Finding affordable alternatives to high-end fashion written by Joseph Zecevic photographed by Katherine Camara
A
s you walk around campus this season, you will see countless different people going to and from class, all dressed in their own fashion. While you might want some of these pieces, it’s often times like these the beautiful clothes and shoes seem just out of reach because of how expensive they can be. In today’s culture there is a push for more expensive and lavish fashion. In the fashion industry, more and more amazing clothes are produced almost daily, each serving looks that are stunning to both look at and to the consumer’s wallet. Sadly, many people decide to just give up on trying to keep up with the latest trends rather than throw all their hard-earned money on one pair of shoes. However, there’s another way to keep up with the latest trends rather than throwing away your paychecks. Many companies understand that the clothes they make are expensive and often release a cheaper version with a slightly different look. In other cases, many brands see what these higher-end companies make and release their own alternative for a much lower price. There has been a rise of brands that have typically not been seen as high-end with little to no fashion conscious, emerging into today’s world with a proud new look. One of the easiest ways to find new and exciting fashions for cheap is to check with online storefronts of your favorite stores. More often than not they will be running a sale. Another thing that you should always keep an eye out for is end-of-season sales because this is where you can find some seriously cheap and quality fashion options. And don’t forget to check the ads that pop up in your Instagram feed. These ads tend to be filled with a lot of cheap clothing, but you might run across that one piece that will really blow you away. The key thing here though is to not buy from the overpriced, shady vendor and instead go hunting at alternatives like Forever 21 or H&M. These stores are filled to the brim with very affordable and stylish clothing that will last you a few seasons at the most. They have versions of pretty much everything that’s in for a given season that will satisfy the want for something more expensive. Gabe’s can also be a gamble. If your chances are good, you can walk away with some serious bargains on great clothes. I once went not knowing I was going to spend any money that day and walked out with a pair of brand new Nike Air Max boots for $85, which are regularly $200. A good day to say the absolute least. It’s important to have these clothes because they give you the confidence and determination to stand out in the world for less. It will feel good to not only look awesome but still have money to spend on other things you want. 57
