As Evanston’s “fake springs” temporarily relieve the Northwestern community from below-freezing temperatures, a glimpse of warmer days on the horizon calls for a closet revamp – but with a sustainable and affordable twist. If saving money, preserving the environment and reducing waste are at the top of your 2025 resolutions, thrift stores are the perfect place to shop for the coming season. Plus, if you’re looking to decorate your dorm or apartment while you’re at it, some stores also sell used furniture, tableware and other home goods.
With hundreds of thrift shops in the Chicago area, it may be difficult to know where to start, so NBN found out from Northwestern students where and what the best deals are. Here are their top five places to thrift.
1. Lost Eras
1511 W Howard St, Chicago, IL 60626
Established in 1969, this two-story, four-room vintage store sells a variety of secondhand trinkets, accessories and clothing. The main room of this family-owned shop offers a wide range of items – from furniture and handbags to CDs and large video cameras – that fill up the space. Shelves of glasses and silverware line an adjacent room on the left while a large room on the right displays a collection of costumes spanning from the floor to the ceiling. From flapper dresses to renaissance clothing and more, store owner Charlotte Walters sources most costumes from theater industry professionals. The shop’s even larger basement transports customers back decades with more clothing, radios and records.
Why students love it: The sheer size of Lost Eras and its seemingly infinite amount of affordable items draw students in. Weinberg third-years Aster Zeches and Leilani Diaz said the collection of unique jewelry in particular caught their eyes. Diaz said her favorite purchase was a 99-cent black metal necklace that she often wears as a choker. Similarly, Zeches said they bought a necklace and bracelet set made of real pink Akoya pearls for only $70.
“They’re one of my favorite things to wear,” Zeches said. “I wear them with my more fancy dresses when I go out to dinner with my grandparents.”
2. Heyday by Prison City Vintage
522 Davis St, Evanston, IL 60201
Evanston’s newest thrift store opened last spring and sits right across the street from Joy Yee downtown. Sports tees decorate the brick walls while colorful clothing and denim pieces line the racks. In the right corner, a small collection of photos and CDs enhance the shop’s Midwest bowling alley retro aesthetic. The store pays homage to its proximity to campus with a collection of vintage Northwestern merch. It also offers a nook with a couch and TV for students to hang out in.
Why students love it: Though smaller than Lost Eras, students said Heyday offers quality over quantity. Dual-degree Bienen and Weinberg third-years Autymn Williams and Hannah Zhao both found their favorite leather jackets here. While Zhao said some of the items may be pricier, Williams said the items were a steal considering their quality.
“It’s that real leather,” Williams said. “When you bend it, it makes a crease in the space. You can see it wearing and tearing. It’s so heavy.”
A burnt-orange Italian leather bag that Williams bought for $60 also ranks among one of her best purchases, she said.
3. Green Element Resale
6241 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660
This eco-friendly, sustainability-focused business looks more like a homey warehouse than a thrift store. Featuring racks of secondhand clothes in the front room and furniture for resale — including desks, sofas, TVs and even upright pianos — sitting atop industrial shelves in the back, the store feels like a cozy Costco, minus the food. Next to the furniture, dozens of donated books line repurposed wooden shelves. Outside, a small wooden box stands on the sidewalk in front of the main door, offering clothing and several furniture pieces free for anyone passing by.
Why students love it: The store’s practical layout and spacious yet snug feel compel students, like SESP second-year Stacey Pierre, to visit again and again. Pierre said Green Element is one of her favorite Chicagoland thrift stores due to the availability of dressing rooms, easy donation process and large selection of warm clothing. Her favorite purchase here was an oversized, striped sweater that has kept her snug during the harsh Chicago winters.
“The winter lasts so much longer,” Pierre said. “So if I go to a place and they have sweaters that are both nice and also warm, that makes me want to go back.”
The variety of furniture pieces was also an added bonus for Pierre, who said she prefers thrifting at places that sell more than just clothing and accessories.
4. Out of the Closet
3311 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657
Tall mannequins dressed in bold attire stand in front of shimmery tinsel curtains by this shop’s large front windows. The bubblegum pink and blue interior walls brighten up the store, which offers various styles of clothing, shoes, accessories, tableware, furniture and free HIV testing. The business aims to raise awareness for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation and donates 96% of their profits towards the nonprofit.
Why students love it: Students said the unique selection of clothing makes Out of the Closet stand out. One set of shoes in particular caught the attention of Diaz, who said she still remembers the emerald green velvet heels reminiscent of The Wizard of Oz. While she did not end up purchasing the shoes, Diaz said she bought a pair of elegant fairy earrings for a low cost instead.
5. Stepping Out On Faith Consignment Store
1632 Orrington Ave, Evanston, IL 60201
Just a few steps south of the Rebecca Crown Center lies a consignment shop packed with both business and casual styles of clothing. Upon approaching the store, a few racks of discounted clothing on sale stand outside in front of the entrance. Inside, bright pink walls and towering racks with shoes and hats atop them greet customers. Visitors can try on blazers, jeans, T-shirts and more in two dressing rooms in the back of the store.
Why students love it: The quality of the clothing selection and close proximity to campus draw students like Pierre to the store. Although Pierre said she is usually not a fan of women’s jeans, she found a pair here that lets her move comfortably.
“I can sit in them, I can do splits, I can do anything,” Pierre said.
Owner Vivian Killebrew’s friendliness also creates a welcoming experience, Pierre said. Killebrew told Pierre about her upbringing and journey to opening her own consignment shop, and Pierre said their warm interactions brought her back to the store.
Whether you’re looking to add decorations to your home, change up your closet or simply explore local gems, now is the perfect time to take advantage of the warm weather this week and visit these five spots while the sun is out. Happy thrifting!
