Best Back-to-School Fashion Shopping in Santa Rosa When You’re on a Budget

A thrifty college student embarked on a Santa Rosa shopping spree. Here are some of her best bets and favorite outfits.


Fashion trends come and go and if you’re a broke college student like me, you can’t always throw down $150 on the newest slingback heels or cough up cash for $280 Versace tees. But fashion trends and shopping on a budget can be synonymous – if you venture outside the mall and get a little creative. Don’t believe me? I’ll prove it to you. I spent some time checking out secondhand and thrift shops in Santa Rosa, and one thing is for sure: there are a lot of fashionable bargains to be made before first day of class. Below are my three favorite stops for back-to-school fashion shopping on a budget – scroll through the above gallery for #dressforless inspo (all courtesy of my three favorite Santa Rosa shops).

Heavenly Treasures: This Santa Rosa secondhand store has an adorable vintage feel. You can find Audrey Hepburn-inspired nightgowns, floral patterned dresses, and denim, denim, denim here. The homey style shop has an entire back section that is only $1. That’s right, every item of clothing is only $1. If that’s not a deal, I don’t know what is. Visit them at 576 Mendocino Ave in Santa Rosa. They are open Tuesday-Saturday 10:00am – 4:00pm and are closed Sunday and Monday. Call them at 707-569-7448.

Goodwill-Redwood Empire: Walking into Goodwill-Redwood Empire is like walking into a gold mine. From the front of the store to the back, there are racks upon racks of clothing organized by style (one long rack for tops, one for dresses, one for work pants, etc.). You can find this thrifty shop on 1300 4th Street, 651 Yolanda Avenue, 2007 Sebastopol Road and 3535 Industrial Drive in Santa Rosa. Their hours are Monday-Sunday 10:00am-6:00pm and you can reach them at 707-527-7922.

Crossing the Jordan: This family-owned shop on 4th Street, founded by Michael and Dana Bryant, pairs “almost new” outfits for women, men and kids with a great purpose: supporting those seeking to overcome abuse, homelessness and addiction. Brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle, Ann Taylor and Banana Republic can be found here, as well as fabulous handbags and other accessories. Find them on 501 4th St, Santa Rosa CA 95401. They are open Monday-Saturday 10:00am-8:00pm and can be reached 707-588-9388.