Madeline Bartos & Jamie Crow | Staff Writers
09/20/2018
While fall fashion is never quite as groundbreaking as florals for spring, whenever the air turns crisper and the Pumpkin Spice Lattes return, it’s hard to resist the urge to stock up on brand new flannels and everything burgundy.
Most college students don’t have an unlimited budget to use on seasonal trends, and what’s the point of spending a lot of money on something that will just be out of style next year? If student loans are weighing you down but you still want to get some new fall pieces, here are some college budget friendly places to get in on the newest trends.
Buffalo Exchange
If Goodwill had a glow up, it would turn into Buffalo Exchange. This second-hand store is not only really nice to your wallet and closet, it’s also really nice to the planet. Buying second-hand clothes is a great way for people to recycle their old items and let someone else make them new.
Buffalo Exchange also buys used clothing, so you can make more money and room in your closet before you go shopping. They offer cash or store credit.
Just in time for fall, Sept. 29 is a student discount day, so you can bring your student I.D. and get 10 percent off.
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Each Buffalo Exchange has different second-hand items, but keep an eye out for flannels, cardigans and oversized sweaters.
T.J. Maxx
Calling all Maxxinistas: T.J. Maxx is a great place to buy designer clothes at a discount price. T.J. Maxx (and other stores like Marshall’s) sell clothes that designers overproduce or other shops overbuy. The best part about shopping at T.J. Maxx isn’t the super cute clothes, but the price tags that show you the retail prices versus how much you’re actually paying.
The mix of high-end brands with affordable clothing makes T.J. Maxx not only a great place to shop for trends, but also for staple pieces that will help build your wardrobe on a budget.
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H&M
H&M is usually a great stop for all kinds of clothing, but its fall collection really stepped up the game this year. Full of soft sweaters, adorable jackets and coats and, of course, the ever trendy plaid prints, the collection offers several options under $20.
While H&M may not be the first place you think of when looking for sustainable clothing, the store’s Conscious brand has plenty of organic fall pieces with a purpose, like fine knit sweaters and wool blend coats. Be careful, though: H&M recently changed its women’s sizing, so double check your size before you buy.
Top Picks:
http://www2.hm.com/en_us/productpage.0637673006.html
http://www2.hm.com/en_us/productpage.0524825010.html
http://www2.hm.com/en_us/productpage.0685683001.html
Walmart
Okay, so Walmart is not the first place you’d want to look for clothes, but with the addition of four new fashionable and affordable brands last spring, your one-stop shop for groceries is amping up its clothing game.
While the quality could be better, it’s a great place to stock up on season trends that will go out of style by next year. Almost all of Walmart’s styles are under $20, like laced up sweaters, printed pants and cute jackets to keep you warm in the freezing cold classrooms.
Top picks:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Juniors-Raglan-Short-Sleeve-Smocked-Scoop-Neck-Dress/809558329
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Juniors-Raglan-Short-Sleeve-Smocked-Scoop-Neck-Dress/260665052
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Almost-Famous-Juniors-Drop-Shoulder-Wrap-Jumpsuit/746728039
Gap
As a whole, Gap is underrated. It consistently offers high quality materials and classic staples. This fall, its selection includes higher end materials like cashmere and more basic options like cotton.
The price tag may initially be shocking, but Gap is almost always offering a sale of some kind. This week, for example, it’s offering 30 percent off online for sale items. Additionally, each time you buy, you earn GapCash to put toward future purchases. It’s a win-win.
Top Picks:
https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1026493&pcid=5745&vid=1&pid=354841052
https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1008446&pcid=13658&vid=1&pid=384053032
https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1036984&pcid=1011761&vid=1&pid=357370032
Target
Let’s be real: We all love Target. It’s a magical place where we end up spending way more money than we meant to (mostly on things we don’t need). But beyond the tempting dollar section is a variety of clothing perfect for the fall season.
One of the best things about Target is how many different clothing brands they have for every kind of style. Its sizing is also really inclusive for different body types, which is something we can celebrate year-round.
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