Top 10 Best Stores for Fashion on a Budget
At some point in your life as a stylish college girl, you’ll face an important choice: buying clothes, or buying books? Since books are non-negotiable in college, if you want to maximize your (few) leftover dollars, you need to know where to shop.
There are tons of discount clothing stores out there, but which ones are worth shopping at, and which aren’t? Some discount stores are fabulous, but most are really just cheap!
If you have champagne taste on a beer budget, dollar store clothing is not gonna cut it. You need to shop at the right places.
To help you out, here’s the official College Fashion love list of the top 10 best stores for fabulous fashion at college student prices. Visit these stores, shop right, and no one will know that your outfit didn’t cost a fortune!
10. Wet Seal
Coming in at number 10 on the list is discount fast-fashion retailer Wet Seal.
It’s a staple of every mall in America, and a great place to shop for trendy tops to wear to parties, blingy jewelry, and cute accessories. It’s like the less-chic, trashy club frequenting cousin of Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe.
To combat the tackiness and find the great pieces when you shop at Wet Seal, you need to develop a good “taste level” (as they say on Project Runway), the fashion know how to separate chic & adorable from tacky & awful. The pieces are all mixed together in this store, so it’s important that you know the difference between what’s trashy and what’s not.
9. Urban Behavior
Urban Behavior makes it to number 9 because while I haven’t shopped there, my little sister loves the store and recommended it to me. She’s fabulous and dresses really well, so I’m betting they must have some good stuff in there!
If you’ve never heard of it, Urban Behavior is basically another Wet Seal, except less hoochie-mama, and with more casual basics.
When you visit an Urban Behavior store, you’ll find simple tees in a rainbow of colors, preppy jackets, and trendy denim, all at prices well below what you’d pay at Abercrombie, J. Crew, or the GAP. What’s not to love?
8. GoJane
GoJane is my favorite online store to buy dirt cheap sunglasses, jewelry, and designer knockoff shoes from.
If you haven’t checked their website out yet, you don’t know what you’re missing!
A quick word of warning: just because their accessories rock, that doesn’t mean their clothes do too! While GoJane carries a large selection of dresses, tops, and more, they just aren’t as stylish or cute as they could be. Some are just trashy and gross.
The moral of this story: buy the sunglasses, jewelry, and cheap shoes! But skip their clothes.
7. TJ Maxx / Marshall’s
Photo by ztil301
To start off, let me say that I know they aren’t the same store, but they’re owned by the same people and are very similar.
Okay, if you’ve ever stumbled into a T.J. Maxx and picked up a pair of Seven For All Mankind jeans for half price, then you know why the store made this list!
In case you don’t know, T.J. Maxx and Marshall’s are chain stores that sell name-brand clothes, shoes, and even furnishings at low, low prices. It’s kind of like a treasure hunt whenever you go to one – you never know what you might find!
Check either store out if you’re looking for some real designer names at slashed prices!
6. DSW
All the shoes you could ever want, most of them at great prices. What’s not amazing about DSW?
If you have a shoe problem like I do, I’m sure you understand my love for this store. Hundreds and hundreds of incredible shoes all in one massive space!! So. Much. Fun.
Since DSW stands for Discount Shoe Warehouse, I have to comment on the prices: some are great, others are not so cheap. But as opposed to stores like Payless (which rock, don’t get me wrong), DSW has a wider selection and more cute options. That’s why it’s on the list!
5. Charlotte Russe
It’s my favorite discount store for girly dresses and trendy pieces, as well as the occasional accessory. Yes, I love me some Charlotte Russe.
In comparison to the other discount stores like Forever 21 and Wet Seal, Charlotte Russe isn’t a whole lot different. Still, I have a certain affection for the store that I just can’t explain.
Maybe it’s all in my head, but I think Charlotte Russe is just classier than those other stores. With nicer pieces than Wet Seal, yet fewer designer knockoffs than Forever 21, it’s a nice middle ground in the budget fashion world.
