by Jt Clark

Created on: August 20, 2011

Being a high school student, at a fairly large high school (450 in my graduating class), it's rather important to be up to date with all the different clothes and styles of my fellow student body. But, on my budget, doing so would leave me with a pair of shoes and maybe some shorts. I simply do not have the money to spend buying the brand name, new clothes that all my friends have. So, what is my solution you may ask? Don't buy new. It's an obvious, easy, simple, and cheap alternative that helps you keep in style for the right price.

A "popular" outfit for me to wear at my high school would be the following: A pair of clean "fresh" Jordan High Tops, either cargo shorts or name brand basketball shorts, and a T-shirt with either a sports team, or a well known name brand printed on the top. Bought new, you're most likely paying $120 for the shoes, $20-40 for the shorts, and anywhere from $10-30 for the shirt. Now, if you go to a place like Plato's Closet, where all the clothes are sold to the store by other people, you can find most of these items for half the price. I've gone to Plato's on numerous occasions and have found shoes that were obviously never worn being sold for half what they're worth. The selection of shirts and shorts is usually endless as well. Everything is much cheaper then retail price, and will save you huge amounts of money.

If you're looking to save even more money, try your luck at a Goodwill. All T-shirts are sold for $2, while every other clothing article is most likely under $5. I've even heard of some very lucky people to walk out of the store with brand new shoes for about $12. It is definitely a solid option if you have the patience that is. I find myself spending nearly a half hour looking through shirts to find the perfect one. It has to be the right size and style, and when I find it, it's definitely worth it.

If you can't stand the thought of wearing used clothing, don't forget to keep your eyes open for any signs that say clearance, or sale. Stores usually have clothes that they haven't sold fast enough, and so, they cut prices 20, 30, 50, maybe even 75 or 80% off.

And lastly, make sure to check large department/outlet stores, or stores that sell damaged clothing. Both either sell overstocked items, or slightly damaged items at much lower prices. My main advice on this topic is, do not buy brand new, retail rice clothing. The retailers make a killing off you when you do, and if you're like me, you most likely don't have the money to anyway. Always keep in mind that there are other, cheaper options.

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