18 May 5 Tips to Shop for Clothes at Cheap Stores
Shopping at “cheap” retailers like Strawberry, Rainbow, Forever 21, Family Dollar {yes, Family Dollar}, H&M, Target, etc. can be a bit tricky. The clothes are really affordable but the quality isn’t always superior. Retailers cut corners to offer the garments at such wallet-friendly prices, so the colors might not be as bright, the fit might be a little off and embellishments start falling off before you know it.
However, it’s all about knowing what to buy and what to pass on when shopping at cheap retail stores.
Spring/Summer is the Perfect Time to Shop
In the colder months you need heavier, more substantial materials and tend to spend a bit more on clothing. However, spring and summer sees a ton of flowy garments and this is the time to shop at an affordable store. And who really needs to spend a ton of money on a maxi dress anyway?
In the colder months you need heavier, more substantial materials and tend to spend a bit more on clothing. However, spring and summer sees a ton of flowy garments and this is the time to shop at an affordable store. And who really needs to spend a ton of money on a maxi dress anyway?
Try Everything On, Especially Dresses
Unless you shop the store on a regular basis, try every single garment on. I typically go a size up in H&M clothing but if it’s a cheap-y store I don’t normally shop, then I try everything on. Sizing can be tricky anywhere, but when the material is of lesser quality, fit is extremely important. The last thing you want is a ton of pulling. Because there’s nothing that makes your clothes look cheaper {even if they actually are expensive!} than a poor fit.
Unless you shop the store on a regular basis, try every single garment on. I typically go a size up in H&M clothing but if it’s a cheap-y store I don’t normally shop, then I try everything on. Sizing can be tricky anywhere, but when the material is of lesser quality, fit is extremely important. The last thing you want is a ton of pulling. Because there’s nothing that makes your clothes look cheaper {even if they actually are expensive!} than a poor fit.
Skip Super Tight Clothing
This kinda goes with the suggestion above. Yes, a bodycon dresss is supposed to fit snug, but a frock you might buy for $11.90 might be pulling in all the wrong places and with enough wear, the shape may get stretched out. If you can, buy a size up, if it doesn’t look too baggy. It’s always better to have a bit of wiggle room than stretching the material to the point it looks cheap or loses its shape. And it will most likely shrink a bit when you wash it anyway.
This kinda goes with the suggestion above. Yes, a bodycon dresss is supposed to fit snug, but a frock you might buy for $11.90 might be pulling in all the wrong places and with enough wear, the shape may get stretched out. If you can, buy a size up, if it doesn’t look too baggy. It’s always better to have a bit of wiggle room than stretching the material to the point it looks cheap or loses its shape. And it will most likely shrink a bit when you wash it anyway.
Avoid the Bells and Whistles
I usually live by the motto of keeping it simple when shopping fast fashion. That means limiting the tons of embellishments {sequins, ruffles} which can show a lack of craftsmanship. I love saving on summer sandals but the really cheap ones with tons of add-ons, plastic or elastic straps don’t last that long or beyond a single summer. And it’s best not to wear the same shoes day after day because they will wear down pretty quickly. That goes for all footwear, but especially be mindful of cheaper shoes. Because the last thing you want is for your gladiator style sandal to break on you while you’re on the go.
I usually live by the motto of keeping it simple when shopping fast fashion. That means limiting the tons of embellishments {sequins, ruffles} which can show a lack of craftsmanship. I love saving on summer sandals but the really cheap ones with tons of add-ons, plastic or elastic straps don’t last that long or beyond a single summer. And it’s best not to wear the same shoes day after day because they will wear down pretty quickly. That goes for all footwear, but especially be mindful of cheaper shoes. Because the last thing you want is for your gladiator style sandal to break on you while you’re on the go.
[bctt tweet=”These 5 tips make it easy to know when to buy or pass on cheap fashion”]
Vibrant Colors
White can stain easily, so you’re more likely to wash it. And black can get dingy. That’s why I like shopping for hues I know will stand the test of time and may even look better after a few washes. Chambray shirts and light to medium wash denim is a great example of clothes that even if they slowly fade over time, they look better the more you wash them. Also, some colors are so bold {cobalt, canary yellow, emerald, etc.} that they can maintain some of their vibrancy even after a few washes. And you can never go wrong with good ‘ol beige.
White can stain easily, so you’re more likely to wash it. And black can get dingy. That’s why I like shopping for hues I know will stand the test of time and may even look better after a few washes. Chambray shirts and light to medium wash denim is a great example of clothes that even if they slowly fade over time, they look better the more you wash them. Also, some colors are so bold {cobalt, canary yellow, emerald, etc.} that they can maintain some of their vibrancy even after a few washes. And you can never go wrong with good ‘ol beige.
Of course all stores have varying quality and even within a single store different garments have different lasting power. So it’s all about trial and error and finding what’s best for you and making the cheap look chic!
Do you have specific items you always buy at affordable retailers? How do you decide what to buy and what to pass on at cheap stores?
No Comments