As professional, lifelong shoppers, we here at Refinery29 know where to find the good stuff. We delight in studying every possible retail resource to suss out the best of the best for our readers — and ourselves. While we certainly have our go-to fashion spots (s/o to team favorites Net-a-Porter, & Other Stories, and Target), we also know that some of the most exciting pieces are found by looking in unexpected places. The only thing better than an on-point find is knowing that it came from a place where it might not be discovered by your average shopper; or that you’ve repurposed an everyday item in an alternative way.
It might not surprise you that once we editors get together — or get to Slacking — we start swapping stories about these rare, eye-opening discoveries. The “You got it where?” conversation happens more than you’d think within the walls of our office, and it’s such a source of entertainment for us that we just had to share. From repurposing menswear for the beach to shopping the lesser-known clothing section of Home Depot, our editors can get really creative when it comes to sourcing wardrobe components. Click on through to read about the shopping MVPs here at Refinery29, and where they score their coolest stuff. You’ll never guess where they’re assembling their ‘fits.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Eliza Huber, Fashion Market Writer
Out-of-the-box shopping find: “I’m addicted to buying cheap, bulk packages of Fruit of The Loom white tanks and boys’ Hanes tees at Target.”
Satisfaction guaranteed: “Honestly, I find them better than the pricey picks you could get from other basics brands and they’re usually less than $10 for a multi-pack. As for why I buy boy’s instead of women’s for these items: women’s items are usually more tailored and fitted, and I prefer a more comfortable, oversized fit.”
Hanes Boys’ Hanes 5-Pack Crew T-Shirt, $9.49, available at Target
Laura Delarato, Senior Creative
Out-of-the-box shopping find: “I buy men’s Under Armour compression shorts to reduce chaffing when I wear dresses! True plus-size girl trick.”
Satisfaction guaranteed: “These shorts are a no-slip, no-ride up, forever-reliable item that work with any dress or skirt!”
Under Armour Mid Compression Shorts, $27.99, available at Under Armour
Marissa Rosenblum, Senior Shopping Director
Out-of-the-box shopping find: “Easy Spirit sneakers. Maybe not quite a ‘find’ but I have surprised myself in my non-ironic adoption of this semi-ridiculous looking comfort sneaker.”
Satisfaction guaranteed: “After working on a story about the best sneakers according to top reviews, I bought a pair of Easy Spirit classic Romy walking sneakers without being totally sure if I’d actually wear them or not — like were they too on the nose Dad-shoe? In the end, I wore them on a plane ride to London, and I have barely taken them off since. To say it feels like you’re walking on a cloud would be completely accurate. I hope the ugly shoe trend never goes away, so it remains acceptable to wear these to fancy restaurants (something I did on that London trip) forever.”
Easy Spirit Romy Sneakers, $50.99, available at Zappos
Elizabeth Buxton, Associate Lifestyle Editor
Out-of-the-box shopping find: “J. Crew men’s shirts make the best beach coverups!”
Satisfaction guaranteed: “I’m all about repurposing clothes; whether that’s turning a so-so skirt into a shift dress or an oversized men’s shirt into a comfy beach coverup. The best part? You can snag an old one fo-free from a man in your life’s closet, OR you can shop for your own among the site’s colorful summery options — from classic to tiki.”
J.Crew Untucked Stretch Secret Wash Shirt, $43.99, available at J.Crew
Alexa Fecca, Branded Social Coordinator
Out-of-the-box shopping find: “Party City has really colorful quirky hair clips!”
Satisfaction guaranteed: “I’m always on the look out for eccentric accessories; therefore, when I stumbled upon Party City’s wild collection of rainbow and glittery hair clips I had to have them. These barrettes feature some of my favorite characters, from Hello Kitty to Minnie Mouse.”
Disney Minnie Mouse Hair Clips, $3.99, available at Party City
Julia Raue, Associate Product Manager
Out-of-the-box shopping find: “I pretty much live in striped t-shirts and jeans, and I wear my striped tops into the ground, until they are un-wearable-y hole-y. I am therefore always on the lookout for new ones, and they’ve got to be inexpensive because I buy them so often. Walmart doesn’t get the accolades for good cheap tees that it should in my opinion, so sharing this Textile top as my find.”
Satisfaction guaranteed: “I go to Walmart every time I go home — I was there two weeks ago with my whole family; it’s like an activity for us. I’ve been shopping there forever and they just always have surprisingly good stuff — this shirt is a perfect example. I even made my first alcohol purchase there on my 21st birthday.”
Textile Janet Long-Sleeved Sailor Tee, $24, available at Walmart
Emily Ruane, Fashion Market Writer:
Out-of-the-box shopping find: “I search ‘vintage wedding bands’ on eBay, and buy them to wear as everyday stacking rings.”
Satisfaction guaranteed: “I like buying fine jewelry, but it’s an expensive habit. eBay contains a treasure trove of vintage wedding bands, which are precious to me, but worth not much more than their weight to collectors, especially if they’re unremarkable — which is exactly what I’m looking for — so I get them for a steal.”
eBay Vintage Gold Engraved Pattern Wedding Band, $22, available at eBay
Cait Munro, Lifestyle Editor
Out-of-the-box shopping find: “I buy all of my plain black tights at Duane Reade or CVS!”
