Shop smart during a recession

With our country in a recession and the economy in shambles these days, it’s important to bargain shop. After all, not all of us can afford to buy $150,000 worth of clothes from Saks and Neiman Marcus like Sarah Palin.

To help you get the most bang for your buck while staying fashionable, I drove around town to a few of my favorite stores to find some of the best clothes at prices that won’t break your wallet and some clothes that are cheap but should be left on the rack.

My first stop was at Old Navy in College Mall. The thing I love most about Old Navy is you can always count on their clothes to be relevant and fashionable, yet laid back at the same time. It’s great for a T-shirt-and-jeans guy, but it’s also beginning to perfect a look that caters to the more sophisticated.

The first things I noticed upon walking into the store were wool argyle sweaters and patterned ties. They looked surprisingly chic and sophisticated. The sweaters came in patterns of green, gray, red, blue, etc., and were priced at only $29.50. They go well with a collared button-up underneath. According to Old Navy employee and IU junior Erin Krieg, the sweaters and button-ups are not the store’s best sellers, but are essential to a man’s good taste in clothing.

“Argyle is not one of our key items,” she said, “but it’s definitely one of our classier items. The button-ups look great, and they are so inexpensive. It’s a basic item any guy should have.”

The store has capitalized on the growing popularity of corduroy trousers, selling them in black, khaki, brown and gray. They look great but are a bit inconvenient because of the button-up crotch. I’d opt for a zipper instead.

The best item in the store is the peacoat. I compared it to Target’s peacoat and a more expensive Perry Ellis coat at Macy’s, and neither compared to the high-quality fit of Old Navy’s. On top of that, it was also cheaper at just $60. I went ahead and bought one.

At Target, I’ve always been impressed with the Merona men’s clothing line, particularly the its suit separates. They come in both wool and a combination of polyester and rayon. The pants are $24.99 and the blazers are $59.99, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a better suit under $100. Merona’s flat-front pants are also trendy and comfortable. My favorite comes in gray check.

Lastly, I trekked to another one of my favorite stores, T.J. Maxx. In town, the store is near niether Target nor Old Navy, so it’s not likely that you’ve made it a regular shopping destination. If this is so, it’s time for a change. From shopping there frequently, I can tell you the best values you’ll find will be on Ralph Lauren apparel. Sweaters originally priced at $150 are marked down to $79. High-quality polos are marked down by more than 50 percent in some cases. The line’s trousers are the best you’ll find. The lightweight feel, well-sewn inseam and thought-out waistline gives these trousers a comfortable feel that is unmatched.

The next time you decide to go shopping, make sure you hit these three stores. They’re college student-friendly, and I promise you won’t leave with a guilty conscience from overspending.