Best for: Trendy It-girl-approved pieces, timeless assortment of basics, stylish athleisure, puffer jackets
Price Point: $$-$$$
Whether you’re hitting up prom, graduation, or a simple night out with the besties, Lulus is by far the best well-stocked retailer for all things occasionwear. Here, you’ll find formal gowns and other fancy-schmancy pieces at a reasonable price — and it especially comes in clutch for those last-minute events.
“Lulus is great when I need a formal dress in a pinch,” says Ami. “I turn to Lulus when I need to quickly secure an outfit! They’ve got a great selection and fast delivery, which helps with chaotic shoot days, as well as an easy app that easily lets me add items to my cart quickly and process my payment from the comfort of my podcast chair.”
Best for: Formal styles for any and every occasion, fast shipping
Price Point: $$-$$$
From flowy boho gowns to festival-ready attire, Free People is the cool-girl store that’s filled to the brim with trendy closet staples. It’s also known for keeping a cozy selection of loungewear and chunky knits guaranteed to keep you looking and feeling comfy and cute. Its offerings can be pricey at times, but don’t fret — you can find some of its most coveted items on rental platforms like Nuuly.
Best for: Designer offerings, boho-inspired styles, gifts, cozy and comfy basics
Price Point: $$-$$$
As a former employee, I’ve seen the coolest teens come in and shop at Reformation. The LA-born label is an all-in-one shop for sustainably-made dresses, basics like jeans and tees, and even eco-friendly swimwear. Just as we thought they couldn’t get any more chic, the brand has been releasing collabs with stars like Suki Waterhouse, Kacey Musgraves, and more. Though prices can be steep at times, trust that these pieces will be in your closet for years to come.
Best for: Sustainable, long-lasting wardrobe staples, celebrity collaborations, quality jean selection, frilly gowns for year-round
Price Point: $$-$$$
Alo Yoga does vibrant workout sets like no other. From colorful dresses to cheeky shorts, the activewear brand carries a slew of fun silhouettes to workout or lounge around the house in. If its wide selection overwhelms you, the brand has a curated tab inspired by celebrities like Kendall and Kylie Jenner and BTS’s Jin, among others.
Best for: Vast selection of activewear and athleisure, breathable workout essentials
Price Point: $$-$$$
Think of any brand name and Nordstrom probably has it. The luxury department store also caters to its small but mighty teen customer base, no matter the aesthetic. Think TikTok-favorite labels like Edikted to sought-after finds like Adidas Sambas — at Nordstrom, you’ll find it all!
Best for: Designer selection, offers TikTok and teen-approved brands, trendy and timeless offerings, gifts
Price Point: $$-$$$$
For the teen that can never have enough color in their wardrobes, Lisa Says Gah is exactly where you need to shop. The LA-based store has both an IRL and online selection of kitschy designs from emerging designers and its own in-house styles that’s sure to give a dopamine rush. Like Free People, some LSG pieces can be found on Nuuly.
