Where to vamp up your wardrobe on a budget

Photo of the Dolphin Mall logo taken on Jan. 16, 2010. Photo Credit // Pablo Andrés Ortega Chávez.

Ready to pop some tags but only have $20 in your pocket? Miami’s electrifying fashion scene is a dream for trendsetters, but for college students on a tight budget, keeping up with style can feel like a luxury. 

Luckily, Miami is home to several affordable clothing stores where students can find trendy, stylish pieces without breaking the bank. Here are the best budget-friendly clothing stores for students in Miami:

Thrift stores 

Thrift stores sell used clothes at low prices. Some of the most popular thrift stores in Miami include Magic City Flea, Peachtree Revival, Buffalo Exchange, Goodwill, Salvation Army and Crossroads Trading. These thrift stores are all known for offering trendy secondhand clothes, including high-end brands, at budget-friendly prices. Each place offers items you can’t find anywhere else.

Buffalo Exchange is a great place to score vintage and designer pieces for a fraction of their original cost. Goodwill and Salvation Army stores are great for finding affordable, vintage fashion. With patience, you can uncover hidden gems at low prices. 

At Crossroads Trading, you can trade in your old clothes for store credit. Thrift stores are a great place for Miami students to find clothes that aren’t too expensive and are super trendy. 

Flea Markets

Miami flea markets have much to offer, with a mix of cultures, vibrant colors, and low prices items, all within walking distance to each other. Each stand has something new and unique to offer, which makes flea markets so different. Some stands also offer vintage second hand clothing, like little thrift pop ups. There are many flea markets in Miami, such as Magic City Flea, Tropicana Flea Market, and Redland Market Village. 

Located in the heart of Miami, Tropicana Flea Market is a go-to spot for affordable fashion. You can find a mix of new and secondhand clothing, including designer knockoffs, urban streetwear, and vintage pieces. Many vendors sell trendy jeans, graphic tees, and stylish sneakers at a fraction of retail prices.


Redland Market Village is known for its Latin American influence, offering a mix of traditional and contemporary fashion. You’ll find embroidered dresses, handmade jewelry, and vibrant, patterned fabrics perfect for beachwear or casual outings. 

Miami’s flea markets offer a glimpse into the city’s diverse fashion scene. Whether you’re on the hunt for a vintage statement piece or looking to revamp your wardrobe on a budget, these markets have something for every style.

Dolphin Mall

The Dolphin Mall, located in Sweetwater, just a short drive from downtown Miami and the University of Miami, is an outlet mall with many popular stores for students to find affordable clothing. 

It is also a convenient shopping outlet for travelers, as you can take a direct shuttle from the airport to the Dolphin Mall. The stores in the Dolphin Mall tend to have high-end warehouse deals, which make it an affordable option. Dolphin Mall is Miami’s largest outlet and value shopping center, making it a top destination for students looking to shop affordably. It features outlet stores for brands like H&M, Forever 21, Levi’s Outlet, Nike Factory Store, and Old Navy Outlet. 

Stores like H&M and Forever 21 are known for being clothing stores that keep up with the frequent trends while being at an affordable price. They also offer higher-end clothing at higher prices, but for the most part, they sell high quality clothes at a lower, affordable price. 

Being an outlet store mall means the stores will sell their items for less money than their regular locations. The mall features over 240 stores, offering discounts on top brands in fashion, accessories and footwear. 

Ross Dress for Less

Ross Dress for Less is a go-to destination for students in Miami looking to stay stylish without overspending. With multiple locations across Miami, Ross offers brand-name clothing, shoes, and accessories at deeply discounted prices, making it perfect for students who want to look good on a budget. 

Ross Dress for Less sells clothes from popular name brands at discounts up to 60% off. They offer items from brands such as Coach, Micheal Kors, and Tommy Hilfiger. Ross Dress for Less is perfect for students looking for name-brand fashion at deeply discounted prices. From casual outfits to workout clothes and even business attire, Ross offers a huge selection at bargain prices.

Marshalls & TJ Maxx 

Similar to Ross, Marshalls and TJ Maxx both carry designer and trendy fashion items at discounted prices. Students can find stylish tops, jeans, shoes, and accessories for much less than retail prices. Both stores offer huge discounts on all items.

You can also find clothes from top brands like Nike, Adidas, Free People, Levi’s, Steve Madden and Calvin Klein at unbeatable prices. Both stores also offer home decor, beauty products, and dorm essentials at budget-friendly prices. 

The closest Marshalls and TJ Maxx to campus are both just three miles away. If students need a place to find affordable everyday items in any department, Marshalls and TJ Maxx are both the way to go. 

No matter your style or budget, Miami has countless options to help you elevate your wardrobe without emptying your wallet. Why settle for paying full price when you can score trendy, high-quality pieces at a fraction of the cost? Grab your friends, hit up these budget-friendly spots, and revamp your wardrobe with unique, stylish finds that won’t break the bank.