Price-Match Policies: Which Retailers Make the Grade

If you’re not doing your homework and looking for the best price then you’re losing out big time as many large retailers will not only price match, but some will even beat a competitor’s price by up to 10%.

Best Advice: As I mentioned before, hands down I think the RedLaser smartphone app is the best way to find the lowest price. Once you know what the best price is then refer to this article to determine what store will match or hopefully beat that price. Also, to maximize your savings, be sure to use the Rather-Be-Shopping.com iPhone app to redeem a coupon directly from your phone.

The main reason to price match is of course to save money, but also convenience. If you’re already in the store you’re not going to want to drive all over town to save a few bucks. So by knowing and using the stores price match policy, you can hopefully get the best prices in one spot. Also, stores like it because it keeps you in their store in the hopes you’re going to buy other items that may not be the best value. But since you’re on my blog you ain’t going to let that happen, right?

Best Buy (Grade: A)

As I have documented previously, the Best Buy price matching policy is one of the better ones around these days. Here is how it breaks down:

• Best Buy will match the lower price of both a local competitor or a major online retailer. Doesn’t matter how small the local competitor is, they will match the price.
• Have either the ad of the competitor with you or know their website url. Just go to the customer service desk at Best Buy and they will either look up the site or call the store in question to verify the lower price. The retailer must be within a 25 mile radius of the Best Buy store.
• Their online price matching policy is what sets them apart. They will match the online price of the following retailers: Amazon.com, Bhphotovideo.com, Crutchfield.com, Dell.com, HP.com, Newegg.com, and TigerDirect.com. Do your homework first, then go get the best price.
• What about Costco? If you have a Costco (or Sam’s Clucb) within a 25 mile radius of your local Best Buy they will also match their price.
• What about price matching after your purchase? Yes, Best Buy will also match prices post purchase if they lower their price within 15 days of your purchase.

Costco (Grade: Incomplete)

While Costco does not have a price match policy per-say, I do have a couple tricks you should know about:

• Costco 30 day price adjustment policy. Let’s say, for example, you buy a 50 inch HDTV from Costco and within the next 30 days you notice they have dropped the price by $150. Just bring your receipt back in and they’ll show you the money. This happens OFTEN! Keep checking the price when you go in for toilet paper and dog food.
• Workaround after 30 days: Costco won’t like me saying this but if the price of your HDTV drops after the 30 days, you can always return the item and re-buy it at the lower price. Remember that you have a 90 days return policy on electronics at Costco.

Home Depot (Grade: B)

Home Depot is famous for their 10% price match guarantee. Before you try to get a screaming deal on that table saw you have been dreaming of, here is the nitty gritty to be aware of.

• If you find a local competitor beats the Home Depot price, you are eligible to get the product for 10% lower than the competitor’s price.
• Exclusions: Special orders, bid pricing, volume discounts, open-box merchandise, labor and installation, sales tax, rebate and free offers, typographical errors and online purchases.
• From a Consumerist article, a Home Depot employee tells us that store associates are able to discount an item by up to $50 without contacting a store manager. He also says that he’ll drop the price if the customer says he has seen it lower elsewhere, even without any visual proof. This is a strategy worth pursuing, especially when starting your next home improvement project.
• Does Home Depot price match online pricing? No, as of October 2013 they do not.

JCPenney (Grade: B-)

The price match policy at JCPenney is worth mentioning as well.

• Find a better price on an identical item from a retailer in your local area? Just bring in their ad and get the same price.
• The list of exclusions is very reasonable: Sephora, Salon, Optical, Portrait or Custom Decorating.
• Do they match online pricing as well? Heck NO. Bummer.

