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With Black Friday around the corner, most of us are probably thinking of one of life’s greatest joys: shopping. However, as students, we’re often limited to our allowances from our parents. This makes shopping difficult when we’re alone: we’re not really capable of affording good quality clothing. So, many of us turn to fast-fashion: it’s cute, and cheap. Such brands, like H&M, Urban Planet, Bluenotes, Garage, Forever 21 etc. have extremely low prices, and trendy, appealing styles. However, they also lack something that I really value: quality. After a couple washes, most of these $5 shirts end up pilled and wrinkled.

Finding clothes that are both cute, cheap and good quality is difficult: many times, it’s a stroke of luck. Usually, they’re hugely discounted items leftover at the back of the shop. When you’re seeking these hidden gems, strategy is key: you have to know where, and when to look.

When to Shop

1. Shop at the end of the season

End of season clearouts are the best times to score deals at any clothing stores. This is when the leftovers from the previous season are put on discount to “clear out,” in order to make room for the new stuff from the new season. Just make sure to arrive early, especially if its a largely-advertised sale.

These end-of-season clear outs typically occur around the same times each year: mid-March for the winter season, early June for the spring season, early September for the summer season, and the end-of-year Boxing Day/New Year’s period for the fall season. Although many items discounted will be clothes that may not perfectly suit the weather of the moment, if you find a piece that you love, you can find time to wear it, even if it means next year.

2. Take advantage of shopping holidays such as Boxing Day, Black Friday

Although sales like these are hugely advertised, and the discounts do usually run pretty low, this is not always the best time to shop because a) there are way too many people at the malls, which makes the shopping stressful, and b) the discounts advertised are usually available year-round. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not a great time to score some good deals. Just make sure to arrive at the mall early on that day. Or, consider shopping online to skip the crowds.

3. Take a peek at the clearance rack

Typically, stores will have a clearance rack at the back of the shop. Here, even at the most high-end stores, you can count on finding some pretty steep discounts on last season’s styles. This is where you’ll find obscure, outdated, unpopular, or unusual sized pieces from the store. However, these are also the best places to browse: these messier racks often hide unique (and cheaper) items that others just happened to miss.

Next: Places to Shop

One piece of advice I’ve found to be extremely useful: shop where you would’t normally think to shop. Most times, you’ll end up finding a piece that you like. Reason is, other people with similar tastes wouldn’t think to shop there either, so the good stuff is left there all for you.

1. Hudson’s Bay

The Bay is a Canadian department store, selling everything from clothes, to furniture, to household appliances. Although it’s not the first place you’d think of for shopping for people our age, The Bay has got an amazing range of styles from high-end to low-end designer, and many of the brands there carry trendier, more modern styles. It also has some pretty decent deals most of the time, especially around their clearance section. Among the (usually messy) racks, typically located in the middle of the walkways, you can find clearance items from any price range. Most of the time the racks are labelled “up to 70% off,” but the highest discounts I’ve seen is 90% off. Despite the higher original prices at this store, with such steep discounts, you can easily find shirts, pants, dresses, and skirts for $10-$20.

One sale to watch for: Bay Days – these sales are advertised as “the lowest price of the season.” Although the magnitude of the discounts themselves are similar to those year-round, during Bay Days, you can get an additional 15%-20% off your purchase. As well, the clearance racks will be pretty loaded around this time, so you have lots more variety pick through. However, make sure to arrive early; coming on the last day of the sale usually means you’re picking through the leftovers of other people’s hauls.

As well, discounts are available year round! You just have to have the patience to pick through the racks. However, shopping at the end of each fashion season (and not during an advertised sale, like Bay Days) is most likely to land you with an easy, no stress super-steal.

Website: https://www.thebay.com/

2. Simon’s

Simon’s is another Canadian department store, organized much like the Bay. They too carry a variety of items, and a variety of designer brands. Similarly to the Bay, they carry lots of different styles, so although they have the appearance of a store for middle-aged people, they also do carry trendier, more youthful styles. As well, they also offer some pretty steep discounts in some corners of the store. Look for clearance signs at each brand’s section, especially at the end of the season; I’ve found clothes up to 85% off (final cost of $10-$20).

Website: https://www.simons.ca/en

3. Winner’s

Winner’s is a Canadian off-price department store, already known for their low prices, that functions a bit like an outlet. They offer many designer brands, but at discounted costs. Again, it may seems like a shop for middle-aged people, but upon closer inspection you’ll find many, many trendy pieces. As well, much of the time, these styles get discounted, because the middle-aged people who do shop at Winner’s don’t think to buy them. Although the prices at Winner’s are never high, during end of season, they too have clearance events where you can score discounts on the already-discounted items. Fair warning, the racks during these times are messy, and if you want to find the best items possible, you likely need to go through racks that aren’t meant to have your size.

Website (they do not offer online shopping, but have a list of stores): https://www.winners.ca/

4. Thrift stores/Consignment stores

As the saying goes, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Thrift and consignment stores are the classic way to get cheap clothes. And, with “vintage” being a trend right now, they are becoming an increasingly popular place to shop, even for those who can afford to shop at boutiques. Again, at these second-hand shops, you have to go through the racks (which will take a while) individually, but if you’ve got a bit of spare time, you can easily find vintage, designer brand items for fast-fashion prices. As an added bonus, wearing second-hand clothing is not only easy on the wallet, but also good for the environment, since you’re keeping clothing that would otherwise be thrown out out of the landfill.

Some thrift/consignment stores in Calgary include: Value Village (3 locations), SalvEdge Boutique (2 locations), but many more exist.

5. Online Shops

Online shopping is by far the easiest way to score discounted clothing. Although there are many, many cheap and trendy online shops (ie. FashionNova, YesStyle), if you’re looking for quality, it’s best to stick with reputable brands. Online shops often have lower price points and greater variety than physical stores, because they a) do not have to invest money on furniture, decor, or displays, and b) are not limited by store space. Therefore, even with the same brand, the online version of the store will probably have better deals, and more options. Take advantage of end-of-season clearouts, and check for sales often (you can subscribe to a brand’s email newsletter if you especially love their styles). With due diligence online, you’ll likely find some obscure, heavily discounted item that fits you perfectly.

There are also many brands that operate online only, and many times, these brands will offer steep discounts on your first purchase (to draw you in). However, before you buy anything online, check the legitimacy and reputability of the website. Some good-quality but affordable online-only clothing shops that I’ve had good experiences with include Missguided and Fabletics.

As well, don’t forget to look up any coupon codes that may be available! They can sometimes add an extra 15-20% off your purchase without any effort at all. Honey is a useful Chrome extension that automatically finds and applies coupon codes at checkout for you, just in case there may be a code you don’t know of.

All in all, if you’re looking for quality clothes on a budget, you have to shop smart: get on those clearance events/seasons, keep an eye out for sales (especially on the brands you love), and shop at stores you wouldn’t normally think to shop. Shopping is one of life’s greatest joys! Making the most of your money, shopping smart, and finding what you’re looking for while having fun makes it a satisfying and wholly positive experience every time.