Very rarely do I see something at Charlotte Russe that I wouldn’t wear in a million years, and that’s really why I love it so much.
4. Forever 21
Inventor of the designer knockoff, and the ultimate source for “fast fashion”, Forever 21 is one of the most popular discount clothing stores in America!
I shop at Forever 21 with two purposes – to find trendy pieces that I might only wear a few times, and to buy killer designer knockoffs. (Yes, I know designer knockoffs are unethical, but so are the prices of many designer dresses!)
Just like it’s cousin Wet Seal, Forever 21 does sometimes have some trashy, cheaply made clothing in stock. When you shop there, remember to keep yourself in check, look for quality fabrics, and don’t buy anything you wouldn’t think of getting at twice the price.
3. Vintage / Thrift Stores
Photo by paulo delacruz
What budget fashion shopping list would be complete without a nod to vintage stores? They are the best place to find one of a kind pieces, fashion treasures, and unexpected style.. all at extremely low prices.
Thrift stores only made it to number three on the list, however, because shopping there can be dangerous to your wallet if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Some vintage stores simply sell nice designer clothes that are old – and the prices reflect that. While those are fabulous places to shop, you’re not going to get much on a college budget. You want the real thrift stores.
When you shop at the real thrift stores, you need to be careful with your money. Know how to separate the amazing finds from the “I’m just buying this because it’s cheap” stuff. Don’t end up with a bunch of 80’s tee shirts that you never wear, just because they were too cheap to pass up!
Vintage and thrift stores are amazing, and you should definitely shop at them if you can. Just be mindful of what you’re spending your money on, and make sure to get things you love.
2. Target
You probably knew that Target would make the list. That’s because it’s the worst kept secret of stylish women on budgets everywhere.
If you haven’t shopped at Target, you haven’t lived!
While they are technically one of the huge discount megastores, Target is miles apart from Wal Mart or KMart when it comes to fashion!
The clothes at Target are way more stylish than you’d think – they often do collaborations with designers like Rogan, Erin Fetherston, and Isaac Mizrahi. Also, their new GO International line is fabulous, with $20 dresses that look like they cost $100.
Even if you don’t have a Target in your area, don’t worry – everything is available online, and ready to ship to your door. Just another reason to love them!
1. H&M
Ah, Hennes & Mauritz – in my mind, a true fashion paradise.
I bet at least half of my wardrobe came from H&M, and I’m proud of that fact!
Whether you’re looking to buy a trendy item to wear for the current season, or a classic piece that will last you years, H&M is a great place to start. They have EVERYTHING you might want – from cute tops and fabulous dresses to sparkly bangles, scarves, and even shoes!
The best thing about the store is that their pieces are truly stylish – they carry things that look like they could have been on a runway, not the empire-waist lycra tops you’d find at other budget fashion stores.
Bonus style points for H&M: They do amazing collaborations with celebrities and fashion designers – noteworthy collections include Madonna for H&M, and Roberto Cavalli for H&M!
One drawback: online shopping isn’t available in the US, but hopefully it will be soon. If you don’t have on of their stores near where you live, enlist a few stylish girlfriends & make the trip to check one out! It’s well worth your time, I promise.
Your Thoughts?
Now that you know my top ten places to shop on the cheap, I want to see your lists! Which stores are your favorites, and what are your fave things to buy there?
Leave a comment & tell me your top ten budget stores!
Posted on on September 3, 2008 / Filed Under: Shopping / Tags: Charlotte Russe, DSW, Forever 21, H&M, Money, Shopping, Target, Urban Behavior, Vintage, Wet Seal
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Alexa
I love charlotte russe and I totally agree with you on thinking it’s more classy than the other stores. I alos love target and h&m. I refuse to shop at forever 21 because their return policy is terrible.