Kohl’s (Grade: C-)

Kohl’s also has a fairly decent price match policy. NOT! Here is how it attempts to work:

• Bring in a copy of the competitor’s ad (with the current date on it) to your nearest Kohl’s store and they’ll give you the lower price.
• Here is my beef with this policy. How many ads have the date stamped on them? Also, what if you see the lower price in another store and not on an ad? Can I take a picture of the price and bring that in? They don’t say.
• Bottom-line: Kohl’s really needs to revamp their price match policy as it was clearly written in 1962 when they were founded.
• Does Kohl’s match online pricing as well? Nope. Hence the C- grade, well, along with the other part.

Lowe’s (Grade: B)

Similar to the folks who wear orange aprons, Lowe’s also has a 10% “price beat” guarantee. Here are the nuts and bolts:

• Just find a better price at a local competitor and they’ll beat it by 10%.
• If a local store is offering a particular product at a clearance price, Lowe’s will match that price immediately.
• Exclusions include: installation labor, special order, discontinued, clearance, liquidation or damaged items. Limited to reasonable quantities so you can’t price match 24 cordless drills apparently.
• They also have something called ‘Price Protection’ which guarantees you the lowest price when shopping online and using the in-store pickup method. For instance, if your local Lowe’s store has an item cheaper than the Lowe’s website then that is the price you’ll get.

Office Depot (Grade: A-)

Office Depot also has an excellent price matching policy which includes online pricing. Here are the details:

• Just show them the lower price from a competitor on the same exact product and you’re golden. Also, if you go home and then find a better price, just bring your receipt back within 14 days and cha-ching, they’ll show you the money.
• Also, they have an excellent online price match policy. From their website, here are the online stores they will price match: “Staples.com, OfficeMax.com, BestBuy.com, Reliable.com, Quill.com, Sears.com, Target.com, KMart.com, Costco.com, or SamsClub.com or their corresponding printed catalog.”
• Exclusions are fairly standard and include print services, delivery costs, clearance and liquidation products, and special orders.

14 Popular Stores That’ll Price Match Amazon.com

With the Amazon Prime Membership going up from $79 to $99 it has many consumers pondering whether it’s worth the annual cost. If you are on the fence, this article will probably sway you to stay away from the Prime membership and shop elsewhere and get the same price or better. To help you achieve this, below are 14 popular stores that will happily match the price at Amazon.com and in many cases will also ship it to you for free. A few of these do NOT advertise openly that they match Amazon pricing…I had to do a little digging to discover the goods.

Abt Electronics

I could not find any evidence on the Abt Electronics website that they price matched Amazon.com so I fired up a Live Chat session and asked. Here is what I discovered:

• First of all, I found a 32″ Samsung Smart TV on Abt that was $30 bucks more than what Amazon was selling it for.
• My live chat operator, Nick, was a little vague when I asked if they price matched Amazon.com. But I pushed him on it and he said that they do indeed price match Amazon.com as they are considered an authorized dealer.
• Not only would Abt match the price, but they would ship it out to me for FREE. Well done Abt Electronics!

Babies R Us

If you’re shopping for a baby on the way, or one already stealing our hearts, you’ll want to take advantage of the Babies R Us price match policy. Here are the details…

• They will indeed price match Amazon.com pricing, but it needs to be in-store purchases only.
• It must be the identical item, brand, and size.
• You can only price match 2 of the same exact item.
• Does NOT include Amazon.com marketplace pricing.
• In addition to Amazon, they will price match the following websites: Walmart.com, Target.com, BestBuy.com, Sears.com, Kmart.com, buybuyBaby.com, Meijer.com, FredMeyer.com, Diapers.com, BabyDepot.com, and LEGO.com.

Bed Bath & Beyond

The next time you’re shopping at your local Bed Bath & Beyond and doing some price comparison shopping via your smartphone, be sure to check the Amazon.com app first as BB&B will price match Amazon. Here is what you need to know:

• The items must be the exact same model, brand, and make.
• Item cannot be on sale and must be in-stock.
• Just present you smartphone or tablet with the Amazon.com price and an associate will gladly do a price adjustment for you.
• Also, many Bed Bath & Beyond locations will allow you to use their famous “20% off any 1 item” coupon in addition to the Amazon price match. Winning!

