As summer slowly starts to come to an end, it’s time to think about how you’ll stand out this school year. Every high school and college student knows the importance of a stellar wardrobe for making a great first impression. However, the age-old question still remains: Where can I buy the best clothes at the best price?
With hundreds of stores, deciding where to spend your sometimes limited amount of money can be the hardest part of back-to-school shopping. I know my Instagram feed is flooded with influencers, brands and advertisements, all selling similar products at different prices. Luckily for you, I’ve compiled a list of the best stores to shop this school year based on affordability, my personal experience and reviews.
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Lululemon’s reputation for exceptional athletic wear precedes it. From athletic dresses to comfortable men’s joggers, Lululemon is a one-stop shop for comfortable clothes for class. The only downside to Lululemon is the price tag. Its clothes definitely are an investment, but it’s an investment that’ll last.
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Believe it or not, Dick’s sells some of the best affordable athleisure wear there is. DSG, the Dick’s Sporting Goods brand, sells leggings, shorts and more at half the price of competitors. In need of an easy, cute yet comfortable outfit for class? Throw on a pair of $18 DSG Bike Shorts with an oversized T-shirt and you’re good to go.
The Dick’s summer sale is happening now, and you can get up to 70% off select gear and apparel.
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You may or may not have gotten several Princess Polly ads on social media and wondered: Is it worth it? I remember thinking the same thing after seeing my seventh Princess Polly ad, so I decided to check it out.
The answer: Yes, Princess Polly is worth it. It’s the best place to go for bodysuits and cute skirts (the black Lutana bodysuit is a staple of mine). With a whole section of its website dedicated to “Campus Cool,” there’s something for everyone. Plus, students can receive a 10% student discount after signing up for a Student Beans account.
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Garage, a sister brand of Dynamite, has tops, jeans and dresses that are both trendy and timeless. From halter tops with loud patterns to basic black tank tops, shopping at Garage will spice up your style as little or as much as you want. Although some of the trendier tops may not be flattering for those with a bigger bust, pieces such as the Serena Seamless Plunge Tank are perfect for everyone.
Don’t forget to be on the watch for sporadic mid- and end-of-season sales!
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I must admit that for years I refused to shop at Old Navy because my mom and grandma both shopped there. However, after years of resistance I finally caved and was more than pleasantly surprised.
Dick’s may have the athleisure bottoms, but Old Navy for sure has the best athleisure tops. Old Navy’s athleticwear is of comparable quality to its sister brand Athleta; except the price tag at Old Navy is significantly less. I’ve received several compliments on my $20 Light Support PowerSoft Sports Bra, which serves both as a casual top and yoga sports bra.
