Buying designer is a luxury that may not always be worth the price tag. Investing in high-quality, classic pieces is a long-term and sustainable way to shop, but it might hurt your wallet and take up closest space for perishable trends.
While blowing a thousand dollars on a designer garment might seem totally worth it for the first few wears, the fleeting lifespan of trends mean it won’t be worth it if you think about cost-per-wear. The concept of fashion trends usually have a negative connotation, partially because of its short lifespan. As your clothing is a visual extension of who you are, it may be constantly changing with your mood.
Shopping the best cheap online and brick and mortar clothing stores is more practical—and it doesn’t have to compromise your unique taste, either. Whether you’re looking for wardrobe essentials or trendier pieces, there are so many brands offering cute, well-made clothes at affordable price points. Below are twelve of Glamour magazine’s top picks for fashion finds that won’t break your bank.
For Designer Looks: Zara
Few brands epitomize affordable fashion quite like Zara. The Spanish retailer consistently hits it out of the park with looks that, when styled the right way, can totally pass for high-end pieces.
For Tailoring With an Edge: Mango
If Zara feels a touch too trendy for you, Mango is right up your alley. It’s incredibly stylish but slightly more polished—and the place to score everything from denim skirts to tailored separates with Old Céline vibes.
For Insta-Ready Finds: ASOS
If you’re looking for trendy pieces that won’t send your bank account spiraling, you can count on ASOS. The online retailer is home to in-house labels that cater to a spectrum of body types, but it also stocks gems from brands like Levi’s and Adidas. (There’s a sweet student discount too.)
For Elevated Fast Fashion: H&M
You probably don’t need an introduction to H&M. Granted, whatever you buy from there today won’t be hanging in your closet 10 years from now, but if you’re just looking for a going-out top or an oversized blazer to wear to the office, the brand delivers.
For Secondhand Gems: Vestiaire Collective
Yep, you can score coveted brands like Prada, Miu Miu, and Marni on the cheap thanks to Vestiaire Collective. The platform is like the love child of The RealReal and Depop, serving up preowned designer finds that are way cooler than the ones at your local thrift store. Prepare to fall down a rabbit hole.
For Wear-Everywhere Necessities: Everlane
Everlane is practically the gold standard for sustainably made basics. The eco-minded brand consistently delivers gorgeous, trend-proof pieces that last season after season—all at a fair price and with transparent manufacturing processes.
For Plus-Size Clothing: Torrid
Torrid offers both basics and statement pieces in sizes 10 to 30, and even its full-price clothes are usually on sale. Need a new swimsuit, jumpsuit, or loungewear? You’ll more than likely to find it here, probably with a sweet markdown.
For Well-Made Basics: Uniqlo
There’s a time and a place for statement pieces, but every wardrobe is built on staples like tees, jeans, and socks—and Uniqlo is where you’ll find your new favorites. Despite being one of the most affordable brands here, its pieces are made to last. (And don’t sleep on Uniqlo’s collabs with designers like Marni and Lemaire, either.)
For Everything Active: Nike
Hunting down cheap workout clothes that don’t look cheap? Try Nike. While plenty of the retailer’s pieces stretch into more expensive territory, it also produces tons of durable basics that won’t set you back more than $50.
For Everything: Amazon Fashion
The word fashion may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Amazon, but the online shopping giant is a goldmine for unexpected clothes, shoes, and accessories. Look out for coupons for additional discounts or try-before-you-buy options. And the majority of pieces are delivered to your doorstep with two-day Amazon Prime shipping, of course.
For Stocking Up: Old Navy
In terms of affordability, Old Navy’s basics won’t let you down—and there’s pretty much always a sale going on. It’s a great place to pick up two of everything, whether that’s spring dresses, white tank tops, black leggings, or pretty much anything else you wish you had around in multiples.
For Unbeatable Deals: Target
Just like its beauty and home decor departments, Target’s affordable clothing section is stacked with amazing deals on nearly everything you’d ever want to wear. You’ll find skirts, denim, crop tops, button-downs, activewear, and so much more.
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