The British High Street has been transformed in the last few years. Even retailers which were traditionally deemed to be expensive – Marks and Spencer’s, Zara – now have value and basic ranges which are relatively low price. This allows the retailers to compete in markets which they currently had no stake, and it allows shoppers to take advantage of low prices and high fashion.
There are now loads of really fashionable cheap and cheerful shops meaning students can follow up-to-date trends without paying over the odds:
- Matalan
- H&M
- Primark (just beware of all your friends being dressed in similar outfits)
- New Look
- Peacocks
- TK Maxx (they sell up-to-the-minute brands at discount prices – but beware, it can be time consuming searching the aisles)
Supermarkets
The supermarkets are also another good source of inexpensive clothes - almost all now have a clothing department and the prices are really low. Again, their ranges are up-to-the-minute and fashionable.
Charity Shops
Consider charity shops for cheap clothes. In certain areas there are so-called 'designer' charity shops where you can pick up expensive brands for next to nothing, and depending where you live maybe even celebrity castoffs. The wealthier the area in which the shop is in, the higher the likelihood of good second hand products.
Have a look at the charity shop association website, for information in regard to store locations. TRAID is a charity shop where clothes are taken apart and made into new clothes by fashion students allowing you to be ethical and cutting-edge.

