It’s that time of year when the leaves start to change color and the air becomes a bit cooler. We say goodbye to the joyous summer months and enter fall with a brand-new school year and a brand-new wardrobe. Though the end of summer is always an emotional time, I can’t deny that I look forward to wearing the comfiest, oversized sweaters and my favorite pair of denim jeans. Back-to-school shopping has always been my favorite time of the year because I get to see what’s trending for the season.

Based on the fall collections released last spring, some of the biggest trends for fall 2019 were plaids, puffy coats, asymmetrical necklines and an emphasis on pastel purples. Since a college budget does not include these runway looks, how can you shop for the fall in an affordable way that aligns with these popular trends?

For the average person not following Fashion Week shows like myself, the goal is to buy clothes that are simply cute, good-quality and don’t burn too much of a hole in your wallet. Some of my favorite back-to-school stores include Madewell and Urban Outfitters. These trendy shops always have a knack for making their collections appeal to teenagers and young adults, and their new arrivals for the fall are to die for.

Madewell also offers a student discount, which makes them an all-time favorite shopping destination. I love rocking a good pair of boyfriend jeans, and both of these stores always have a great denim selection. Also, in both stores, an abundance of plaid and puffer coats are for sale, which are right on the dot for the fall trend predictions. Regardless of the latest fashion craze, these stores offer clothes with a retro, vintage feel that gives off  a “cool girl” vibe, which is what we all want to achieve.

As the new school year begins and shopping season enters its prime, I encourage people to be conscious consumers. I’ve fallen in the trap of ordering the five-dollar top, because how can anyone resist that price? I know I have given you two stores that I absolutely love to shop at, but also recognize that sometimes we don’t need to constantly buy the newest clothes.

Fashion has a way of repeating itself. Find something from a couple years ago, wear it with the utmost confidence, and nobody will know that you wore it three years ago on picture day. Also, if you want to buy a new shirt, try thrifting. There are so many great thrift stores right here in Winston-Salem, and you can even shop online at ThredUp, an online retailer that sells thrifted clothing.

Also, support brands and companies that work towards being sustainable like Outdoor Voices, Everlane, Patagonia, etc. Obviously nobody is perfect, and I still shop at my favorite stores (Urban Outfitters, Madewell, Free People, etc.), but join with me in trying to cut down on fast fashion and showing some love to Mother Earth.