Shar
I absolutely adore your list! I’ve been waiting to see a list of budget-friendly noteworthy shopping places instead of websites (even though I love the Coupons Weekly you do) since you can see the fabric and it’s easier to return.
My Top Ten (no particular order)
1. Old Navy–you can find some real gems
2. Kohl’s–it’s really diverse in style there, so I know I’ll find something I like
3. Dillard’s–when it’s on sale, you know it’s good quality and they
4. Gordman’s
5. T.J. Maax
6. Outlet stores
7. Marshall’s–I love the dresses there.
I go to a couple of international trips once every five years, so I do some shopping there. Most of it’s much cheaper there. (I just pack nothing, and get a lot of stuff.)
I don’t have a H&M, Forever 21 or Vanity (very cute accessories) where I live, so sometimes when I go visit a friend who does have those stores, I hit up those places. I love them all, and they’re definitely on my Top Ten list.
I also like Talbot’s Outlet Stores and Shoe Carnival.
Katte
Definitely agree with H&M. That place has such great clothing – sure, they have some expensive items at times. But really, every time I go there there are a lot of really amazing items on sale.
P
Love the list! I’ve never actually heard of Urban Behavior so, I’ll keep my eyes open for that. Target & H&M are also by far my two favorite places.
Old Navy, like Shar said, is good for basics. Sometimes I peek into Ross and some stores like JCPenney is great especially when you look through the sale rack!
Zephyr
Alexa – Yay, I’m not the only one loving Charlotte Russe. And oh, I didn’t know about Forever 21’s return policy – what’s so bad about it?
Shar – Ooh, I forgot about Kohl’s! They have some really great stuff. You’re so lucky to travel out of the country that often, I wish I did that!
Katte – Ah, I know. H&M=love
P – You’ve got to check Urban Behavior out, I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews. I don’t know what Ross is though… care to explain?
Christina
URBAN BEHAVIOR ROCKS MY SOCKS.
Ahem. However, my closest one just closed and I am DEVASTATED. Where else am I going to get my 5 to 10 dollar dresses?!
H&M never did anything much for me. I found much of their things fit strangely. It may be just me.
Shoe Carnival is another goodie. Especially when they have sales, oh my! I got a 7 dollar pair of real suede boots, in GRAY!
I’ve also gotta say though, if you have a Steve and Barry’s near you, and it’s well-stocked with Bitten, then go!!! I love SJP’s line and the quality is pretty good and it fits perfectly!
I also love New York and Company for when they have sales, because they have really nice work clothes that you’re going to need!
Lyd
Well, i can definitely agree with target :), they have such nice work clothes and would prefer to shop there for those kind of things. Oh and the tops as well are pretty too :D, since in from outside the US, i haven’t really heard of the other shops that you have mentioned….
Lyd
oh and thrift stores aren’t too bad either :).. i haven’t been there but i am bound to..
tiffanie
i love charlotte russe, but sometimes find that their clothes don’t fit me well. :(
lauren
-For me Forever 21 is the best for cheap trendy pieces! If there was an H&M around here it would be my #1 as well,.
-I’m also a huge fan of tj maxx, my mom & i would shop and bond there because they carry clothing we both like.
-I would say topping my list would be thrift/vintage stores just because I really like wearing clothes that no one else is. It’s just a great place to find unique pieces
xoxo
Budget Babe
This is my kind of list! I would probably add Urban Outfitters, just don’t pay full price. I couldn’t live without Forever 21 , Target and H&M. I’d love to hear your top 10 for shoes, specifically, too :)
Grace
I’m so glad C. Russe made the list. I <3 their layering camis! I bought a back-to-school top there and I’m more excited to wear that then my new Lucky jeans! <3 <3 <3
Jessica
Basically if you want to return something at Forever 21 you have to sell your soul. I only buy from there if I can’t find anything anywhere else.
I love Target and Old Navy, and definitely Marshall’s and thrift stores. I’m going to be on a small budget for the next several years if I want to pay off loans, so these places are my favorites.
