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7 Affordable Stores for Back-to-School Shopping

Every college girl wants to return to campus looking and feeling her best, and that usually includes having a hot new wardrobe. Back-to-school shopping is a must for us fashionistas, but sometimes shopping on a collegiette budget can be a little depressing (not to mention difficult). That’s why we’ve compiled a list of stores that are both trendy and affordable. Thanks to these retailers, there’s no need sacrifice a small fortune for style!

1. Tobi


Tobi is a great online store for college students because of the array of affordable clothing it provides and the awesome 50 percent off sales it has on a regular basis. With cozy sweaters, cute daytime dresses, hot going-out clothes and more, it’s easy to invest in a back-to-school wardrobe here. Make sure to check out their new arrivals section for 30 percent off of the latest styles, which is updated daily. An added bonus: new members get 50 percent off of their entire purchase. Sales all the time on style-savvy clothes? It’s every college girl’s dream!

For a fall-ready look from Tobi, try out their Feel Good Jumpsuit ($54) in black. Wait for a sale or use your new-member discount to get this jumpsuit for only $27. Jumpsuits are very much on trend this season, and they’re easy for us collegiettes to throw on in the morning. Plus, this one is 100 percent cotton, so it’ll feel like you’re in your pajamas, but you won’t look like it! This jumpsuit can easily be taken from day to night with the addition of a statement necklace, like their Double Chain Curb Necklace ($10) and a pair of heels.

2. GoJane


Looking for cheap new accessories to flaunt on campus? GoJane should be your go-to retailer! They have an extensive range of sunglasses, shoes and jewelry for unbeatable prices. Check out their shoe section for trendy new sandals or fun new party shoes; you won’t be worried about trashing these in a frat house basement because of how inexpensive they are. And definitely don’t miss their sunglasses section for some pretty awesome designer-inspired looks, like their Wire Frame Aviator Sunglasses ($3.93), which could pass for Ray-Bans. Wear them with GoJane’s Perfect Basic Scooped Bodycon Dress ($14) and Teardrop Cutout Gladiator Sandals ($26.93), and you’ll have the perfect outfit to transition to fall with.

3. Necessary Clothing


Necessary Clothing is an affordable store with locations only in NYC, so unless you live in the New York area, your best bet is to hit up their website. The store has a ton of really cute tops, so it’s super easy to revamp your wardrobe for the new school year without breaking the bank. Definitely check out their rompers for a great look to transition to fall, like their Brickell Key Jumper ($34.99). The long sleeves make this a perfect choice for fall weather. Wear this look with the Diane Sandal ($21.99).

An added bonus of this site is that it has its own beauty section, so you can get a new head-to-toe look all in one place! Finish off your fall look with Soft Lip Matte Cream in Copenhagen ($6), because a berry lip is very on trend for fall!

4. Nordstrom Rack


For collegiettes who love Nordstrom brands, check out Nordstrom Rack, which gives them to us at a fraction of the cost! Nordstrom Rack is Nordstrom’s outlet store, which carries a lot of the Nordstrom products we love from brands such as Free People, BCBGeneration, Alice + Olivia and Michael Kors at much lower prices. With lots of store locations and a new site online, these discounts are well within the reaches of us college girls. Need a new moto jacket for fall? Pick up Blanc Noir’s Washed Linen Blend and Faux Leather Moto Jacket, originally $120 and now down to $30! When you wear it with Abound Pleather Detail Leggings ($16.97) and the Abound Racerback Pocket Tank ($16.97), you’ll have an edgy new look for fall. How can you resist the chance to get designer clothing for up to 70 percent off? This is a great location for back-to-school shopping for collegiettes who love designer labels at a fabulous discount.

5. boohoo


Originally a British store that now offers free shipping to the United States for orders over $35, boohoo is an affordable option for college girls who like a little European influence in their outfits. boohoo has a ton of items, so it’s nearly impossible to not find what’s missing from your back-to-school wardrobe. Looking for some new sweaters with a twist? Check out their Charlie Crochet Shoulder Jumper ($35.99), which features some gorgeous shoulder details, and wear it with their Neve Paisley Print Joggers ($29.99).

boohoo has a killer sale section, too, where you can get up to 70 percent off their already-low prices. With the sales, the free shipping and the low prices, boohoo is by far one of the best places to score your favorite styles for less.

6. ASOS


If you’re looking to have it all, ASOS is definitely your fashion stop. The site says that you can “shop from over 850 of the best brands, including ASOS’s own label.” That means that not only does ASOS have a lot of clothes, but there are some exclusive styles you can only get from ASOS. And for those of you always envious of celebrity style, check out their CELEBS <3 ASOS section, where you can see celebs rocking ASOS products. You’ll find links to the items so you can get the paparazzi-ready look yourself (without paying designer prices)!

And don’t miss their $30 and Under Dresses section, where you can load up on fall dresses like the New Look Mirror Heart Print Dress ($23.22) or the New Look V Front Skater Dress ($11.61).

7. Forever 21


We couldn’t forget about Forever 21! Last but not least, this store has been a staple in collegiettes’ wardrobes for, well, forever, because of its truly awesome prices. Because of the vast assortment of inexpensive clothing Forever 21 has, everyone can find items to suit their personal style within their price point. Most jewelry is under $10, most tops are under $25 and most dresses are under $30.

One of the best things about Forever 21 is their extensive jewelry collection because of how affordable yet chic it is. Their Scalloped Bib Necklace ($5.80) can instantly take an outfit from day to night. Try it with the Seam-Stitched Shift Dress ($22.80). Gorgeous statement necklaces and dresses at uber-cheap prices—how can we resist?

 

With these seven awesome stores in your arsenal, affordable shopping has never been easier! Stock up on a new wardrobe before heading back to campus so you can start the school year on a stylish note.

Bailey is a Contributing Writer for Her Campus and a member of Boston University's class of 2017 with an intended major of Magazine Journalism. At Boston University, she is the events coordinator at BU's chapter of Ed2010 and the events coordinator for Lord & Taylor's Trendsetter program. In her free time, Bailey can be found eating frozen yogurt with her friends or getting sucked into yet another Netflix series. Be sure to follow Bailey on Instagram and Twitter at @bclem412.
As the Senior Designer, Kelsey is responsible for the conceptualization and design of solutions that support and strengthen Her Campus on all levels. While managing junior designers, Kelsey manages and oversees the creative needs of Her Campus’s 260+ chapters nationwide and abroad. Passionate about campaign ideation and finding innovative design solutions for brands, Kelsey works closely with the client services team to develop integrated marketing and native advertising campaigns for Her Campus clients such as Macy’s, UGG, Merck, Amtrak, Intel, TRESemmĂ© and more. A 2012 college graduate, Kelsey passionately pursued English Literature, Creative Writing and Studio Art at Skidmore College. Born in and native to Massachusetts, Kelsey supplements creative jewelry design and metal smithing with a passion for fitness and Boston Bruins hockey. Follow her on Twitter: @kelsey_thornFollow her on Instagram: @kelsey_thorn