Best Buy

Best Buy was one of the first retailers to price match Amazon.com. Here is the skinny…

• The Best Buy price match policy is limited to one price match per identical item, per guest.
• Just talk to a store associate or visit the customer service desk to get your price match request taken care of.
• Again, the best way to match the Amazon.com price is by using your smartphone to do a quick price comparison.
• In addition to Amazon, they will price match the following websites: Apple.com, Bhphotovideo.com, Crutchfield.com, Dell.com, Frys.com, hhgregg.com, HP.com, HomeDepot.com, Lowes.com, Newegg.com, OfficeDepot.com, OfficeMax.com, Rakuten.com Shopping, Sears.com, Staples.com, Target.com, TigerDirect.com and Walmart.com.
• They will also match prices post purchase if they lower their price within 15 days of your purchase. Always keep your receipt.

What Day to Shop? 12 Insider Tips on Store Markdowns

Have you ever been shopping the clearance rack at your favorite store and wonder when the heck they add new stuff to the rack? Or when do they markdown the stuff that is already on the clearance rack in an effort to get rid of it? Or when do stores put stuff on sale? So many questions, so little answers. Well, until now that is. I went through the painstaking research of figuring out when some of your popular retailers mark stuff down. I hit the streets in search of answers and here is what I found…

Anthropologie

I have it on good authority that Anthropologie typically does their in-store markdowns starting on Monday and wrapping up by Tuesday. This is when they either add items to the clearance section or further reduce stuff already in the clearance section. Shop on Tuesdays and you’ll have the first dibs on newly marked-down merchandise.

Babies R Us

Expecting a baby, or need to buy something for one that has already popped out? Remember this one word….”THURSDAY.” That is the single best day to shop in-store at Babies R Us. Why you ask? Well, I got information from a very credible source that Thursdays are the day when employees have to be finished with their weekly markdowns, making it a great day to shop for a bargain. Make sure you shop with a printable Babies R Us coupon as well to save even more money.

Best Buy

Shopping for electronics, appliances, or maybe a new laptop? Shop on a Wednesday at your localBest Buy as that is the day they typically change pricing based on what competitors are adjusting. Also, I have it on good authority that Sunday is also a solid day to shop at Best Buy in order to take advantage of any errors that might be printed in their Sunday newspaper circular.

CVS Drugstores

Shop early in the week. Like on a Monday or Tuesday if you can. A manager told me that mostCVS stores start their markdown process on Sunday, so shop early in the week and take advantage of the selection and savings.

The Gap

Did you know that if the price ends in .97 it typically will not go any lower at Gap? True, check it out yourself the next time you’re shopping. How about the day Gap tends to mark stuff down? I recently had a current Gap employee tell me they mark things down every two weeks on a Monday. Figure out which Monday and you’ll be good to go.

JCPenney

I just got word from a former JCPenney employee that they do their store markdowns on the 1st and 3rd Friday of every month. She also said that when they do these twice monthly markdowns they put a blue price sticker on the items they are reducing. She said the savings is often up to 75-90% off the original JCP price. Be sure to grab one of our printable JCPenney coupons as most are good for clearance and regular-priced items and really pile on the savings.

Joann Fabrics

According to many loyal Joann shoppers they mark things down on Sundays, making it a great day to shop, especially if you have a Joann printable coupon good for 40% off any one item. A friendly sales associate also had the great advice of shopping on a Monday as the store is typically less crowded and you’ll still practically have first dibs on new markdowns.

Kohl’s

I had a super friendly sales associate tell me all about the markdown schedule at Kohl’s. She told me that while they are constantly marking stuff down, and putting stuff on sale, the best days to shop occur twice a month. They are the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month. She said those 2 days are typically when they mark the most stuff down and mark it down for the biggest saving (percentage-wise). Shop with a Kohl’s coupon in hand and make out like a bandit. News you can use right there!

