Hopefully you hit the jackpot this year and got lots of gift cards and money under the tree instead of awkward sweaters and chapstick from your grandma. So you need a good place to stock up on all new clothes, shoes and everything in between before you head back to campus, right? Typical mall retailers like Forever 21 and H&M are great but those fast fashion chains make you really blow through your cash over things that will go out of style by next year or fall apart even sooner. And as college students headed into the "real world" more quickly than we would like, we really need to start creating a wardrobe that looks a little more like "I have my life together" compared to "I've been awake writing this paper for 72 hours".
To help you with the ever real struggle of finding practical clothes with an impractical college budget, here's a few online retailers worth your money in 2016.
1. Boutique 1861
This store is for more of a girly dressers, but has some really awesome dresses for a special occasion that look a lot more expensive than they really are. Although they can't beat the $10 dresses at Forever 21, the quality beats that prince any day.
2. Catbird
Catbird is a Brooklyn based store that has an equally as awesome online market. They don't sell clothing but have really unique accessories and home goods that would look awesome in your dorm. Although their prices are a little higher, buying better quality jewelry like this will make your whole outfit seem more expensive and last longer in the end.
http://www.catbirdnyc.com/home-gifts.html
3. Love Culture
Amazingly inexpensive going out clothes and any accessory your heart could desire. What more could you want?
http://loveculture.com/new-arrivals/juniorclothing
4. Necessary Clothing
Necessary Clothing is pretty self explanatory. It's necessary clothing. There's great clothes for parting, going to class, or just hanging out in your room. All at great prices. They also have some of the cutest shoes!
http://loveculture.com/new-arrivals/juniorclothing
5. Edge of Urge
Edge of Urge actually has a physical store in Wilmington, North Carolina. But for those of you who can make the journey out there, they have an awesome online store as well! Although they are more pricy for a college budget, they offer super unique pieces you cannot find anywhere else. They often take in newer designers not featured at other stores, so you're guaranteed to be the only one rocking that new outfit on campus. Plus, they have quirky accessories and random odds and ends for anything you could think of!
http://edgeofurge.com/collections/new
6. Tautmun
This retailer offers amazing prices and free shipping!! They have a huge selection of bralettes, swim, and accessories. It's a great place to stock up on all those little things you keep putting off purchasing because of your $5 a day Starbucks addiction that's draining your bank account.
http://www.tautmun.com/bralettes/
7. Reformation
Reformation is another brand that is a little more on the "investment piece" side for a college budget but their clothing is high quality and they carry a lot of essential pieces that will last you a lot longer than that $7 tee shirt from H&M.https://www.thereformation.com/
8. A'Gaci
This online retailer offers anything type of clothing for any type of situation you find yourself in. Whether you have to go to formal or to spring break, this store will have a perfect outfit for you. And at great prices, their career collection will help you look a little more ~adult-like~ for your next internship.Bonus: There's a plus size section!
9. Famous Basics
This company sells through Etsy, but they have some pretty awesome tee shirts that are definitely unique. A great way to make a simple tee shirt and jeans outfit stand out on campus.https://www.etsy.com/shop/FamousBasics?ga_order=mo...
10. The Club of Odd Volumes
This store literally has every random thing ever. Didn't think you needed a Danny Devito cushion? You do now. They sell quirky and funny bags, accessories, and shirts that really stand out!
https://theclubofoddvolumes.com/index
11. Zara
Although Zara has countless stores all across the globe, there's still a lot of us who have yet to be blessed with the ~elevated~ H&M. And if there's one thing Zara does right it's outerwear and professional clothing. Especially for those of us on a budget, fast fashion retailer Zara is still a great place to get statement outerwear that is both timeless and unique as well as basic professional clothing that looks a lot more expensive than it really is.
12. Lola Shoetique
This online retailer specializes in shoes for literally any occasion that are super trendy but durable without the high price tag.
So for whatever type of clothing you're hoping to snag over winter break, skip the mall and do it online!