Hello. My name is Jackie Ramierez and living in Denver, I am a ways away from city centers of American fashion industries such as New York and Los Angeles.
New York is a hub for fashion; with the Vogue headquarters location and the home of many iconic fashion brands such as Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein. You can’t help but think of chic workers running around the city in stylish long coats with questionable, but somehow fitting, dad sneakers in the fall. And Los Angeles is another fashion hotspot, thanks to celebrities dressed subtly in the latest fashion designs and influencers desperately trying to make a specific item of clothing or pattern a TikTok trend.Â
All of this happens while we Denverites watch through our phones. Or maybe that’s just me. As someone who travels back and forth from Los Angeles to Denver, I always come back feeling disappointed because I know that what I found there in the malls or fashion districts, I won’t find here. Not because Denver is not fashionable; we have plenty of fashion and shopping districts, like the ones mentioned below, but it is difficult to stay on top of the trends without ordering online.
For those who dislike ordering online but want to stay on top of fashion trends without breaking the bank, here’s my guide to fashion in Denver!
Cherry Creek Shopping Center
I know what you’re probably thinking: I’m going to bust the budget at the Cherry Creek Shopping Center! Worry not, because while this shopping mall may be home to some luxurious brands like Louis Vuitton, Burberry and Gucci, thanks to the power of fast fashion, some stores here have got you covered.
Now, I am not encouraging you to buy from fast fashion stores, but not everyone has the money to splurge on a nice item that will last a long time. If you’re going to buy fast fashion, do it smart.
Stores like Levi’s and Madewell are good examples of fast fashion, but they’re items that will last you a while! You also have stores like Artizia and Free People that make high-quality clothing, as well as several stores that offer dupes of the luxurious top-floor stores without breaking the bank while still providing something that will last you a long time.
If you want to buy high-quality items without it costing a fortune, one tip I can give is to read the fabric labels. Examine your fabrics to determine which ones fit your body best and make you feel most comfortable. Reading fabric labels will go a long way and it will save you money!
Another plus is that sales occur frequently here. Nordstrom, which houses some trendy fashion brands, typically has an annual sale during the summer. Other stores also have Black Friday sales, and just because you are not in school doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of those back-to-school deals!
Cherry Creek Shopping Center, 3000 East 1st Avenue, Denver. HOURS: Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Learn more at shopcherrycreek.com.
Denver Premium Outlets
As a recently graduated student, I am constantly looking for ways to be ballin’ on a budget. That means I’m always looking for sales and discounted fashion items. Staying on the subject of shopping malls, the Denver Premium Outlets is one of the best places to go without having to drive too far, such as the outlets in Castle Rock or Lakewood.
The Denver Premium Outlets has affordable stores like Forever 21, Aeropostale, Old Navy and H&M. It also has stores like Coach, Kate Spade, Tory Burch and Michael Kors. The good thing about outlets is that there are usually sales happening. Whether it’s a discount of 30% or a BOGO deal, you can always count on saving money here!
While it is easy to get excited when you see a sale at an outlet mall, you may end up spending more money than you would if you went to a regular store. My advice is to study your prices and compare them to regular stores in shopping malls. One time, I got carried away with a sale and realized that I would have spent the same amount of money if I had not purchased it at a discount. Sales can be a tricky way to get you to open your wallet!
Another tip is that you will not find the latest trends at the outlets, especially for higher-end brands like the ones mentioned above, but that does not mean they will not arrive. Trust me, I have been looking for a Coach Lana bag for a while, but I know it is on its way–patience is essential when shopping at outlet stores.
Denver Premium Outlets, 13801 Grant Street, Thornton. HOURS: Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Learn more at premiumoutlets.com/outlet/denver.
Mile High Thrift
Moving away from malls, thrift stores are an excellent place to shop for trends and clothing! For those who enjoy thrifting, Mile High Thrift is a good place to look for reasonably priced gently used items from the early 2000s, as well as some older items.
Mile High Thrift is the place to go if you want to find some timeless, one-of-a-kind clothing pieces. I never leave without an item in my hand when I come here. Thrifting is undoubtedly one of the best things you can do, especially if you are a trend follower, as many trends always come back.
Mile High Thrift has a large selection of men’s and women’s clothing, as well as a decent shoe section. With so many clothes, this is a place you want to return to over time. Many people believe that in order to thrift the best items, you must spend hours searching through racks, but with Mile High Thrift, it takes me less than five minutes to find an item that I truly love.
Mile High Thrift, 2085 South Sheridan Boulevard, Denver. HOURS: Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Learn more at redwhiteandbluethriftstore.com/denver-co/.
Mile High Flea Market
If you have lived in Denver for a while, you have probably visited the Mile High Flea Market at least once to eat a turkey leg and take home a bag of freshly popped kettle corn.
Aside from the good food, the flea market is a great place to find jewelry. Jewelry plays an important role in creating a cool, stylish outfit, so accessorizing is not something you should overlook when getting dressed in the morning.
With so many vendors, you are sure to find a ring, necklace, or even a belt that reflects your personality through your outfit. Prices at flea markets are usually reasonable, and you can get some great deals on gold-plated or silver jewelry.
Mile High Flea Market, 7007 East 88th Avenue, Henderson. HOURS: Friday to Sunday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn more at milehighfleamarket.com/en/.
ThriftCon
We have covered ThriftCon here at Bucket List Community News, and while it is not a permanent fixture in Denver, it has become one of my recent fashion must-sees. With several vendors traveling together from state to state, you will find a unique item that has been gently loved and selected specifically for you, all with an entry ticket of $30.
ThriftCon takes a variety of approaches to fashion, including aesthetics, upcycling, and regular bin shopping, in which customers look through pounds of clothing and pay based on how many pounds they purchase.Â
My favorite aspect of ThriftCon is that most vendor shops have an aesthetic, making it easy to find clothes that fit a specific vibe. Perhaps you prefer bohemian chic clothing or alternative clothing styles such as large buckles and graphic t-shirts. It’s all set up for you; all you need to do is show up with a tote bag!
In a city known for its laid-back, sporty vibe, Denver’s fashion scene offers a surprising range of options for trendsetters and budget-conscious shoppers alike. Whether you’re looking for timeless statement pieces, sustainable second-hand finds or simply want to experiment with your personal style, Denver has plenty to offer beyond its outdoorsy roots.
Fashion here may not rival the pace of New York or Los Angeles, but with a little creativity and exploration, you can build a wardrobe that feels both stylish and uniquely yours. So, you don’t have to go to New York or Los Angeles to have style. Go ahead and redefine Denver’s fashion narrative—one outfit at a time.
