5 Places to Shop Preppy on a Budget

It's the new year and, if you read my last blog post, you know shopping less is one of my goals for 2018. While I personally want to just stop shopping completely (we'll see how well that goes!), some of you friends might just want to shop smarter or spend less in 2018, so this blog post is for you! I've put together a list of my five favorite places to buy great preppy clothes without having to spend a whole lot.

We all know the big preppy brand names; Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers, Tommy Hilfiger, Vineyard Vines, Lilly Pulitzer, J. McLaughlin, etc. With those brand names come expensive price tags, but it doesn’t always have to be that way. You can still dress preppy without breaking the bank, and these five places are my top recommendations for your next preppy shopping spree!

1. Old Navy
   Deservedly at the top of the list is Old Navy. With prices that are a fraction of those of other preppy brands, plus the sales they have to lower their prices even more, I'd say they’re a necessary stop on your next shopping trip.
2. Outlet stores
   Most of your favorite preppy stores have outlet stores as well. My top favorite for the best deals is J. Crew Factory, but you can also find Vineyard Vines, Tommy Hilfiger, and Brooks Brothers Factory Store, to name just a few. Look-up your local outlet mall and see what they offer, you may be surprised!
3. Discount stores
   Second to outlet stores, discount stores such as TJ Maxx and Marshalls also sell brand names for a fraction of their normal costs. Recently I've seen Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, and even Lilly Pulitzer for sale. These stores can be hit or miss, but they’re always worth giving a look.
4. Sale racks and events
   It may seem simple, but don’t forget to also check the sale racks at your favorite stores. You can find some great pieces in the clearance section in both the retail locations and the online stores of your favorite brands. Some brands even have annual sale events. Lilly Pulitzer, for example, has two sales a year called their “After Party Sale”, and a number of other brands and the stores that carry them, such as Lord & Taylor or Macy's, hold “Friends and Family” sales as well.
5. Thrift and consignment shops
   The less popular, but just as great an option. If you give thrift and consignment shops a chance, and just remember that all items are thoroughly cleaned and some were never even worn before, you may just fall in love. There’ll be days where you can’t find anything, and then days where you’ll find so many fantastic preppy pieces for absolutely incredible prices. (I'll be writing a whole separate blog post next month about thrifting and sharing some my favorite finds, so keep an eye out!)

With all of these options, you won’t have to worry about your budget as much the next time you go shopping for preppy clothes. And with the prices you’ll pay, you can get even more items for less to grow that wonderful wardrobe of yours this year!

Do you shop any of these places? What're your favorite tricks to spend less on clothes?

I'd love to know in the comments below! xo