As someone who’s been obsessively scouring both online and brick-and-mortar shops for over a decade, I’ve developed quite a keen eye for standout stores offering of-the-moment styles at just-right prices. One such retailer that has captured my attention – and wallet – recently is Cider.
A Crash Course on Cider’s Cute and Affordable Fashion Formula
For those unfamiliar with Cider, let me catch you up to speed real quick. This digital-first fashion brand made its debut in 2020 featuring curated picks of womenswear essentials drawing inspiration from vintage and contemporary trends alike. By focusing specifically on zoomed-in Gen Z and millennial markets, Cider has honed in on coveted categories like matching sets, recycled knits, utility jumpsuits, polka dot prints, shoulder pad blazers, and more.
The direct-to-consumer approach coupled with ethical production partnerships overseas enables Cider to funnel major savings to shoppers. Most pieces ring up under $50 apiece – quite impressive given the premium quality construction and of-the-moment design details.
My Mission to Uncover a Myriad of Cider Alternatives
Clearly, I’ve become quite smitten with Cider’s style vision and value proposition. However, as someone who likes to mix up my go-to spots and discover fresh labels, I set out on a mission to uncover stores stacking up to Cider’s affordably chic formula.
After marathon online shopping sessions alongside plenty of brick-and-mortar store trips to scope out selections IRL (that’s “in real life” for the uninitiated), I successfully uncovered over 20 stellar Cider alternatives every bargain fashion fan should have on their radar.
From Cider copycats and secondhand steals to premium brands offering major markdowns, these stores all enable you to elevate your wardrobe without draining your wallet. Let’s explore them in more detail, shall we?
Cider Clones: Retailers Replicating the Styles
First up are the spots echoing Cider’s signature mix of vintage-inspired and contemporary styles blended to perfection.
Shein
As one of the fastest growing e-commerce forces in the game right now, Shein provides access to all the trending categories and aesthetics – think cut-out bodycon dresses, cargo joggers, crochet tops, and beyond – typically only found at premium price points. In fact, over 17,000 new styles hit the site DAILY translating to nearly endless outfit potential.
Given Shein’s lighting-quick supply chain direct from China-based manufacturers and rock-bottom pricing tiers specifically catering to Gen Z shoppers, building head-to-toe looks for less than $50 doesn’t require much scrolling or adding to cart.
While Shein certainly mirrors Cider’s casual-chic vibes and beyond budget-friendly price points, the sheer overwhelming catalogue can prove daunting to tackle without a time buffer. My advice? Utilize the outfit builder tool or style guide features to instantly funnel pieces primed for your unique taste.
Princess Polly
Another of-the-moment e-commerce retailer coming in hot from Down Under, Princess Polly brings elevated LA-inspired style to the masses for a fraction of premium prices. So whether you’re coveting polished sets, vibrant going-out looks, opulent accessories, or the season’s hero silhouettes, this Aussie import delivers the full fashion fantasy package without the usual lofty price tags.
In fact, entire #OOTD getups with shoes and jewelry included frequently ring up around $100 – aka the cost of one measly item at traditional department stores!
Beyond affordability, Princess Polly also mimics Cider’s effortless vibe blending vintage threads with modern must-haves fit for all-day wear or nights out. Throw in a try-on program where you pay ONLY for what you keep and speedy shipping to your door in 2-4 days, and discovering this retailer may just cause permanent closet shift!
Revolve
While Revolve rings in as a pricier alternative v. Cider and other mass market merchants, playlist-worthy tunes and effortlessly styled threads lining the racks and site make it a beloved retailer for a reason. As an early e-com adapter, Revolve expertly carved out its niche spotlighting elevated basics from hundreds of coveted womenswear labels from lovers + friends, Free People, Levi’s and beyond alongside upcoming designers still flying under the radar.
For style seekers and deal finders alike, make the markdown section your first stop to score previous season styles at up to 70% off. Filter by size, color, product type, or simply sort by price: lowest first to discover the best discounted gems. With deals this good, Revolve gives Cider a run for its money!
Secondhand & Sustainable Steals
Part of Cider’s appeal lies in their focus on sustainable materials and manufacturing methods aimed at reducing textile waste plaguing our planet. For even more eco-friendly scores, check out these resale retailers helping to extend the lifecycle of clothing.
ThredUP
As the world’s largest online thrift store, ThredUP offers like-new secondhand apparel for up to 90% off estimated retail prices by partnering directly with 35,000 brands and sellers globally. Whether you’re coveting distressed denim, cardigans, utility jumpsuits or any other Cider classics, ThredUP‘s stock spans styles and sizes to suit any taste.
Pro tip: Head to their “Stores” section and filter specifically by Free People, Anthropologie, Madewell or your other favorite brands to quickly uncover items aligning with that coveted Cider essence for less.
Poshmark
Similarly, Poshmark also provides access to secondhand scores direct from other sellers’ closets at up to 70% off retail. Given the community-based approach, you can rest assured you’re scoring uniquely curated products from real people (not bulk secondhand stock). Between the 150K+ new listings DAILY and Posh Protect purchase protection guarantee, flexing your fashion prowess sustainably has never been easier.
Filter by categories, brands, sizes, prices and more to uncover tons of on-trend gems emitting total Cider energy at circulating closet prices. Case in point: a Free People thermal henley in pristine condition scored for only $12 instead of $68 retail. Now that’s what I call a major score!
Standout Shops With Similar Vibes
Beyond the actual apparel assortment, part of Cider’s magnetic allure also stems from their carefully curated boutiques mixing vintage furnishings and decor with current tunes spinning and good vibes flowing. For a similar upbeat atmosphere, be sure to browse IRL at these spots.
Free People
Channeling a modern boho spirit with locations lined with reclaimed wood accents, cozy furnishings, and eclectic tunes, Free People’s boutiques exude the same bright and relaxing energy as Cider. As an OG purveyor of festival fashion themselves, Free People offers a range of easy-breezy dresses, distressed denim, knit staples, and accessories very reminiscent of Cider’s earthy offerings.
While regular retail prices skew higher, the sales and outlet sections harbor hidden gems for less making it easier to get the FP look on a Cider budget. Insider tip: sign up for their Style Pass membership to unlock perks like free shipping, returns, early access to sales, and birthday discounts for just $58/year.
Urban Outfitters Anthropologie
Within the URBN brand empire lie two more aesthetically-pleasing shopping destinations for Cider fans. Urban Outfitters mimics Cider’s hip boutique setup with vinyl records, reusable decor, and local goods lining the shelves. As a style purveyor themselves, UO stocks an array of fashion-forward fits from ruched bodycons and puff sleeves to utility jumpsuits at wallet-friendly prices.
Meanwhile, sister store Anthropologie dazzles with boho-chic furnishings and artisan-made goods filling the stores. Their selection encompasses breezy maxi dresses, jumpsuits, knits, and accessories exuding the same feminine flair as Cider’s offerings. For the best deals to stock up on, shop Anthro‘s frequent sales and loyalty program perks.
Closing Considerations When Seeking Cider Alternatives
And there you have it! Over 20 delightful stores to discover your next standout look for less – just like Cider but different. When deciding where to splurge your hard-earned cash next, consider factors like:
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Price – What sales or loyalty programs are available? Can I score free shipping or returns?
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Convenience – Is curbside pickup or virtual styling available? How quick is shipping and returns?
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Sustainability – Does the company offer eco-friendly or secondhand options?
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Customer service – Can I easily ask questions or get post-purchase support?
No matter where your fashion journeys take you, I hope this intel helps uncover fresh style at even better savings. Drop me a line with feedback or requests for more shop alternatieves worth knowing!
