By: Heather Habermehl
Kyle Kendall, senior, Information Technology major
Outfit Description: Kendall is wearing a basic black hoodie with a graphic-less charcoal v-neck shirt underneath. His jeans have a straight-leg cut. Topped with an ODU baseball hat, Kendall shows off his school pride.
Fashion Tastes and Preferences: Kendall explained that fashion is not a big part of his life. “It’s not that important to me. I just want to make a good first impression,” he said. He described his style as “easy, simple.” His outfit is a classic example of easy and simple done right; he looks clean and put together.
College-friendly Copy: “If I go to the mall to go shopping, I basically just go to two stores: H&M and PacSun.” Both of these stores are affordable locations for men and women. They offer apparel, footwear, jewelry and other accessories. If mall prices are out of your budget, Kendall said to try Walmart. “I got this hoodie there. It’s a good place when you need the basics.” He also suggested visiting thrift stores to find inexpensive clothing. He said, “I also find good stuff when I go to the thrift stores in my hometown.”
Walmart’s Clothing Lines Step Up Their Style
Often the subject of public criticism, Walmart has made several strides to upgrade its image within our society. This movement includes organic foods, improved treatment of employees and believe it or not, a trendier fashion department. Although Walmart does not immediately come to mind as a location for stylish apparel, the giant discount retailer has made strides to become more fashion-forward.
Walmart has found a successful tactic in becoming a more fashionable force: producing clothing lines sponsored by celebrities. One of its latest endeavors is a Miley Cyrus’ junior clothing line. Cyrus partnered with Max Azria, designer and CEO of BCBGMAXAZRIAGROUP fashion house, to create a joint collection sold exclusively through Walmart. The Cyrus and Azria line is composed of both basic and trendy wardrobe pieces, all priced at under $20. Graphic T-shirts, leggings, tank tops and embellished long-sleeve tees are the main garment offerings. The line began in 2009 and has offered fresh selections every season.
Even its clothing brands that are not celebrity-sponsored have vamped up their product lines to keep up with fast-fashion stores in the malls and their other discount retailer competitors that are known for their more stylish apparel departments. Because these trendier clothes are assembled to only last a few seasons, their material is inexpensive and the prices can be lower. This also means that the clothing will be cheaply constructed and may not fit well. These downsides are easily remedied by always utilizing the fitting rooms and, after purchase, always following the care instructions on the garment.
Above all else, Walmart is a cost competitor, so its apparel prices are guaranteed to be within the limits of a college budget. Walmart is already a popular college student destination for food and other, so giving the clothing department a second glance is worth the time.
