I recently fell to my knees outside a party while carrying my friend on my back. Both knees of my absolute favorite pants split instantly. I felt like crying. Most people assumed my distress was a result of my bloody knees, but I truly was upset about the destruction of my irreplaceable pants that I wear (correction: wore) constantly. You could say that this is not a universal problem—not everyone is as much of an absolute klutz as I am, and not everyone trips and falls on the daily. But I know that, as the party goes on, the beer spills and there are messes and mishaps of every kind.

College students—and consumers in general—have several paths they can choose when purchasing pieces for their wardrobes. They can invest in high-quality, long-lasting articles, buy cheap clothes and accept that they may not last long or be produced ethically, or they can seek out a solution that combines elements of both for a cheap and ethically defensible closet.

I’m usually a strong proponent of investing in great pieces that you can wear well into the future, the ones that will last and become wardrobe staples. It’s not-so-classy nights like the one that brought the demise of my jeans, however, when I thank the heavens for such cheap clothing. There have been nights I have found myself wearing a silk shirt, and I end up obsessing over its protection from the elements rather than enjoying myself. Here’s my question: should we be embracing manufacturers of “disposable” clothes? (I’m looking at you Forever 21, Target, certain sides of H&M.)

This isn’t an exploration of snobbery. It is merely an admission of practicality. We can’t all afford more expensive boutiques and brands, but even if we could, would it be worth it? Would we lay on Foss with such ease if we were preoccupied with our expensive shorts getting grass stains? Probably not. Wesleyan isn’t really a place were people turn their noses up at the notion of buying cheap clothing. It’s more likely that students protest the support of unethical companies and retailers by buying their clothes.

The products of the cheaper culprits are manufactured to sustain about two washings before completely falling apart. More troubling, they are made in third-world countries with questionable labor practices (to say the least), which is why they are so cheap. What happened to saving for a really great piece and wearing it over and over? Trying to support independent retailers is certainly a good thing. The difficulty arises in the accompanying high prices of such carefully and ethically crafted garments.

A sort-of solution can be found in our truly creative, Goodwill-loving students. Thrift shopping has been a practical option for decades, and thanks to Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, it is currently at the forefront of pop culture. The keenest eyes and quickest fingers can snatch up a number of interesting and hip garments for a bargain. You may be able to get some high-quality articles of clothing at a Target or H&M price.

But how are we supposed to get our party clothing this way? Many Wesleyan students know how to work the eccentric-yet-sexy looks that could certainly be compiled at any thrift shop. However, the average thrift shop may not have the bandage skirts and lace tank tops that are trendy today. If students are looking for those kinds of outfits to wear out, what options do they have but cheap stores or outrageously expensive designers?

I’m not giving a straight-up solution but merely exploring the options of the average Wesleyan student. There are also secondhand stores such as Buffalo Exchange and Crossroads that serve as middlemen for retail stores. You can buy your mass-produced party wear (and even just regular, everyday wear) without directly supporting the store or paying the original price. It’s “Waste Not” at a national level. I personally have not found one clear answer; my own wardrobe is a hodge-podge of garage sale finds, more expensive items that may or may not have been worth the money, and the inevitable cheap dress that does just what it needs to. I’m still looking to find the perfect balance, and I wonder if other Wesleyan students have found the answer.