This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Jefferson chapter.

(disclaimer: nothing on these sites is $3)

Listen, you may not have the golden maknae’s closet, bank account, or talent, but you do have this article. We can be broke, but an icon as well. A broke fashion icon is still an icon.

With the rise of brands like SHEIN, Princess Polly, Boohoo, Cider, Aritzia, etc…fashion has been more affordable and accessible to those that want to dress on trend, but within a budget. SHEIN especially has become the frontrunner for affordable, trendy clothing. They have also in recent years replaced Forever 21, H&M, and Zara as the face of “fast fashion”. With so many content creators uploading fashion hauls from these brands, more people are influenced to buy from them as well. This has essentially caused many people to dress similar, if not with the same outfit. There’s nothing wrong with that, of course, dress how you wish. However, sometimes you want different options. Or perhaps, you’re looking to slowly branch away from fast fashion, and to invest in quality clothing that can be your staples.

Staple garments look different for everybody, and it all depends on YOUR personal style.

Building a staple wardrobe doesn’t happen overnight, it takes time to curate the pieces you genuinely like, but are of quality. Curating staples takes time because not only are you looking for quality “basics”, but styles that are flattering on you.

Remember that clothing should fit you, not the other way around.

Unfortunately, with mass manufacturing, it is difficult to find clothing that flatters your body shape. Don’t ever be discouraged if something doesn’t fit. You’ll find something else, there’s nothing wrong with your body.

There’s so many brands these days to shop from, and until you find your personal aesthetic, perhaps the brands listed below can help. The prices vary amongst the different brands, some are more affordable than others. These are well known brands that can offer you somewhere else to shop from other than SHEIN and Aritzia.

While the list of brands below provides more options, don’t forget brands like Walmart, Target, TJ Maxx, Ross, Abercrombie, H&M, etc… Many of these places aren’t the trending brands, but behind the scenes, many have been rebranding with a focus on sustainability and quality design. Let’s talk about brands, sustainability, and “green-washing” another time. For now shop around, have fun, and break fashion rules till you find clothing that gives you confidence and makes you feel your personal best!

In no particular order:

Lioness

https://lionessfashion.com

Charcoal Clothing

Charcoal Clothing | Australia’s Online Fashion Boutique – CHARCOAL

Emmiol

Emmiol® | Women’s and Men’s Jeans, Clothing & Vintage Aesthetic Fashion

edikted

edikted – Women’s Clothing Online

Glassons

Home | Glassons

Cotton On