Ellie Nas
Finding the perfect Valentine’s Day outfit or any other date night can be tricky unless you know where to shop. Markets are your best friend. From handmade accessories to flowy skirts, you’ll be able to get the perfect outfit while saving money and the planet. Here are a few places to go (and sellers to buy from) to look and feel great on date night.
Going to a flea market is the best way to find affordable, second-hand clothing and one-of-a-kind handmade pieces. There are several flea markets in Central Florida to scope out for an outfit. The Florida Vintage Market and Orlando Vintage Night Market pop up with unique vendors at great prices. If you’re a college student, the University of Central Florida provides a Market Day on selective Wednesdays at the campus, where certain sellers may also table.
Dillion Yaxley, who tables at Orlando Vintage Night Market, is a glass artist who welds unique glass pendants. Made entirely by hand, the pedants go for $20 a pop, and he even has a limited Valentine’s Day collection. Dillion also takes custom requests on any of his platforms at @yaxleyglass, so if you want to wear something unique to date night, he can make it!
For that perfect outfit, Ashleigh Jachles and Ayden Traynor have second-hand clothing for less than $30 per item, which they table at UCF Market Day under the business name Memory Lane. Ashleigh even put together an outfit perfect for Valentine’s Day that totals less than $30. They also have a $5 bin with hidden gems.
Goldie’s Little Shop is another gem that has it all, from handmade polymer clay earrings to rings with vintage beads to second-hand clothing. You can find Goldie at UCF’s Market Day and The Florida Vintage Market. Earrings start at $11, and rings can be built for $10, with a bead of your choosing and sculpted to your ring size. Goldie says her rings have unisex options and would be a great touch to an outfit for a fashion night out. Goldie also has racks of clothes, where a piece will go for no more than $25.
If you can’t make it to a pop-up flea market in your busy schedule, there are other quick ways to get a sustainable, affordable outfit! A thrift store is an alternative to finding cheap and vintage clothing. “Out Of The Closet” and “omg! Thrift” are two thrift stores where you can find an entire outfit from head to toe for an affordable price.
If you don’t like to shop for new outfits but still want to wear something special, altering something in your closet can be a free way to get a cute date night outfit. For dresses, you can change the hem, cut the sleeves, or add any excess fabric you may have to make it look brand new. If you’re more into pants and dress shirts, tailoring your clothes or embroidering a design can make them go from bland to a statement piece!
There are so many ways to shop for an outfit for date night. So, whether you go to an independent seller or shop in your closet, feel confident that you will find affordable options that fit your styling needs.
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