Satisfaction guaranteed: “I’ve tried fancier versions like Wolford, but I don’t find they’re worth the extra spend, especially because they inevitably run or pill. Most drug store tights are like $5, so if something happens to them, I’m not going to be crushed. But I find some end up being pretty sturdy!”
West Loop Blackout Opaque Tights, $7.49, available at Duane Reade
Paula Volchok, Associate Graphic Designer
Out-of-the-box shopping find: “Home Depot has a very comprehensive selection of workwear — Carhartt, Dickies, Wrangler — it’s all there!”
Satisfaction guaranteed: “I think it’s always pleasantly surprising to see a woman wearing what’s traditionally worn by men. Men’s workwear, especially when paired with women’s accessories can make for a really unexpected and cute outfit. I particularly like the high-viz stuff.”
ERB Safety Sweatshirt, $40.18, available at Home Depot
Hannah Rimm, Money Diaries Editorial Assistant
Out-of-the-box shopping find: “I weirdly really love Grace Helbig’s merch store for graphic tees. I’m literally wearing one right now — it’s an oversized pocket tee with the words ‘social anxiety’ on it. Grace is a YouTuber, and I got a Facebook ad for her merch once. Now I’m obsessed with her t-shirts.”
Satisfaction guaranteed: “The shirts are super high-quality and aren’t at all branded to Grace Helbig — they’re just pocket tees with sayings and cropped sweatshirts and stuff.”
Grace Helbig Social Anxiety Tee, $24.99, available at Represent
Hannah Bullion, Associate Social Media Editor
Out-of-the-box shopping find: “I have found some of the quirkiest, cutest charms that double as earrings from Michaels! Their jewelry section is very underrated, especially if you’re into DIYing your own bling.”
Satisfaction guaranteed: “Michaels is such a fun shopping experience but unless you’re an avid crafter, you probably wouldn’t think to find jewelry from there. I partially love them for holiday specific jewels and charms — if you want to go all out this 4th of July/Halloween/Christmas/etc, I highly recommend a pit stop at Michaels for an unexpected shopping experience!”
Bead Landing Pearl Charms, $3.99, available at Michaels
Bead Landing Signature Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings, $5.99, available at Michaels
Jessica Andrews, Deputy Fashion Director
Out-of-the-box shopping find: “I buy basketball shorts from Foot Locker to wear as pajamas.”
Satisfaction guaranteed: “Because they’re super comfortable! In fact, they’re so soft and offer so much freedom of movement that I’m actually upset I didn’t know about them earlier. I never played basketball growing up so I missed out on these gems for years!”
Nike Essential Shorts, $29.99, available at Footlocker
Channing Hargrove, Fashion Writer:
Out-of-the-box shopping find: “I shop in the men’s section a lot, actually. I’m wearing a men’s button-down shirt from Rowing Blazers today.”
Satisfaction guaranteed: “I don’t really have hips and am pretty petite so I find that men’s clothing fits me in a way that I find sexier than shopping in the women’s department.”
Rowing Blazers OG Fun Shirt, $175, available at Rowing Blazers
Connie Wang, Senior Features Writer
Out-of-the-box shopping find: “I saw a woman on the street wearing the most perfect pair of cargo pants with slip-on shoes, and a great jacket. I chased her down to ask where she got them, and she said they were her work-issued uniform (she worked in security).”
Satisfaction guaranteed: “These pants are durable and affordable, and you rarely get both of those qualities in single item.”
Vertx Vertx Women’s OA Duty Pants, $48.99, available at Galls
Cristina Fuser, Senior Product Manager
Out-of-the-box shopping find: “I buy polarized, performance sunglasses from Amazon and wear them as my everyday sunglasses.”
Satisfaction guaranteed: “I’m into the Matrix-y Sporty Spice sunglasses trend and there’s no reason to spend on Balenciaga, Oakley, or Alexander Wang to get a good pair. Amazon has a huge selection of sport sunglasses, and because they’re made for high-impact activity, they’re super light, stay in place and offer really good sun protection. Plus, they make me feel a little bit like Bella Hadid.”
Bea Cool Polarized Sports Sunglasses, $21.99, available at Amazon
Chelsea Peng, Branded Content Fashion Editor
Out-of-the-box shopping find: “Dave’s New York-branded men’s t-shirts have a cult following that leans hypebeast-y; and while I’m not very into standing on line for drops or even workwear — nor am I a dude, for that matter — I am extremely loyal to these tees, which I own in nearly every color.”
Satisfaction guaranteed: “Construction-wise, these shirts are heavy-duty cotton and cut to drape surprisingly well on the female form. Socially, whenever I wear one, I bond with other fans, who are usually men. This hasn’t helped at all romantically, but one can hope.”
Dave’s New York Work Logo Short Sleeve T-Shirt, $7.99, available at Dave’s New York
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Source: Refinery29 – Emily Ruane