Walkable and Wallet Friendly: Items for all your Berkeley Needs

Going to college in a city as diverse as Berkeley means you have to be prepared for any type of event or occasion. Whether it be scrambling to put together an outfit for game day, or throwing on some sweats and heading to Moffitt, there is a huge range of wardrobe staples every Berkeley student needs in their closet. As busy as we are, we don’t always have the time to drive to the nearest mall or shopping area. Here’s a guide for where to find the items you need for almost every Berkeley experience, only a short walk (or AC transit ride) away.

Theme/Costume Parties

I once made cat ears from a wire I cut out of an old headband and paper I colored in black with sharpie. Yes, sharpie. Themed parties are not hard to come by at Berkeley, but finding affordable pieces last minute can be a challenge. Everyone knows about Party Heaven, but their items are usually crazily overpriced. Instead, you can head to the vintage denim aisle or t-shirt rack at Anastasias, and find a funky shirt that might match the theme. Another hidden gem that people usually never think of -- Walgreens. Their accessories aisle can go a loooong way. Try buying a cheap headband and gluing something funky to it. You can even just buy some poster paper and paint and DIY something to stick on an old tshirt. This way, you can be the most creative one at the party and it didn’t cost as much as that $20 sparkly vest from Party Heaven.

Gamedays

Gamedays are always overcrowded by the same Hype & Vice clothes or classic Berkeley gear. While that stuff is simple and cute (I’ve worn my fair share), some of the cutest game day gear is DIY’ed or copped from a local store. If you’re in the mood to splurge on the coolest vintage Berkeley gear (button ups, t-shirts, sweaters), head to Indigo Vintage on Telegraph and look at the rack by the door. If you don’t want to make your wallet cry, you can also always cut up an old Berkeley t-shirt into something new. Try a v-neck or tank top cut and it’ll look completely different! Check out Joy’s clothing store in the under passage next to Unit 3 for affordable Cal gear. You can sometimes find shirts for $3-4, so you won’t feel (as) guilty cutting them up. It is so underrated and they have many different styles of Cal gear at the cheapest prices. Whether it’s an oversized jersey or a giant bear t-shirt, you’ll find some cute gameday pieces at an affordable price.

The Library Grind

On days I have a decent amount of work to do, but it’s not yet midterm season, I still try and wear some fun outfits even if I’m at a library or cafe most of the day. Cotton Basics on College Ave. is a must-visit if you’re looking for super soft, comfortable clothes. Thrift stores like Crossroads on Shattuck or Buffalo Exchange on Telegraph are more places I have found some comfy wardrobe staples. Crossroads has really great crewnecks, and Buffalo Exchange has a whole section of comfortable, funky pants that aren’t jeans. The best part about thrift store clothes is that they’re already worn in, so they often have some of the best loungewear or clothes comfy enough to study in.

Concerts

Berkeley’s proximity to San Francisco and our own music venues lead to a ton of spontaneous concert trips. If you ever need last minute concert outfit options, the sale rack at the Urban Outfitters on Bancroft is a gold mine sometimes. If you’re looking for more unique finds, head to Mars. Their vintage shirts would look super cute cropped, and their jacket rack is unparalleled.

Hiking the Fire Trails

Taking cute pictures at the top of the fire trails, donned in Berkeley gear is a college essential. You can find good activewear at Seasons in Downtown Berkeley or Shop College Wear on Shattuck. Reusing old Berkeley t-shirts or random ones you get from clubs can always make good work-out shirts after a little snipping. Cutting the sleeves off of old shirts always works. You could also head to the athletic section at Crossroads (I found a pair of lululemon workout short there for $15 once!).

Those “Business Casual” Coffee Chats

You definitely want to be sure you’re dressed to impress for that org you want to join or mentor you’re meeting. Even though it may just be in Cafe Milano and you’re the only one wearing a blazer in 80 degree weather... it’s fine. I’ve definitely had to scramble for a last minute “business casual” top before an interview, and I’ve found some great pieces at Anastasia’s (towards the front of the store with their new items) and at Therapy in Elmwood. Therapy has a lot of mature pieces that will look good with any blazer or slacks.

There are so many experiences Berkeley students have, all so uniquely different. These experiences make for fun new ways to challenge your style or put special pieces together. Now, you’re only a short walk or quick bus ride away from everything you need to make those memories in style.

Words by Alisha Mirapuri