Forever 21 shoes $6
As college students, words like “budget” and “frugal” are commonplace to us. With the money woes looming in addition to academic performance concerns, it’s easy to have an elevated stress level while pushing through the four to six years required to earn a degree. As if those two factors weren’t troublesome enough, there is still the pressure to look good after nights of late-night studying, working and/or partying. For all you thrifty kids out there forced to nervously check the bank statement while longing for a hot new outfit, here is a list of stores that have killer clothes at prices that won’t hurt your wallet:
1) Target
Target has long been a personal favorite in the way of cheap, well-made clothing. In recent years, they have started promoting famous designers by selling catwalk-worthy clothes at affordable prices. Currently, Anna Sui is the featured designer. With her “Gossip Girl” inspired line of Upper East Side chic dresses and headbands, the Blair Waldorf look is available only a short drive down 280. In addition to the designer specials, Mossimo and Converse have deals with Target. Mossimo’s trendy t-shirts and comfortable cable knits are ever changing to keep up with what’s hot in the fashion world and will not break your bank. An insider tip: Look for the orange sale stickers! You can save anywhere from 25% to 75% on Target’s trendy styles just by being a sale rack enthusiast.
2) Wal-Mart
As a high school kid, I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing a Wal-Mart ensemble. It just wasn’t cool. However, necessity mixed with an updated flair for fashion on behalf of Wally World has bred a new outlook. With Ocean Pacific (OP) as a standout brand adorning the racks of the store that has almost everything, it’s easy to exude California cool no matter what the temperature outside may be. In addition to the surfer chic styles of the ’70s throwback brand, Taylor Swift and L.E.I. clothing have a line inspired by Swift’s own personal style. With sundresses and seemingly worn jeans, the casual country look offered by the fashion merger is appropriate for everything from a roll in the hay to a stroll down the sidewalks of campus.
3) Kohl’s
While not all of Kohl’s clothing is on the pennywise end of the spectrum, the department store offers some excellent options for the mindful spender who seeks fashionista status. Always up to par with the latest looks, Kohl’s racks are a plethora of plaids and boho patterns right now. Again, always check the sale racks to avoid dropping more cash than you planned as this store has plenty of deals at any given moment. Recently, Kohl’s brought Lauren Conrad and her new clothing line, The Lauren Conrad Collection, aboard. With reasonably-priced jeans, leggings, dresses and tops, the reality television icon displays her sizzling Hollywood fashion sense without any of the drama.
4) Ross
The tagline isn’t “Dress for Less” without cause. This store specializes in brand name apparel and accessories without the elevated designer prices. With overstock items and slightly irregular pieces being shipped in every single day, the experience of shopping at Ross is like a treasure hunt for the ultimate clothes horse. Everything from DKNY and Juicy Couture to Hurley and Hollister are present if the time to peruse is taken. Allot at least an hour to scan the cluttered racks. While you may find yourself frustrated at the lack of organization, the steals are definitely worth the hassle.
5) Plato’s Closet
The consignment style store accepts only gently used, brand name items. It’s like being in Goodwill or Salvation Army without having to sift through armpit stained t-shirts and ’80s shoulder pad sweaters. Used clothing prices with clothes not actually appearing used is the philosophy Plato’s Closet subscribes to. The jeans are particularly ideal there as they have been worn just enough to keep you from doing squats or the frog hop to stretch them to perfection. The best part? You can take your gently used closet space suckers there and get paid if they’re in presentable condition. Profit and then spend, baby. This is capitalism at its pinnacle.
