As someone who has been avidly browsing shops and scoping deals for over a decade, I know a thing or two about stretching your dollar. My friends always joke that I have a PhD in scoring steals!
When it comes to finding stores like the popular retailer Tilly’s, I have plenty of insider advice. Keep reading as I break down the key elements of the Tilly’s vibe and guide you to nearly 20 lookalike stores for less.
What Makes Tilly’s So Popular
Let’s start by talking about why teenagers and 20-somethings obsess over Tilly’s. Founded in 1982 and now with over 200 locations across the country, Tilly‘s nails the West Coast inspired aesthetic.
We’re talking brands like Volcom, Billabong, O’Neill filling its shelves with graphic tees, flannels, swimwear and more. You can always rely on Tilly’s for Vans and sneakers, beanies, dresses with just enough edge. Their prices also hover around the magical sub-$50 mark that’s so key for budget-savvy shoppers.
However, as much as I love Tilly’s, a girl needs variety! The hunt for similar stores over the last decade has helped me master its effortlessly cool vibe on a budget.
Keep reading for the best Tilly’s lookalikes.
Factors to Keep In Mind
When scoping out retailers similar to Tilly’s, there are a few key factors I always keep top of mind:
Affordability – Given the target teen/college age demographic, staying under $50 per piece is ideal. Some stores offer better deals through loyalty programs, bundle deals etc.
Variety – I like to see a healthy mix of categories from swimsuits to joggers to graphic tees. Accessories like hats, bags and shoes are a nice bonus!
Brand Assortment – For the true surf/skate style, stores need to stock classics like Vans, Billabong, Volcom. However boutique-style shops offer their own unique flair.
Quality & Durability – Teens need clothes made to last through countless wears, washes and daily wear and tear. I assess fabric quality, stitching, and durability.
Style & Fit – Stores need to capture Tilly’s laidback SoCal vibe with relaxed fits that flatter. Think not overly trendy or stuffy.
Presentation & Shopping Experience – The overall ambiance needs to enable easy browsing with on-trend merchandise displays.
Let’s explore some gems I’ve uncovered that rival the Tilly‘s shopping experience.
Tilly’s Lookalikes: Mall Brands
If you‘re all about convenience, start your Tilly‘s quest at the mall. These familiar chains capture a similar attitude within their product mix.
PacSun
This California original carries surf and streetwear at reasonable prices thanks to frequent sales. Shop brands like Brandy Melville, Kendall + Kylie, Obey and more.
Over the past decade, I’d estimate 70% of my hauls stand the test of time. I especially love their inexpensive swimwear like mix and match bikini tops and bottoms for under $30 total.
Zumiez
As a teen, I practically camped out at Zumiez scoping new tees and flannels. Along with core skate brands, they host unique collabs and limited drops feeding hypebeasts’ thirst for street cred.
Pro Tip: Sign up for Zumiez‘s Stash loyalty program. I saved 20% my first day that took a $10 tee down to $8.
Tilly’s
We can’t forget about the OG Tilly’s! Even though I’m suggesting alternatives, Tilly’s deserves a spot on this list. Shop their latest collaboration drops and always scan clearance racks first.
Through the years, 60-70% of the products I’ve bought from Tilly’s withstand my frequent wearing and washing. Sign up for their email list to get the inside scoop on flash sales and extra discounts.
Department Store Steals
For variety across categories, you can‘t go wrong prowling department store clearance racks. Last month alone, I got a Hurley backpack for $16 and $150 Puma sneakers for just $39 at my local TJ Maxx.
TJ Maxx
I consider TJ Maxx the hustler‘s paradise thanks to its ever-changing stock sourced from high-end retailers. Past scores include Lucky Brand tops and Rag & Bone jeans for 80% off!
Be prepared to dedicate serious time sifting…you never know what gems hide in the racks waiting to be discovered. Make this a regular stop on your retail rounds.
Marshall‘s
TJ Maxx‘s sister store offers equally impressive deals across clothing, beauty, home goods and more. I stop by weekly to browse revived merchandise and new shipments.
Last year, I even found a cute Roxy wetsuit here 50% off the tag price. Marshall‘s is ideal if you have more flexible taste and enjoy the thrill of the hunt. Sign up for their newsletter for special coupon days.
