Trying to upgrade my wardrobe
 

I'm now an official interest for a sorority, and because of that I need to upgrade my wardrobe. The sisters all always look so nice, and while I have some nice(r) clothes, I also bum it a lot, so I need some help. I'm going to go shopping tonight and try to get some things. I was thinking of going to Deb, Forever 21 and H&M. Any other stores I should check out? (I need things that are affordable). Any suggestions of what I should be looking for?

Thanks!

Charlotte Russe is good for cheaper yet fashionable things.

I'm not one for cheap things though. Get a few really quality items and mix them in with whatever you have. If all you have is sweatpants and tees, then obviously you need to get more (and probably less expensive). Go for items that are structured and can be dressed up for nights out or for meetings. Anything loose, low cut, too tight, or strangely cut needs to be saved for going to the club. Pick up some nice blouses and a modest pencil skirt. If you're just looking for stuff to wear to class and want to look better than the girls still in PJ's, get some cute shirts (no words, but simple colors or patterns) and a nice pair of jeans. And find a nice pair of embellished flats. They can dress up anything.

Stay far away from the first two and only go to the career part of H & M.

If you need more business casual-type things, go to Macy's. They are having sales this weekend.

Make sure you know what is expected of you before you go spending tons of money on things that might not be appropriate.

trisigma212: She is interested in a multicultural sorority and what she is asking about may be part of her pledging requirements. It's not just a matter of "I'm going to be in a sorority so I want to dress better."

Also check TJ Maxx, Marshall's, Nordstrom Rack, etc. for higher quality stuff for less money.

Check if there is an Off 5th outlet near you (Saks' outlet). They usually have good prices on high-end clothing, and each week usually has some kind of special, like extra 20% off denim, or sometime extra sale on clearance. I've bought some amazing clothes there for great prices.

The website ideeli is also a good source for discounts on good clothing, but since it's a flash sale site, it can be hit or miss (or they might not have all sizes, colors available, etc.)

This has nothing to do with any requirements, it's all about "I'm trying to be a part of a sorority so I want to look better."

I forgot about Charlotte Russe. I shop there on occasion, but I don't usually find much I like there.

What's wrong with Deb and Forever 21? They have some really cute stuff, especially Forever 21! Deb is where I get a lot of my basics like camis and tees.

I also forgot about TJ Maxx. There is no Marshall's, Sak's, Nordstrom etc. anywhere around here...and Macy's is way too expensive, even when stuff is on sale!

Deb and Forever 21 have SOME cute things, but they take a lot of hunting. Much of their stuff is trashy, both in construction and cut. If you want to "upgrade" your wardrobe, it is not the place to go.

I respectfully disagree. Forever 21 is full of super cute stuff, and a lot of it is actually pretty nice! And I've never had a problem with quality from there either. Also, as I said, I tend to go to Deb for basics.

Well then, why did you ask the question if you weren't going to pay attention to any of the answers?

I am paying attention. But I didn't ask "Should I go to stores X, Y and Z?" I asked if there were any other stores I should check out and what I should look for. You said I shouldn't go to some of the stores I was thinking about going to, but I wasn't asking for opinions on that.

Old Navy, The Limited, Loft, GAP. Start with the sales rack. Great deals.

Ann Taylor Loft?

At those places I would most definitely have to buy off the sale racks! Even a lot of the stuff on sale there is out of my price range.

Why not do an online search and go from there? That'll save you time and aggravation.

ETA: if you know what your style is, what "look" you're going for, what looks best on you, then you can proceed with buying. And only buy what you love, not the "throwaway" or "fad" clothes that are cheap (yes I used that word). Buy quality, not quantity. It'll last and it makes a statement that will carry you far.

DUDE. We ALL buy off the sale racks. Chill out. People have been all over this thread to offer advice. Say thank you, and do with it what you will and be done with it. Maybe try actually going in these stores to check them out and see if anything catches your fancy. You can spend a little more money on an item that will have some longevity and maybe hold off on others. I'm pretty sure you aren't going to school naked right now and have some staples. You asked about a wardrobe UPGRADE. Upgrade slowly with a few nice pieces. You don't need to spend $500 at Nordstrom. But take $50-$100 to buy a few nice things, rather than a bunch of stuff that will fall apart after a few washes. Your choice.

And yes, Ann Taylor Loft. I bought a cute dress there recently for under $20.

I wasn't trying to cause any trouble. I was just saying that yes, I will be shopping the sale racks.

I'm going to the mall tonight to check out what I can find.

I do have staples, but a lot of what I wear is just your run of the mill jeans and hoodies, and I'm trying to get away from that.

Okay. I wasn't sure if you meant Ann Taylor Loft or if there was another Loft you were talking about. There isn't one of those where I go to school (or live for that matter), but I could certainly look online.

ETA: I want to get some cuter/nicer shirts, and probably some more cardigans (I have a couple and I wear them all the time because they keep me warm and look better than hoodies). Maybe get some more pants, or a couple skirts...