23 Aug, 2017 | Rossie Collier

Social issues and Reviews

Photos: Esteban Terrazas

Here at Bolivian Express we’re giving you a ‘Dos and Don’ts’ guide of the best second-hand clothes on offer at El Alto market. Forget the alpaca jumpers and ‘gringo’ trousers and take a look at the vintage highs and lows of our favourite market in Bolivia.

Get glam with the glitziest item on offer. In this vibrant number, stay gold and shield yourself from the cold.

Jumper: 3 bolivianos

A pricier number by El Alto terms, turn this gaudy jumper into the pinnacle of vintage chic aesthetic. You’ll be fighting through the piles of clothes to find a jumper like this.  

Jumper: 8 bolivianos

Only in El Alto; a genuine leather jacket for the price of a taxi ride in La Paz. Can be worn with almost anything and everything and you will still look good.

Jacket: 20 bolivianos

El Alto meets the Champs Élysées. French chic and fabulous— a perfect item for a romantic date or a staged photoshoot at the Montículo.

Dress: 3 bolivianos

Scarf: 2 bolivianos

DON’TS

Pair your tacky pink waterproofs with a bright green Christmas scarf. This is a look that will have you turning heads for all the wrong reasons.

Trousers: 3 bolivianos

Scarf: 2 bolivianos

Probably one of the most revolting and expensive jumpers on offer in El Alto. We purchased it so that you don’t have to come across it yourself when rummaging through the market.

Jumper: 10 bolivianos

Politicise your wardrobe with a Mitt Romney 12’ hoody. Nothing needs to be said other than don’t. 20 bolivianos for this uncomfortable piece of outerwear.

Jumper: 20 bolivianos

No matter how painful to the eyes this outfit may be, this is a don’t that our model makes it look like a do.

Shirt: 2 bolivianos

Trousers: 3 bolivianos