Talk Your Way to a Deal: How to Negotiate at These Major Retailers

Last December, I was quoted in an article in The New York Times talking about how consumers can negotiate the price at major retailers. No longer is this a practice left for garage sales, car lots, and local “Ma and Pa” shops. If you are a bit nervous about being turned down or looking like a cheap fool, don’t be, as the act of negotiating a better price is becoming much more mainstream as retailers enact price match policies and low price guarantees to turn show-rooming consumers into paying customers. Below are six popular retailers where you should become a price negotiating ninja today.

Home Depot

I use to work in the paint department at the Home Depot. For a little over 1 year I mixed paint and wiped excess paint on my orange apron until it looked like something straight from the Jimi Hendrix Experience. While I worked there I became quite aware of the best ways for shoppers to negotiate a deal at the Home Depot. Here is the skinny…

• Look for imperfect items. The Home Depot is chock full of “scratch & dent” items. From appliances, to doors, to tools, to outdoor garden decor. If you seek out these imperfect items in many cases you can successfully get a 10-15% discount. Simply point out the flaws to an associate who works in that particular department and ask if they can help on the price. I always start be asking for a 20% discount and see where the negotiating takes me. As a dude who use to work at the Home Depot, I am here to tell you that we were encouraged by management to slash the price on imperfect items as we knew we would have trouble selling them at full price. The associate may have to seek management approval on more expensive items but it usually only takes a couple minutes. For shoppers, the time spent is well worth the effort.
• Example from loyal reader Richard, “I needed two low flow toilets to help with the water conservation effort going on in California. I found the toilets I wanted at Home Depot on sale at $149 each. The sticker price said they would each be eligible for a $100 rebate from the city. While inspecting one, I noticed the box it was in had been torn near the slot where you place your hand to pick it up. I asked the employee helping me if he could he give me a $50 discount because of the torn box. Much to my surprise, he told me to tell the person when I check out to “REDUCE THE COST BY $50.” I asked if he would he write me a note and he said “not necessary,” just tell them a supervisor is allowing the discount. The check out process went just as he said it would. This meant that after the rebate, the two toilets cost me $50 plus tax. After getting outside I hurried to the car and got out of there before they changed their mind.” Awesome deal and way to go Richard.
• Look for items incorrectly stocked. Now this one may be a little unethical but I had several customers pull it on me when I worked in the paint department. I once had a guy approach me and say, “Hey, this paint brush over here says it is only $3.99 and that’s the price I want.” I walk over and sure enough a $25 Purdy paint brush had been incorrectly stocked on the shelf. The dude was adamant that $3.99 was the price he should pay. I got the assistant manger involved and we ended up giving him the expensive brush for the really cheap price. This technique is not for everyone, but if you have the brass nuts to pull it off I wish you the best.
• Try to bundle items. The technique of buying a riding lawn mower along with a weed eater, and asking a sales associate if there is the possibility of a discount if you buy both today, is one that you should definitely add to your Home Depot negotiating repertoire. Chance of saving 10% or maybe $50 has a high probability of success.
• Look for floor models, returns, and overstocks. Tile, doors, appliances, mismatched paint, and power tools are just a few of the items that often get returned or special ordered by a customer and never picked up. Store managers typically want them sold immediately so they don’t take up valuable real estate. Use this knowledge to your advantage and negotiate an even better deal on them. These items will typically be marked with a special tag that tells you they are floor models, returned items, or overstocks. Start the negotiating at 20% off the asking price and be prepared to meet in the middle.
• Become a price match pro. By knowing the price match policy at Home Depot it gives you a very easy way to negotiate the price. If you find a competing store in your area which beats the Home Depot price, you are eligible to get the product for 10% lower than the competitor’s price. It is also worth noting that Home Depot does not currently price match online pricing.

Costco Wholesale

Despite what many retail “experts” say, your local Costco can also be a darn good place to negotiate the price. Here is what you need to know to make it happen.

