levine
Spark Pretty
I’m pretty much OBSESSED with Spark Pretty if you can’t tell right off the bat by this photo. I consider it a ravers paradise. There’s glitter, airbrushed designs, crop tops, and wide-legged pants with trippy designs that are perfect for spending the day dancing in the sun.
This store is great because everything is one-of-a-kind. You will absolutely be raving in style if you step out in clothes from Spark Pretty. The store is located at 333 E 9th St, New York, NY 10003.
No Comments