Going to UCLA and being surrounded by fashion icons left and right, there’s a certain pressure to meet those fashion standards and exceed expectations by creating your own look and vibe. I often find myself in a position of having a closet full of clothes but nothing to wear, but not for long! From hidden gems in Westwood to thrifting havens across Los Angeles, we’ve got the inside scoop on where to shop, how to score the best deals and how to style your finds like a true Bruin.
Why thrifting is perfect for Bruins
As a UCLA student, you’re no stranger to the hustle — balancing classes, extracurriculars and a social life on a tight budget can feel like a full-time job. Enter thrifting: an affordable, sustainable and creative way to craft a wardrobe that stands out in a sea of Westwood hoodies and leggings. Beyond saving money, thrifting allows you to experiment with fashion, uncover unique pieces and reduce waste in the fast fashion era.
This guide will walk you through the best thrifting spots near campus and around LA, insider tips for maximizing your budget and ways to style your secondhand treasures. Whether you’re new to thrifting or a seasoned pro, you’ll find something here to elevate your wardrobe game.
Best thrifting spots near UCLA
1. UCLA Thrift Shop (near Sawtelle)
Located just a few blocks from campus, the UCLA Thrift Shop is a hidden gem for students. Offering everything from cozy sweaters to vintage graphic tees, this spot is perfect for quick budget-friendly finds. Many items are donated by students or locals, so you’re bound to come across clothing that fits the campus vibe. Plus, proceeds often go toward local charities or university initiatives, making your shopping spree a little more meaningful.
Pro Tip: Check out the $1 bins on the weekend — you might find some amazing deals!
2. Trove (2008 Westwood Blvd)
Visit this super cute curated thrift store with a mix of trendy, vintage and designer finds (think Zara to Prada). Open 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily, and bonus—there’s free parking!
Pro Tip: Check their instagram to stay updated when they restock their inventory so you can be the first to go sifting through the new finds!
3. Jet Rag (West Hollywood)
Jet Rag is a thrifting legend, particularly for its iconic dollar Sundays. Each week, there are piles of clothes with every item priced at just $1 — I know, crazy! This spot is ideal for people looking for bolder pieces that have funky prints and unique accessories.
Pro Tip: Arrive early on Sundays to beat the crowd and snag the best pieces.
4. Out of the Closet (Atwater Village)
Out of the Closet is a thrifting staple for students seeking affordable, high-quality pieces. This is a pretty basic thrift store that offers something for everyone, and proceeds benefit the AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for their sales racks, where items are often marked down by 50% or more.
5. Goodwill (Westwood & Hollywood)
Goodwill locations are treasure troves for budget-conscious shoppers. I know it may not seem like THE spot, but I have been to so many Goodwills that have been gold mines! The Westwood branch is perfect for a quick stop between classes, while the Hollywood location has a larger selection of vintage and trendy pieces that come from those fashion icons themselves!
Pro Tip: Look for items with tags from higher-end brands — they often go unnoticed but are worth much more than the thrift store price.
6. Hollywood Filth Mart – 1038 N Fairfax Ave, (WEHO)
If you’re into edgy, vintage band tees and retro ‘70s vibes, this place is a goldmine. Definitely more curated but worth checking out 🙂
Pro Tip: Go with a vibe you want in mind, not a list. Usually these places won’t have specific pieces that you’re looking for so keep an open mind!
How to maximize your budget while thrifting
Thrifting can be overwhelming if you don’t have a game plan. Follow these tips to make the most of your time and money:
1. Shop during off-peak hours
Mornings and weekdays are the best times to thrift. Not only will you avoid crowds, but stores often restock during these hours, giving you first dibs on new inventory.
2. Know the sale days
Many thrift stores have special discounts on certain days or for specific tag colors. For example, Goodwill often has “color of the week” sales where items with the designated tag are heavily discounted.
3. Bring cash
Set a budget for yourself, and stick to it by bringing cash. This will help you avoid overspending and focus on finding the best deals.
4. Focus on quality
Inspect each piece carefully for stains, tears or signs of wear. Pay attention to fabric quality — natural fibers like wool, cotton and leather tend to last longer and look more polished.
5. Think beyond the rack
Upcycling is your secret weapon. With a little creativity, you can transform oversized shirts into crop tops, tailor pants for a perfect fit or add patches to denim for a personalized touch.
How to style your thrifted finds
Once you’ve successfully gone shopping on a budget, the next challenge is figuring out how to incorporate them into your wardrobe. Here are some ideas to make the most of your finds:
1. Anything lace
These are not only so in right now but have always been so cute! Try to see if you can find anything that has lace or see-through material so you can layer with other cute tops and accessories to make a unique look.
2. Florals
Some florals look like they can be hard to style, but don’t just see the flowers, think of the colors. With spring and summer in a few months, try to find skirts that include little floral details that give them that pop but don’t override the overall look or design.
3. If it’s not this, it has to be that
The last tip I’ll leave you might be the most important. If an outfit isn’t interesting through color, then it has to be interesting through shape. If it’s not interesting by shape, then it has to be interesting through texture. If it’s not interesting by texture, then it has to be interesting by color!
Thrifting isn’t just a way to save money — it’s a statement. By choosing secondhand over fast fashion, you’re reducing waste, supporting sustainable practices and embracing a more mindful approach to consumption. Plus, thrifting allows you to express your individuality in a way that mass-produced clothing never could.
Happy thrifting, Bruins!
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Featured Image Photographed by Juan Perez/BruinLife