Twila
Target= AMAZING. So happy it made this list.
The other one that I LOVE is a consignment-like chain called Plato’s Closet. They deal strictly with gently used teen and young adult clothes, and have really rigid rules as far as what they take (LOTS of current A&F, Forever 21, AE, etc.). So I definitely love them! You can look to see if you have one near you at their website, platoscloset.com.
=]
Ally
Wow, never heard of Urban Behavior, I’ll have to check that out online. And I fell in love with H&M when I visited New York. It’s so depressing they don’t have stores near me.
I agree with the Urban Outfitters comment. The one in my area always has a huge sale area which I’ve had a lot of success with.
I also love Buckle when they have sales…though admittedly I give in more than I should and dish out for Ed Hardy and Lucky jeans more than I should. TJ Max/Marshall’s is a great alternative :)
Thanks for the list!
S
I’m ALL about Urban Behaviour and F21 (and of course thrifting!)
SO wish we had Wet Seal and especially Target in Canada :)
Kari
aw old navy should definitely be on this list. Urban behavior is in Canada. Sad =( I’ll never see one. it’s weird that you guys are saying charlotte russe is classy because here it’s really trashy and cheap looking.
Lucy
i totally totally agree with h&m being 1st!!!!!!
Jennifer
I love TJ Maxx and Marshall’s. I actually was addicted for a while and would go to a different store each day to see what I could find, it really is like treasure hunting. I used to work at TJ Maxx my freshman year of college, but I didn’t even realize how awesome it was until like a year ago. I think I like Marshall’s better though, I usually find better stuff.
Miwo
I would be interested to hear your opinion on the top ten online stores. Some of the stores you have mentioned are no where near my small town.
Down Comforter
I also love homegoods – which is owned by the same company as TJ Max.
Stephanie
I found a really inexpensive store in Florida, but they are all over. Its called Papaya. Great clothes with the same style as Forever 21 and very inexpensive. Here’s their website: http://www.papayaclothing.com/shop/
Abby
Kohls and Old Navy used to be my favorites, but in the past year every time I’ve walked into one of them I’ve just walked right back out.
I COMPLETELY agree with Target and H&M. H&M is way more popular in Europe than in America, and I have no idea why. It is so fashionable and so cheap. My favorite by far! Good choice!
Colleen
I love all these stores, especially Charlotte Russe. Although a few items I’ve gotten there seem to be have been poorly made… They ripped only after a few wears (and I know you they’re not meant to last years, but it was still disappointing).
I disagree with what you said about go jane. I’ve bought a lot of clothes from there, and have been happy with almost all of them. The pieces I hated were easy to return though, because they have an awesome return policy. It’s just like what you said about Wet Seal, you need to have a good eye for cute vs. tacky.
Sophie
Great list, I would definitely agree on TJ Maxx and DSW. The only issue I have with Charlotte Russe is that their clothes do not last long because the quality isn’t the greatest. If you’re strictly going by price then it is affordable but the material isn’t usually the best.
Sophie
SavingDiva
Great list! I might have to check out GoJane. I’ve never heard about it.
I’m also a big fan of deparment store clearance racks. You can find some great stuff for incredibly cheap, but it takes a lot of effort. I have a really cute sweater that I scored for $1.50 (in the summer).
Foxie
Interesting list, to be honest, I haven’t shopped at many of these stores. I suppose I’m not very trendy anyhow…
My favorites are Abercrombie and Hollister, since I find some great deals on very cute things that actually fit me right. It’s hard to find clothing in other stores that have the right fit for me.
Most of my casual basics come from American Eagle, another great place for deals… But I suppose these three stores make me a total prep. :) But at least I’m not breaking the bank with any of them! (Unfortunately, I’m still afraid to buy anything off of Banana Republic sales racks… I need courage for that store.)