• Look for floor models. Have you ever seen the last of a particular item at Costco? Nothing left but the display floor model, which still works great, comes with the same warranty, but might have a scratch or a couple wear marks on it. Often you’ll find these in the electronics and computers section, as well as the seasonal section, which is typically in the middle of the store towards the front. They want to get rid of these things, and while they might already be marked down, there is still room to negotiate an even better deal. I recently received an email from a faithful reader who was successful negotiating an even lower price on a Blu-ray player at Costco which was the floor model. The Samsung Blu-ray player was already marked down from $89.99 to $74.99 but she asked an associate if they “would take $60 as it had a few scratches on it?” The associate quickly went and asked a floor manager and within a few minutes she was walking out of the store with a really sweet deal. Sometimes all you have to do is ask.
• Always negotiate the price on tires. Tires are usually marked way up and have plenty of wiggle room in terms of price. If you do your homework and find a better price on a set of 4 tires from another retailer, approach a sales person at Costco and politely explain the situation and ask for a possible price adjustment. Remember the old adage that “Discounts vary upon customer attitude” as your attitude will directly impact how much money you can save.

Which Retailers Will Price-Match Online Pricing

The following is the most amazing thing I read today. According to retail analysts, only 5% of consumers will bother getting the price of an item lowered by holding a retailer to their stated price-match policy.

Wow, only 5%! Is it because it takes too much time to bother? Or maybe consumers just aren’t informed? Don’t become another statistic, always get the best possible price. Over the course of a year you can save substantial money by doing so, especially on larger purchases. Here are 6 retailers that are early adopters in terms of price-matching online pricing. For the sake of consumers, and their ability to negotiate the best price, I hope to see other retailers start to do the same, and when they do, they’ll be added to this article.

Best Buy

The online pricing model at Best Buy has gotten a lot of attention recently as savvy consumers try to get the best price possible on consumer electronics. Here is the skinny:

• List of online stores Best Buy will price-match: Amazon.com, Apple.com, Bhphotovideo.com, Crutchfield.com, Dell.com, Frys.com, hhgregg.com, HP.com, HomeDepot.com, Lowes.com, Newegg.com, OfficeDepot.com, OfficeMax.com, Rakuten.com Shopping, Sears.com, Staples.com, Target.com, TigerDirect.com and Walmart.com.
• They limit it to one online price match, per identical item, per customer.
• When requesting an online price-match visit the Customer Service desk and inform them of the lower price. They will then independently verify the price and say “Yay” or “Nay.”

Target

Target has been price-matching online pricing for a little over a year now. Here is what you need to know:

• Update 10/01/15: Target will now price match the following 29 websites: Amazon, Babies ‘R’ Us, Bed Bath & Beyond, Best Buy, Barnes & Noble, Buy Buy Baby, Costco, CVS, Diapers.com, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Drugstore.com, GameStop, JCPenney, Kmart, Kohl’s, Macy’s, Newegg, Office Depot, Petco, Petsmart, Sam’s Club, Sears, Sports Authority, Staples, Toys ‘R’ Us, Ulta, Walgreens, Walmart, and Wayfair. Official policy.
• Target also price matches the Target.com website. This happens a lot more than you might think.
• In order to get your price-match you must show a Target associate the retail price on your mobile device or by bringing in a printed page showing the current price.
• They’ll only honor the lower price if the competitor currently has the product in-stock and available for immediate purchase.
• You can only online price-match one identical item per guest.

Staples

While a bit thin, the Staples online price-match policy is still worth mentioning.

• As of this writing, Staples will only online price-match Amazon.com. But since Amazon.com carries millions of products at competitive prices it is definitely worth mentioning.
• It must be the same exact model, currently available for sale at Amazon.com, and Staples will match it.
• Just grab a Staples associate and show them evidence of the lower Amazon price on your smartphone, or by printing out the info, and they’ll get you hooked up with the better price. Pretty obvious by now that you need the Amazon smartphone app to be a real price-match hero.

