Shop Smart at Forever 21

A couple of months ago, I read an article on Yahoo that talked about what to and what not to buy at the increasingly popular trendy clothing store Forever 21. Though it was an interesting article and it had some good points, I disagreed with a few of the things that they said to avoid. Personally, I love shopping at Forever 21, not because I can find what I am looking for every time, but because it is a fun place filled with many different styles. However, Forever 21 is notorious for its could-be-better quality that is associated with their low prices, and often there are shirts that could only be worn and washed a couple of times before reaching the end of its life. I have noticed in the past couple of months that Forever 21 has stepped up their game, offering pieces that are a lot better in quality at higher prices. In order to help you find the best purchase for the best price, here are some of my suggestions on what to look for and what to avoid when you step into any Forever 21.

Read more for suggestions!

Things to Avoid (or think twice) at Forever 21:

1. Loose T-shirt Material/ Knit Shirts

These shirt generally run anywhere from $10-$18. They are these baggy shirts made out of thin, T-shirt material or they are the loose simple knitted tops. In the past I have purchased a couple of shirts like these and believe me when I say, they DO shrink when you put then through the dryer. These shirts may be cute the first time, but after just a few washes they will look worn and you will find yourself stuffing them into the back of your drawers.

2. Party Dresses

I guess from a point of personal opinion, some party dresses at Forever 21 could be a bit classier and a bit longer. The short and tight, often animal printed or just one colored dresses are sometimes not the best choice. Some are simply too short to be worn appropriately anywhere (unless you dress like a hooker on a daily basis), and others are just not flattering unless you have a glamorous body. Some of these dresses, in opinion, are not very comfortable and they could be worn to a limited number of occasions. I guess one or two of these kind of dresses are alright, but I would think twice before buying that hot little mini, because that $12-$30's debut night may just be its last.

3. Cropped Sweaters

Even though the cropped look was or still is very popular, I wouldn't recommend Forever 21 cropped sweaters for everyone. These sweaters are very picky about body type and the sweaters that Forever 21 comes out with sometimes leaves me wondering how many people could actually wear and pull them off. I am not quite sure the price ranges, but I know that a handful is well over $20. Make sure to try things on to make sure it is the best fit!

4. Bandage Skirts (Or just really tight skirts in general)

I guess the same logic applies here as to the party dresses. These dresses maybe be cheap and sexy, but they are often very low in quality, very right, and very very short!

5.Larger Carrier Bags

I really do like how Forever 21 bags look online. They look good, sturdy and strong while fashionable and cute. However in real life, these are far from any of those good things. The material is often floppy and thin, and in opinion, they definitely do not match with the mainly over $20 price tag. I personally would avoid these bags because by investing just a bit more, you could really find a better quality bag that would last a lot longer.

6. Heels & Gladiator Sandals

My main complaint for Forever 21 heels is its height. I really wished that not every pair of pumps were 5". Secondly, since the prices are these shoes are generally in the $20s, no level of comfort is expected. There is a reason why some shoes are very expensive, and the reason that Forever 21 shoes are not is that they are probably not the most comfortable shoes you will ever wear.

I was never a huge fan of Forever 21 sandals, simply because they are such low quality. I mean just look at this picture: the base is flatter and thinner than flip flops, which would not possibly be good for your feet; the straps are also very thin and very cheap looking. Though only priced at around $12, I would skip on these because there are so many better options out there.

7. Cosmetics

I think the makeup at Forever 21 follows the rule of you get what you paid for. Cosmetics at Forever 21 are just for fun, in my opinion, and if you are someone that is picky about your cosmetics, I would skip on these cheap, cute, but low quality items. 

Things to Look For at Forever 21:

1. More expensive evening or casual dresses

Some dresses are more expensive for a reason. The quality is significantly better and the material sometimes too are really a lot nicer. I once bought an army green dress for $27 and the top was made of 100% silk. Of course the quality of the silk was probably not top notch, but that dress lasted me for almost 2 years now and it is still good as new. It all depends on the quality, so look for a dress that is good but may be just a couple of dollars more. 

2. Bottoms (Jeans, Pants, and Shorts)

I have always been a fan of Forever 21 jeans, especially the $10-$12 dollar skinnys. My favorite pair of jeans is a pair of dark almost black wash jeans that I got at Forever 21 for $11.50, and I have had it for well over a year. The material is thinner that normal jeans, but for $11.50, you can not really go wrong. Even if they only last under a year, I think their fit is worth it. The fit I think are either hit or miss, so if you take some time to try things out, you may find your perfect fit for a very low price! I am also a fan of pants and shorts at Forever 21. You can get trendy pieces for reasonable prices.

3. Lace and Chiffon-like shirts

I think Forever 21 does a good job at these kind of shirts, especially colorful ones. For the new seasons, get these trendy pieces for a lower price! For more classic and timeless pieces, you can splurge on, but for seasonal colors, save some moola with these cute tops!

4. Blazers

I am personally a huge fan of Forever 21 blazers! They have a huge variety, anywhere from playful to classy. Their usual price range is $20-$35, which i think is pretty reasonable. I have bought a really good quality blazer at Forever 21 for $27.80, and you can find your fit!

5. Boots

While I am not a huge fan for Forever 21 Spring/Summer shoes in general, I do enjoy their boots. The price range is around $20-$35 and believe it or not the quality is not as bad as you would think! I have a pair of workman boots that I bought for $32.80 and I have worn them for almost 3 years and they still wear great! Check them out yourself! These are also one example of trendy vs. classic. If you really want those boots that could go out of style soon, don't splurge and get them at Forever 21!

6. Basics

You can not beat Forever 21 Camis! From $2.80-$5, these basic piece are in my opinion a necessity. You can stock up on these basic and change them overtime! Even though they are not the fanciest things you will find, but they do their jobs! Any where from camis, tanks, Ts, and thin sweaters, you can find fabulous deals at Forever 21.

7. Unique/better quality Cardigans

Though some cardigan at Forever 21 are poor quality, some are actually pretty good, but they do come with higher prices. Cardigans over $20 at Forever 21 are great quality, and are unique and trendy! I recommend these types and purchases! 

8. Jewelry 

Of course, Forever 21 is famous for their affordable Jewelry. If you can not allergic to nickel, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, anything, Forever 21 has anything in the latest trends. Though these accessories are pretty low quality and do not last very long, for the price they should only be fun and trendy buys!

What are your favorite things at Forever 21? Leave us some suggestions! :-)

PS. Happy St.Patrick's Day everyone!