If Forever 21 grew up, snagged an entry-level job, and got seriously edited, it’d probably look a lot like A-Thread. We keep coming back for plenty of colorful, full-coverage options that will be fun on the weekends and quirky-cool in the workplace (case in point: this metallic sweater and this watercolor skirt). Most pieces range from $25 to $70.
Think of this site as a more subdued Modcloth. Options like Ark & Co’s blue pop blazer veer a little more sophisticated, but there’s still plenty of vintage-inspired whimsy to go around (case in point: this sequin-sleeved dress). Want to head right to the bargains? Visit the “under $50” section for plenty of choice finds.
If you’re not already a regular reader of Kendi Everyday, get ready to start obsessing. There’s a reason this Texas style blogger is one of the most well-known on the Internet, and we’ve got a hunch it has something to do with her uncanny ability to lend just the right amount of polish to casual, colorful basics. Bloom is the e-commerce arm of the McKinney, Texas, boutique she owns with her husband, Bryan Skeen. If you’re looking to nab a piece of Kendi’s signature style for yourself, consider this your delightfully affordable short cut.
Sydney Poulton first turned us on to this affordable online emporium, and we return regularly for easy weekend dresses, cute going-out tops, and more affordable sandals than we know what to do with. As of right now, the most expensive shoe on the site is $69.99—not bad, right?
The number one thing we wish we’d known while buying clothes in college: Whatever you do, don’t wear that super-expensive, one-of-a-kind dress/top/whatever to the next Friday night frat party. It will get beer spilled on it, and that will ruin your night. Good thing Urban Og has dozens of pages of on-the-cheap goodies for you to persuse, most of them hitting the $35-and-under mark (yes, that includes dresses). Our favorites right now: this Britney Spears-type frock and this decidedly classier striped number. There’s also plenty of outrageous footwear for your next theme party.
Studded iPhone case? Check. Spiked ear cuffs? Check. Crazy cat-eye sunglasses? Check, check, and check. If funky, one-of-a-kind accessories are your weakness, look no further than Shop Jeen. Founded by GW student Erin Jeen while she was still an undergrad, this online emporium has hundreds of little ways to punch up your ensemble, and we love that unlike that J.Crew bubble necklace, you won’t see this stuff on everyone else in Dupont Circle.
We’re suckers for the clean look of the site, and of the clothes that come way more true to size than what we’ve ordered on Nasty Gal. Inventory changes fast, so if you see something you like, order quickly! We’re currently loving this lace-shoulder blouse, this badass $39 faux leather peplum top, and this simple spike necklace.
So much cuteness we can’t even stand it. Love the whimsical patterns and the fun colors, and the dress section is guaranteed to stock your perfect weekend picnic frock.
The less popular cousin (at least according to Facebook) of Nasty Gal and Tobi, ThreadSence offers all the boho-rocker goodness a hipster girl could need. Think crop tops, crazy rompers, oversize sweaters, and plenty of denim cutoffs. Bonus: There’s also a pretty extensive gift section.
There are fewer options here than at some of the sites listed above, but we still recommend making it a part of your regular rotation—especially if you’re into simpler, more streamlined styles. Bonus: There’s a “blogger collection” section that shows how pieces have been worn by style bloggers around the Web. Free shipping and returns are also a plus.
Do not shop this Cali-based site if you’re looking to blend in. There’s a hipster-chic mix of trusted boutique names like Lucca Couture, Mink Pink, and Line & Dot, plus the occasional higher-end piece from Corey Lynn Calter or Durbuy, and overall, everything feels very LA. Some options, especially in the shoe section, can get a little expensive, so we recommend sorting from low to high price right off the bat.
Sarah is the Editor-in-Chief of Washingtonian Bride & Groom, and writes about weddings, fashion, and shopping. Her work has also appeared in Refinery29, Bethesda Magazine, and Washington City Paper, among others. She is a Georgetown University graduate, lives in Columbia Heights, and you can find her on Instagram at @washbridegroom and @sarahzlot.