Fry’s Electronics

Fry’s Electronics apparently has an online price-match policy but is willing to do anything in their power to never let you take advantage of it.

• Fry’s will match an authorized Internet competitor when the product is “ready to ship”. Interestingly, I can’t find any info on what they consider an “authorized Internet competitor” but through my research it appears they’ll price match Amazon.com and perhaps BestBuy.com.
• I found this article very interesting, Fry’s Matches Online Retailer Prices! With A Great Big Catch. It appears that Fry’s is trying to get out of having to price-match online pricing by dropping a shipping charge into the mix. Weak.

Toys R Us and Babies R Us

Happy to see Toys R Us and Babies R Us enter the field last summer of retailers who price-match online pricing. Here is what you need to know:

• Toys R Us and Babies R Us will match the online pricing of the following websites:  Walmart.com, Target.com, BestBuy.com, Sears.com, Kmart.com, buybuyBaby.com, Meijer.com, FredMeyer.com, diapers.com, BabyDepot.com, and Amazon.com.
• They won’t price-match Amazon marketplace pricing.
• Product being price-matched must be the same exact model, color, and size and currently be in-stock at the competitor’s website.
• Price-match is available at time of purchase or up to 7 days after your purchase. So keep an eye out for a better online price even after you bring it home.
• Fine print: Toys R Us will not price match an online competitors price if they advertise the product as clearance, refurbished, an open package special, or a liquidation sale.

Sears

I think I finally got my head wrapped around Sears online price-matching policy. It took awhile…

• First thing you need to know: “Sears will NOT price match internet-only retailers.”
• But if you find a local competitor who also has a website, and honors their own online pricing, and has the exact product available for immediate purchase, then Sears will match that lower price.
• Just print out the order page from the competitor’s website and bring it to your local Sears store.
• You can bring in proof at the time of purchase or for up to 14 days after purchase for a price adjustment.

Learn To Crack the Price Tag Code at These Major Retailers

Have you ever been staring at that awesome blender at Sam’s Club, dreaming of blending your fruit smoothie with ease, and notice the odd price tag of $125.01 and wonder how the heck they came up with that price? If you are normal, probably not. But after you read this article you’ll be checking every price tag you see because if you know what to look for, you can quickly determine if the price might go even lower or if it’s as low as it’s going to go.

How? Well, many stores use an internal pricing system which shows you if an item has been marked down, if it will be marked down again, or if it’s a final markdown. You just gotta be able to crack the price tag code. Thanks to former employees and code crackers like me, you too can join the ranks of price tag checkers. Here are the details from some of your most popular retailers (in alphabetical order):

American Eagle Outfitters

If you love the look and styles of the clothing at American Eagle Outfitters you’ll want to know the codes to make sure you’re getting the best deal. Here is what you need to know:

• Price ending in .95 – This is full price. Make sure at the very least you have an American Eagle coupon to save some money.
• Prices ending in .99 or .00 – This is a clearance price and the best price you’ll find on the item. Also, if the item has a separately attached price sticker to the actual price tag it is a clearance item. Ending price on attached price sticker can vary by store.
• Bonus: Check out our site for an online American Eagle coupon to save even more.

Best Buy

I have been trying to crack the price tag code at Best Buy for a long time and finally think I made a breakthrough thanks to a thread on Lifehacker where a commenter left some intriguing info. Here is how it breaks down:

• Prices ending in a .99 – Could be a full price or a sale price. Sale items ending in .99 are typically not that big of a savings. Try to avoid the .99 if you can.
• Prices ending in a .92 – This is a 1-time price drop at or below Best Buy’s cost. Typically a screaming deal.
• Prices ending in a .96 – Anything ending in a .96 is an adjusted price designed to beat the price of a competitor.
• Look for Code “C” – If you see a price tag with a small “C” in the lower right-hand corner, it means the item is clearance and no longer stocked. I have it on good authority that managers are able to give discounts on these products, so be sure to negotiate an even better price.

