Walgreens has always been my favorite store. Growing up, I'd ask my parents for Walgreens gift cards on any given holiday. But the one by my house in downtown Chicago was different than the average location. Besides the stock of amazing knickknacks, like the hilarious red inhaler clip I wore on my jeans (the only time I loved having asthma), it also sold rad clothes.
No, seriously. It sold clothes. And the store never ceased to amaze me. One day, I'd find sweatpants with "Chicago" plastered on the butt. The next, I'd score a vintage-looking pullovers that read "The Windy City." Plus, there were always homemade-looking tees, dresses, and sweats that made me wonder if a friend of mine was making and selling them on the down-low. It became a cool, secret place to shop; only a few other kids from the neighborhood knew of the splendors inside that Walgreens — and we relished in it.
Of course, not all your drugstores are a style haven. With all my time spent digging through Walgreens for hidden fashion gems, I became a pro at navigating all drugstores — not just for Advil, but for unexpectedly cool clothes and accessories. Obviously, you're not going to build an entire wardrobe from your corner shop (and some do have more of a bounty than others), but there are definitely key pieces to look out for while you're buying yourself some Band-Aids. Ahead, you'll see what I keep my eye on every time. Consider this our little secret.
Souvenir Caps
Dad hats have been a trend on our radar for a while. But what's next? We're betting on souvenir caps with wild-and-crazy designs. And there's no better place to find the best options than different drugstores across the country.
Photographed by Rachel Besser.
Fishnets
Fishnets are back in a major way. Pull them up above the waist of your pants and let them poke out of the top with a cropped shirt. Or show them off at the bottom of your pants with a slip-on mule or low-top sneaker.
Photographed by Rachel Besser.
Barrettes
Trying to channel the '90s, but in a low-key way? Barrettes are the way to do it. Grab the giant pieces and pop one or two of 'em on each side of your head.
Photographed by Rachel Besser.
Textured Socks
Diabetic socks are designed to not constrain legs or feet, which means they come in a looser knit texture. This adds the type of dimension to your shoe game that you'd normally only find with super-expensive options.
Photographed by Rachel Besser.
Oversized Tees
Hit up your drugstore to get a six-pack of beer XL mens tees. Either tie them up in a knot at the back or wear them loose with a skirt or pair of flowy pants. You don't need to pay extra for a great oversized T-shirt. This I promise you.
Sleek Belts
Stop buying overpriced belts! You can bet your bottom dollar that you'll find a sleek version at the drugstore. Clean, simple belts on a high-waisted pair of pants with a turtleneck or tee tucked in is a look that's just right for fall.
Photographed by Rachel Besser.
Sheer Socks
This is my favorite drugstore steal right now. I'll admit that I have spent upwards of $15 on sheer socks. But then, I realized if I scrunch down a pair of sheer trouser socks, I have the exact same thing for a fraction of the price. Literally, cha-ching.
Photographed by Rachel Besser.
Retro Shades
Small, wire-framed shades may be having a comeback, but these are another fashion find you should absolutely not spend a fortune on. Get ahead of the curve with a pair of sunglasses like these — they're from the corner store and better than you ever imagined.
Photographed by Rachel Besser.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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