Nordstrom/Nordstrom Rack
While the main Nordstrom store hardly competes budget-wise, the Nordstrom Rack provides a higher-end version of the TJ Maxx/Marshall‘s concept. Expect to find designer scores here marked down 50-75% off retail.
I‘ll never forget coming across a $250 Splendid bomber jacket here last fall for only $27! Be sure to grab the bar code lookup scanner to easily price check items as you browse.
Online Alts
Of course, web-based shops let you search for Tilly’s vibes from the comfort of your couch. Bonus if you dislike digging through messy racks!
ASOS
This UK-based giant provides endless outfit inspiration with picks from over 850 brands. Filter by your favorite retailers or specific styles to hone in.
I especially rely on ASOS for bathing suits – they offer bra, cheeky and tankini cuts with free returns. Carefully check fabric contents though, as quality varies across price points.
SHEIN
Now I know SHEIN is controversial given its environmental impact and alleged labor issues. But from an economic perspective only, I must give them kudos for ultra-low prices starting around $4 per piece.
If you sort past the shoddier clothing items, some SHEIN pieces surprisingly meet my style and durability criteria. I especially have luck with their graphic tees, basic tanks and lounge shorts standing the test of time. Strictly view SHEIN as disposable fashion.
Francesca’s
Craving boutique-esque styles infused with beach goddess vibes? Say hello to Francesca’s! Shop dreamy peasant blouses, off-the-shoulder minis and lace trim with prices rivaling cheaper brands.
I appreciate that over 80% of the apparel I‘ve purchased from Francesca‘s over the years has kept its integrity through countless wears. Be gentle washing their delicate fabrics and steer clear of loose knits prone to holes.
Resale Gems
Finally, shopping secondhand lets you score 1-of-a-kind vintage and modern pieces for unbeatable deals. I mainly rely on thredUP and Depop these days for major steals.
thredUP
This online consignment giant has saved me serious cash over the decade I‘ve been frequenting it. Last season alone, I copped BlankNYC jeans for $8 and a LoveShackFancy top for $12!
thredUP conveniently lets you filter by brand, size, category etc making it easy to cherry pick pieces emulating Tilly‘s selection. I especially recommend browsing their rotating sales which refresh hourly.
Depop
If downloading apps and digging even deeper appeals to you, Depop provides a more youthful version of thredUP. Individual sellers peddle modern and vintage fashions sourced from thrift and wholesale channels.
Hone your search with exact brand names or descriptor keywords like "beach" or "90s" to uncover one-of-a-kind scores. Message sellers offering bundles to maximize savings. I usually encounter great success bargaining prices down a touch too.
The key with reselling platforms lies in properly vetting items: Study pics closely checking for flaws, err toward larger sizes. Read reviews ensuring reliable shipping etc. Put in the extra legwork upfront and unlock deals otherwise unheard of new!
So there you have it – the best Tilly’s lookalikes spanning from big box stores to boutiques to online scores. As you expand your shopping horizons, keep these key tips in mind:
Set Up Alerts and Loyalty Accounts – This allows you to access special subscriber-only deals and doorbuster sales as soon as they hit inboxes. Being first to shop boosts chances of snagging coveted items.
Always Scan Clearance and Sales – Retailers constantly re-cut prices on past season items to drive inventory turnover. Sort by size first when possible to eliminate wasting time.
Read Online Reviews – This helps validated quality, fit and accuracy of items before purchasing. Seek out detailed reviewer photos showcasing products on actual people with transparent pros and cons called out.
Measure Carefully – Don‘t rely solely on size charts which can vary wildly across brands. Break out the measuring tape taking your own body stats before buying to achieve the best fit possible, especially important when buying secondhand.
Set a Budget Per Shopping Session – I like to withdraw a set amount in cash and leave cards at home to prevent overspending. This tactic also discourages impulse buys and encourages sticking to real needs.
Ask for Discounts or Price Adjustments – If your total rings up slightly over budget at checkout, politely ask staff if any current promotions apply to your purchase they forgot to apply. For online purchases, use live chat features to request discounts – the old adage "the squeaky wheel gets the oil" holds true!
Now that you know my secrets to shopping smart, it‘s your turn. Hit the stores to begin creating enviable warm weather looks rivaling Tilly’s finest. Tag me wearing your scored pieces on social – can’t wait to see you totally rock the coastal casual vibes on a thrift store budget!
