Swagger : Sales rack: Dress for less by avoiding designer brands, finding cheap alternatives
So those girls really have it figured out. Their feet are staying nice and dry in Hunter rain boots and their bodies comfortable in North Face coats. With their Longchamp bags slung over their shoulders, these girls are the epitome of style at Syracuse University.
But those styles were last year. It’s three weeks into the new semester, and it’s raining outside. Practicality and high fashion are locked in a battle for top priority as students decide if their bags and outfits should be sacrificed to the rain. Class started five minutes ago — it’s decision time.
More and more students at SU are shying away from monogram bags and overpriced brands. Many stores are offering similar products at half the price.
Longchamp bags may seem like the perfect companion for multiple books, but canvas backpacks are making a comeback. You can find a nice one for $49.50 at J.Crew, compared to the $125 Longchamp shoulder tote.
There are many affordable alternatives to Hunter boots. Rain boots of the same style, but without the word ‘Hunter,’ could save you a staggering $100. Inexpensive rain boots can be found at Marshalls and T.J.Maxx.
Boots that are almost exact replicas of the popular Hunters are available at Target for $24.99. Why spend so much on boots meant to slosh through mud and dirty water if you don’t have to?
The North Face jacket is also a popular choice on campus. However, the durable outerwear isn’t as chic as the rest of the fall styles. As Alexander Wang reinvents the camel coat, Karl Lagerfeld introduces faux fur to keep the body warm. Many retailers are selling stylish alternatives to winter jackets. At Zara.com, you can find a classic and sophisticated camel jacket or a strikingly bold faux fur.
Fashion is all about finding a niche in a sea of this season’s trends. The days of labeled clothing are on their way out. Retailers that tend to market a signature style, such as American Eagle, Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister Co., are struggling to sell. Meanwhile, retailers that offer rapidly changing clothing selections are skyrocketing in terms of success.
Companies like Forever 21, H&M and Zara offer an array of clothing that is constantly being updated to keep up with evolving trends. Being a fashionista at Syracuse doesn’t have to be about the expensive boots and jackets. Affordability in fashion is necessary in a receding economy.
While trends are changing at a never-before-seen rate, it seems more sensible to spend less. Staying warm and dry in the rain and snow this school year doesn’t have to be expensive, but it can fashionable.
Published on September 14, 2010 at 12:00 pm
