Best Places For Back To School Shopping In Chicago
By Angela Hazen
School is starting up soon, and the cool students know something everyone else doesn't––it's time to revamp their style. From backpacks and shoes to t-shirts and jeans, every aspect of a student's wardrobe can be upgraded freshly for the new school year. Chicago is full of great stores for the trend-conscious and fashion-forward student. Here's where to get the newest styles while staying under budget this year.
Akira
Block 37 108 N. State St.
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 346-3355
www.shopakira.com
Ever wonder where the trendy college girls pick up their clothes? More than likely, it's usually at Akira, where some of the city's hottest trends come together in one place. This Chicago location has a variety of styles that fashionistas will want this season. Fashions found here will look great during and after classes. Pick out a cute pair of flats from Melissa Papel––perfect if you'll be walking around campus all day––or a romper for the warmer months of the first and last semesters. To top it off, Akira's affordable prices still leave students with enough money to buy books for the school year and pizza for study breaks.
Justice
116 Yorktown
Lombard, IL 60148
(630) 629-3884
shopjustice.com
A new school year is the perfect time to show off a new style. For teens and tweens, Justice is the place to get girls' clothing for a brand new school year. The trendy clothing choices range from dresses and jackets to vests and camis to active wear for after school sports or gym class. If your teen wears a uniform to school, Justice has you covered there, too. The store holds 50 new school-approved tops, skirts, cardigans and pants to create stylish, uniformed looks. Who said uniforms had to be boring?
Related: Gift Guide for Grads
Abt Electronics
1200 N. Milwaukee
Glenview, IL 60025
(847) 967-8830
abt.com
The best place to go for your student's technology needs is Abt Electronics on Milwaukee. Abt is an authorized Apple reseller, so the choices of iPads, iPhones and accessories like iPhone alarm clocks abound. Abt also sells a variety of laptops, tablets and cell phones great for students looking to take notes in class and stay in touch with family members while away at college. With the tech choices at Abt, students can look forward to being on the cutting edge of learning with their new electronics.
Threadless
3011 N. Broadway
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 525-8640
threadless.com
In need of some cool tees? Get a terrific assortment at Threadless, a Chicago store that sells thought-provoking graphic tee shirts, bags and iPhone holders for women, men and kids. This hip, edgy gear can help show off students' personal style while supporting local artists. Kids' styles range from babies and toddlers to teens, and college students can find plenty of designs perfect for campus. Start school off right with clothing and accessories from Threadless, and look stylish for the entire school year, too.
Uncle Dan's
621 Central
Highland Park, IL 60035
(847) 266-8600
udans.com
Need jackets and backpacks that will stand up to year round use at school? Try Uncle Dan's Outdoor Store in Highland Park. Uncle Dan's sells backpacks, messenger bags, travel slings, laptop bags, totes and purses that will take a lot of back to school wear and tear. Plus Uncle Dan's sells outwear and shoes for men, women and children that are excellent for those tough weather days. Here students can get a wardrobe that is ready for the action of a new school year.
Angela Hazen lives in Oak Park, IL. She has worked as a model in Chicago and studied broadcast journalism at Columbia College Chicago. She has traveled to Europe on several occasions, and keeps her readers up to date with local and international style, shopping, fashion and beauty trends. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