The one who said Dillard’s sales racks I have to agree with. That store is great, just not the full price stuff. (They have some killer mark downs on designer clothing sometimes.)
Personally, though, I don’t like Old Navy… I find most of their stuff to feel ‘cheap’ to me. (Both not fitting right, feeling like it’s cheaply made and then stretching out rather fast and then totally not fitting right.)
Cadi
Thrift stores for the WIN. There’s a wonderful one across town from my parents’…it’s in a mediocre area and it kind of smells funny, but I have, for example, a pair of Blue Cult jeans that still had the tags on them that I got for about 15 bucks. A couple of microfiber Kate Spade bags, neither of which were more than a ten spot. Need I say more?
I would add Steve & Barry’s to the list. They went bankrupt, apparently, which I both didn’t understand (their clothes are awesome), and did (they are INCREDIBLY cheap). I mourned the closure of the Racine store…but there’s one not too far away, I just need to get out to Schaumburg! They’re a great shop for basics, I don’t think anything in the store is more than 20 bucks, and they’ve got the SJP Bitten line, Dear by Amanda Bynes, and a few other named lines. Whee!
Elana
I agree with some other commenters that you need to add “thrift stores” as maybe a number 11 for those who can find good ones. But I strongly recommend college girls, like myself try Ebay. I have purchases tons of incredible stuff on ebay, and I pay the same prices for special items that I would pay for stuff at forever21. Plus, I never see other girls wearing the same dress I have on.
http://ebayfashionaddict.wordpress.com
Zephyr
Elana – Thrift stores are already on the list… they’re number 3. I love vintage and thrift with a passion, and ebay is nice too!
Jenny
I agree with alot of these stores, but would add kohls and Ross to the list.
Ross:
dirt cheap stuff designer bags, clothes, shoes, and dorm stuff ! Downside is you have to really dig to find the goodies (not organized) and they can be really crowded. Not all stuff=good quality
Kohls:
Not bad quality stuff, large acessory selection. Look for the $10 card they send in the mail a few times a year!
Aero:
Small selection, mostly lounge-wear. Small sizes (may be good or bad), but they often have big sales.
Forever 21:
Always one of my fav. stores for years, with some gripes. Have worked & shopped there.They have A HUGE variety of clothes and accesories, and you can always depend on them to stay up on the latest trends. The downside: Really inconvenient return policy (either way they keep your money) and most of their stuff go bad after a few washes. I call it “seasonal quality”. b/c I buy alot of stuff there but also end up donating/throwing away alot of it after a few months. Their prices have also gone up the past few years, but still affordable. They dont really have sales either.
H&M:
I have a hard time finding clothes for job interviews, the office, etc but this store carries really cute, affordable workplace outfits in the smaller sizes. However, their fabrics aren’t really comfy to wear, and the quality is not always good….and in my opinion, their prices are affordable but not cheap.
Target
One of my fav stores, but not really for clothing. They seem to have alot of the bigger sizes available more than small ones. In my opinion, their pieces are comfy, affordable, and generic. They update the looks, but don’t always emphasize on trend. I can always recognize when seomeone wears something from there, not that its necessarily a bad thing. My preference is just that I want to be the only one in a room with that outfit!
Anyways these are just my opinion. I shop at these places alot so just wanted to give some input :-D
Janell Necole
AHH anything bu H&M!!!
Perhaps it’s because I live in Las Vegas and everything is expensive here but this store is NOT budget friendly.
The clothes and the prices do not match up here. I’ve seen the listing on the website and it makes me really upset. Plus, their sizes are not always the most flattering for girls.
I would add Old Navy to the list…. I loves it when I need some quick clothes for a decent price. Oh…and I loves ROSS too! :)
Anny
Tagret’s GO collection is GORGEOUS! I went in for cleaning supplies and fell in love with this top: http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/ref=sc_pgb_r_3_0_16275561/601-5048501-6063310?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=1&asin=B001EQALM6
Now I have to wait for it to go on sale…
Uyen
Try Pinkice.com and greatglam.com,
yen
Anyone hear about Buffalo Exchange?
