FASHIONS Real retro styles can be found in vintage clothing stores

Save money by purchasing retro styles at thrift shops.
SCRIPPS HOWARD
With retro styles all the rage for fall, it seems only natural that the way to save money while staying in fashion is to either A) hunt through the mustiest, dustiest parts of your parents' closets, or B) head on down to one of the numerous thrift stores in your area offering beads, bangles and bells a-plenty.
Brittany Trembley, a sales associate at the Retro-Depot in Greenville, S.C., said so many of the styles teenagers are spending top-dollars for are available in original form in vintage clothing stores. You just need to look around.
"We have a lot of the bell-bottom pants that have been going strong for a while," Ms. Trembley said. "You'll see a lot of stores now trying to mimic that same style. People realize they can get bell-bottoms no one else will have because these are the originals. We even have some Maverick bell-bottoms from the mid-70s. Those seem to sell because it's interesting that you can see the original tags on them."
Save with separates
Betsy Thompson, fashion spokesperson for Talbots, suggested purchasing well-made staple separates that can be varied with accessories as opposed to buying several individual outfits in order to stretch one's wardrobe.
Young men seem keen on vintage button-up shirts and the thinner ties from the '60s and '70s that are available at thrift stores, while floral prints dresses are a hot pick for their female counterparts.
Get crafty
Oftentimes going cheaper involves getting a little crafty in your free time. Because T-shirts with various graphics from retro television and movies are popular, simply buy your own T-shirt and get iron-on designs in order to obtain the same look for less money.
Because cargo pants remain a staple for young men, try checking out the local army surplus store for cheaper versions of something very similar.
So when trying to save money, why not get the real thing for a fraction of the price?
"We have very reasonable prices compared to department stores and it's the real thing," Ms. Trembley said. "What I've found is that these clothes are a lot more durable as well."