Finding inexpensive clothing options as a college student can seem nearly impossible, and many are without cars and unlimited funds. Luckily, there are multiple wallet friendly, convenient shopping options right here in Columbia.
As far as finding someone with a car, if you are a first-year student and without one, it shouldn’t be too difficult. At least one person will have a car, and hopefully, once you utter the word “shopping,” you will have found yourself a ride and a new friend.
Now, as far as affordability goes, this also shouldn’t be too much of an issue.
The first place to try is thrift stores and consignment shops. The vintage look is incredibly popular right now. Worn sweaters and faded cut off shorts are a must for campus style. A plus of wearing vintage is you know exactly how something will look after it’s been worn, stretched, washed and dried. Be sure you give everything you buy a good wash or two before wearing. My recommendations for used clothing: Goodwill, Salvation Army, Plato’s Closet and Sid & Nancy.
The Goodwill in Columbia sells by the pound so you’ll be pretty surprised by how much clothing you can buy for your buck. But if you’re especially pinched for cash, try selling a couple of things you don’t wear anymore at Sid & Nancy or Plato’s Closet, and with that cash, buying yourself a new shirt or two (or three).
Next, there are plenty of chain stores that sell new pieces for an affordable price. My favorites: Forever 21, Target, Urban Outfitters (new to Columbia!) and Love Culture. Among these, Urban Outfitters is the most expensive, but also the best quality. Urban Outfitters also features an entire sales room instead of just a sale rack.
Columbia is also chock full of boutiques with high quality clothing. There’s Wish, My Kim Collection, Petal, Just the Thing and M2 Boutique, just to name a few. And though boutiques tend to be a little bit pricier, there is nothing more important in a store than the sale rack. Wish’s discount store offers dresses for as low as $10-$20 sometimes. Pink Sorbet is another popular stop for college women, as Columbia’s Lilly Pulitzer Via shop.
Sales at the end of each season are a great time to check out these pricier stores. They will be trying to get rid of thin dresses in early September for thick, fall sweaters, but in Columbia, summer clothes can be worn well into October.
If you absolutely love a more expensive piece that you picture yourself wearing at least ten times a month, may it be a versatile sweater or perfectly fitting pair of jeans, buy it. Quality and use always outweigh something cheap you may wear out once. Just make sure you keep your bank account in check.