You can sell/buy/trade used and new clothes. I got some barely used rock and republic jeans for 30 dollars! They have a lot of other designer clothing and shoes, too. It also depends which ones you go to. I try to go to the stores in more affluent areas because there’s more stuff!
I really don’t like Old Navy at all. The pants and shirts fit very strangely on me. I did get a great deal on a wool coat ($30) last year when their coats were 50% off. I will definitely be waiting for their sale on coats.
TARGET is my favorite! I drop by often and peek into the clearance racks, which offer great deals. Lots of cute stuff for cheaper than cheap! I’m talking $3 shirts. I also go to many different stores in my area to see which ones are usually full of clearance items. Usually, it’s the stores in more affluent areas and overall less foot traffic are the best. Same goes for Ross, Marshalls, TJMaxx. I know this sounds weird, but I am in love with their maternity wear! Too bad there’s not going to be any babies for a handful of years. I am not into a lot of the GO designer things, I would rather just find it reduced at Loehmann’s or Off Sak’s 5th Avenue Outlets.
OFF Sak’s is a great place to go to for evening dresses! Reduced ZacPosen, Badgley Mischka, Nicole Miller…I wish I knew about this store for prom otherwise I wouldn’t have gone to Windsor.
yen
* sorry i meant instead of GO designer stuff i’d rather pay for RTW lines at discount stores.
Kay
GoJane has some cute formalwear, you’ve just got to sort through some trashy stuff to find it. Great list!
Sophia
wear would you recommend getting cute, inexpensive dresses?
stephanie
How about Plato’s Closet. You can get some nice clothes there. It may be a little out of season but you can find current and trendy pieces too. Example: A forever 21 dress that was for 10 bucks. didnt fit me, but went to the store and found one very similar. The clothes are used tho or new.
Brianna
Knockoffs should not be supported. It hurts the fashion community and large parts of the world.
Carl
TJ Maxx and Target are always my favorites. I can always find something there for birthdays, holidays, and of course, myself.
Alix
Ross is like Marshall’s dirty and unorganized twin.
Goldy
Ross and Marshall’s you have to spend a lot of time searching and somehow the sizes are always off. Forever 21 was good style but the material is not the best quality. I love shopping online, don’t get too much time to shop at leisure. Found this cute web boutique selling skirts in all sizes and I bought a few cotton embroidered tunic tops they were great. Search for The Little Bazaar.
Angela
Love Culture is great but not in too many locations. It is like a Forever 21 but a little cheaper…the quality is also a little cheaper so make sure you check the hems and stitching before you purchase!
Also, their website has been under construction for about a year!!!
One great tip for shopaholics (like myself!!) is that I always have a small notepad around, and when I look through magazines such as glamour, cosmo, lucky etc. I write down all of the websites of the fashion shown in the magazines. A lot of the magazines also include discount codes to use on the vendors website!!!
Kate101
I love Marshall’s and I think forever 21 is okay when you cant afford Delias. My list would be a designer bag form Marshall’s, a dressy top from charlotte russe, sunshades and accessories from forever 21, the skinniest jeans from target, high fashion pumps from dsw, okay lets not forget makeup from claries. A girl has to live up to apperance in a big girls world. If you ever think an outfit cant be re done think again a designer bag and shoes will make any outfit look Haute.
andrea
I had definitely heard of h&m before, but there was never one in my area. This year I am an exchange student in Europe, and there’s one in the mall right across from the train station (how I get to school). I went and checked it out and I’m so excited that I can shop there all year!
Emma
I wanted to add that H&M now has a shoe line from Jimmy Choo!!!! Yep, you heard right-the motherload of high-end shoe companies collaborated with H&M and they sell for as low as $60!!! Which is amazing, compared to his normal prices of $500+.