It’s Easter weekend, and for most Penn Staters that means an impromptu 48-hour staycation back in their hometown. For many, a hefty suitcase just isn’t making it onto the ancient 9 a.m. Megabus home. This holiday, we’re packing light, and with that comes relying on the closets of those closest to us. Whether you and your mom share a twin-like sense of style or couldn’t be more different, her closet might just become your best friend this weekend. From last-minute brunch outfits to effortlessly put-together family dinner looks, everything you need might already be hanging just down the hall. And who knows, you may end up heading back to campus with a few “borrowed” staples that feel entirely your own.
Thrift Local!
The 80s are back in a big way. Women of all ages have turned to thrifting and shopping second-hand in order to find classic retro pieces to fit the iconic decade’s aesthetic. It’s not always easy to find the perfect piece when doing so. As important as shopping second-hand is, it is no easy task. You can spend hours digging through racks, pulling pieces off hangers, and making endless trips to the dressing room, all for that one vintage mini skirt you can’t stop thinking about, even as you try to ignore the fact that it’s a size and a half too big to actually wear. We often forget about the ultimate thrift: our mother’s closets!
Time Capsules
The queens of the ’80s themselves are sitting on carefully curated time capsules of vintage gold. If your mom is the type to hold onto pieces, there’s no doubt that with a little digging you’ll uncover an array of chic padded blazers, boat-neck mini dresses, perfectly worn-in denim and maybe even a few bold statement accessories hiding in the back. As we step into spring, it’s the perfect time to bring those pieces back to life — pair a vintage mini skirt with a structured blazer, throw on some oversized hoop earrings and suddenly your outfit feels both effortless and iconic. Add a little volume to your hair and a pop of color, and you’ve got an Easter look that channels the best of the decade without feeling like a costume. The ’80s weren’t afraid of color, and neither is Easter weekend, so lean into pastels, brights and playful combinations that stand out.
Shhhh don’t tell her I’m stealing this!
The best part about shopping in your mom’s closet isn’t just that you might end up the most stylish person at the table. It’s the stories stitched into every piece. Each jacket, dress or pair of jeans carries a memory of who she was at your age, where she was going and what mattered to her then. There’s something special about hearing those stories while trying on the clothes she once lived in, seeing glimpses of her past reflected in your present. In a way, you’re not just borrowing her wardrobe, you’re continuing it. Those memories, just like the clothes themselves, become something that can be passed down, worn again, and reimagined for a new generation.
What are your favorite pieces in your mom’s closet? Let us know on Instagram @VALLEYmag!
