It’s on our minds all the time. We want to look good. We want to keep up with the trends. But we still want to have some extra money in the pockets of our stylish jeans. Looking good on a budget is just one of the many dilemmas college students face. Still, it’s not as hard as it seems. Many clothing stores are geared towards the younger generation, which falls right in our college-age bracket. These stores have the goal of providing reasonably-priced, yet still fashionable, style that doesn’t look cheap or won’t shrink or tear after one round in the washing machine. Here’s the rundown on the top five stores for college students based on quality, price, variety and style. I have compiled this list based on opinions of various FDU students and my own. The stores are in order from cheapest to most expensive.
1. Target – Yes, I know, you may look at this and think, “Target, for clothes?” But don’t be too quick to judge. This mega-store that ranks as the fifth largest retailer in the U.S., according to a recent study by stores.org, and has recently been known for its collection of “cheap chic” clothing. Incorporating high-fashion designers, such as Isaac Mizrahi, Mossimo and Jovovich-Hawk, the store’s goal is to “design for all.” The prices in the “Design for All” collection - which includes the above mentioned designers and has a wide variety of items from simple t-shirts to good quality handbags – ranges from $9 to about $70 and has to be one of the biggest steals in designer fashion. My favorite thing about Target has to be the very cute bags and accessories, for example the new Gryson line that has just recently hit its stores. For the latest designer incorporations, check out designforall.target. com.
2. H&M – This Swedish store has recently risen in popularity among college students and has to be my overall favorite of the stores mentioned in this list. Filled with trends that seem to update regularly, prices usually don’t get higher than $40. Another plus of this store is that it receives design inspiration from top fashion designers and even celebrities; many pieces seem to take hints from high-fashion lines such as Prada and Hermes.
Sophomore Darnell Coleman describes H&M as “cheap, chic, [with] a lot of different choices.”
Men and women can choose from a wide range of clothing at H&M; from casual to work-appropriate to night-out-on-the-town styles. The store also has one of the biggest accessory lines, which is well priced. And if you’re allergic to fake jewelry like I am, most H&M accessories are tested to be “nickel free,” which seems to do the trick in preventing that awful bumpy rash some cheap jewelry can give, according to Allergizer.com.
Into donating money for good causes? H&M has been known to collaborate with organizations for such things as raising money for AIDS awareness with their somewhat recent line “Fashion Against AIDS,” which has incorporated the likes of Rihanna and Good Charlotte to design for it.
H&M seems to be a favorite among college students for its variety, fashion and price range.
“I love H&M because the clothes are unique, the prices are good and the sections are color-coded,” said junior Lori Palmer. “Just a lot of variety - business, dressy clothes and bummy clothes, so there’s always something. Since I’m really picky, I usually don’t find anything, but I always find something at H&M.”
Junior Julie DeSimone tends to agree. “My favorite [store] is probably H&M because it’s cute clothes for
cheap and I’m able to find both clothes for work and clothes for going out.”
Junior Andrea Jansky also agrees. “The clothes there are really cute and the prices aren’t too bad. When they have sales it’s great.”
H&M’s latest collections cost about $12.90 to about $35 with the most expensive piece being just about $60. To check out the latest lines and find a store near you, go to www.hm.com.
3. Express – This store is a go-to for party and office outfits. For women, styles range from exotic (think leopard print with gold touches, very Cavalli-esque) to graphic to faded (think the latest Prada line) prints. Men can choose from a wide selection of vests, sweaters, button-downs, polos and blazers. There’s also the ever-popular jeans and other casual pieces for when you’re not hopping from party to party and just want to relax or throw something on to go to that 9:55 a.m. class. Prices range from $16.50 to just around $80. For more information check out expressfashion.com
4. Gap – The store known for its classic pieces has recently revamped its look and marketability with incorporations from the RED campaign and high-end designers. When you want to stock up on the classic white button- down shirt, a pair of jeans that will last you at least through a few semesters or pick up a redesigned pair of Converse, this is the store you should keep in mind. Collaborations with the RED campaign, which raises money to combat the AIDS epidemic in Africa, and with such designers as Philip Lim allow Gap’s consumers to have an air of a sophisticated, knowledgeable, do-gooder.
“It’s always a plus when you know the company is contributing to a good cause,” DeSimone said.
Although some items are a bit pricey when they first come out, clothing usually goes on sale quickly and with huge discounts. This store is best to invest in the classic pieces that you will turn to time and time again. I find myself stocking up on its jeans when they’re on sale. They tend to run in a variety of sizes, shapes (such as skinny to curvy) and lengths (such as short to long) so more than likely you’ll find a pair that fits you perfectly and hugs all the right curves. Prices run from about $7.99 to $60.
Jackets can go up to the $100 range and jeans are from $49.50 to $69.50, with many going on sale as low as $9.99! To find out more, check out gap.com.
5. Urban Outfitters – Think of it sort of as an H&M, but with a vintage feel. This store, with a collection for both men and women, gets its inspiration from past decades and merges it with a funky-fresh take on things. With one of the best collections of shoes, ranging from sandals to boots to sneakers, and a collection of hats, from beanies to fedoras, you can find just about anything to fit your taste. A bit pricier than the other mentioned stores, Urban Outfitters usually ranges from about $20 to $80 but can have some items in the $100 price range. Sales are your best bet at scoring an amazing item. Check out the latest lines and find the nearest store at urbanoutfitters.com
With these stores in mind and a little personal intuition most college students can score an entirely new wardrobe on a budget without sacrificing fashion. Keep in mind that if you splurge on some items, such as jeans or shoes, try to save a little extra cash on pieces that you can interchange to create entirely new outfits, such as shirts and accessories.
“I’m always willing to splurge on jeans because it’s so hard to find a good pair,” said DeSimone. “Pretty much anything else I’ll try to get at a cheaper price.”
Coleman tends to agree with this shopping method. “I splurge on jeans and sneakers and hats,” he said. “I get jeans on sale also, but I never pay too much for a shirt. Cheap is good, I usually shop on the clearance rack.”
Also, know what you like. It may sound simple, but keeping in mind what you’re looking for and the style that suits you can save you valuable time in the changing room when you’re fumbling between one item or the other.
“When I shop, I look for things that are in season, and style,” said Coleman. “Bright colors, different colors, things that I think no one will usually wear. I’m a boy but I like fitted clothes. Baggy is so ‘90s.”
Find out what’s in for you, what suits your body and what fits your budget. Follow your own style, and be selective. At the end of the semester who knows? You might just have some leftover cash to spend.
LORENA CHOUZA
Executive Editor
Published in the May 1, 2008 issue of The Metro.