BJ’s Wholesale Club

Image Credit: Valmg.com

For my readers who live in the eastern United States, BJ’s Wholesale Club also has an internal pricing system that can help you score the best deal possible.

• Prices ending in a 9 – You’re paying full price for the item.
• Prices ending in .90 and .00 – Manager’s special discount. These are typically items the store wants to clear out. They are usually discounted 10% per week for a maximum savings of 60% off.
• Product Codes at BJ’s – These are the numbers on the price tag right next to the item number. Here are the 4 product codes you should be aware of:
• Product Code 1 – It is a regularly priced item that will be restocked.
• Product Code 2 – Product is discontinued and once it’s gone, it’s gone. Sometimes it is discounted, depends on how long it has been sitting on the shelf.
• Product Code 7 – A one time buy like seasonal Christmas decorations. Here today, gone tomorrow. So if the price is right you should snatch it up.
• Product Code 9 – Products that are destined to be sent back to the manufacturer for a variety of reasons. They won’t be restocked and likely will be gone within a week.

[Click to Print a Wallet Sized PDF Cheat-Sheet of the Price Codes]

Dick’s Sporting Goods

The pricing system at Dick’s is fairly straight forward and can be used to easily avoid paying full price. Here’s the 411:

• Prices ending in .00 or .99 – Indicates full-price. Avoid if you can.
• Prices ending in .93 or .97 – These are clearance items and indicates that an item has been marked-down from the original price.
• Bonus: Check out our Dick’s Sporting Goods coupons to maximize your savings.

Gap & Old Navy

For those of you who are not aware, Gap owns Old Navy and they share the same pricing model. Here is the skinny:

• Prices ending in .47, .49, .97 or .99 – Thanks to current Old Navy employee, John, for this tip. If the price ends with any of these, then the item is marked as clearance or discontinued and is probably the best price you’re going to get. TIP: Keep an eye out for clearance sales where they lower the clearance price by a flat 30% of 40% off. They typically do this at the end of the season to clear out old merchandise.
• Bonus: Check out Rather-Be-Shopping.com for Gap and Old Navy coupons to save even more.

5 Fashion Trends That Sprang From Latin Roots

Elegance, strength and grace are all key elements of fashion that seem to transcend both time and trends. The influence of Latin style on modern fashion exemplifies this perfectly. Spotted both on and off the runway, in real and “reel” life, Latin influence is deep, rich, colorful and even flavorful in the way it captures a certain spirit synonymous with, say, São Paulo or Mexico City.

At the heart of every look is a true understanding of Latin culture at its core. More than just a pop of bright color or a hint of texture, these looks embrace the heritage itself. Take a peek at some of the inspiring ways Latin culture has influenced how we dress today.

There’s no denying that Latina models are having their moment in the spotlight right now — and we wholeheartedly welcome it. From the return of Raquel Zimmermann who is scoring campaigns left, right and center to Mica Arganaraz being embraced by just about every fashion editor in the industry, ultimately landing Vogue covers around the world and scoring a healthy number of advertising campaigns for Spring 2016. We’ve rounded up five gorgeous Latina women who are taking the fashion industry by storm.

So-Bad-They’re-Awesome 80s Fashion Trends Are Making a Comeback

For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction and now that we’ve all had our way with normcore, we’re ready to embrace our weird and take up the mantle of maximalism. Where better to draw inspiration than kitschy, high-gloss 80s fashion? Look at the success we’ve already had co-opting the decade’s love of the shoulder.

80S FASHION TRENDS RAN AMOK AT MARC JACOBS RESORT 2017; IMAGE: COURTESY OF MARC JACOBS

Scrunchies and parachute pants we’re happy to leave in the past but some of those over-the-top fashion trends have us feeling downright nostalgic — and where there is longing, there is gratification. Maybe it was taking in Marc Jacobs’ Resort 2017 collection to the sounds of Duran Duran, but suddenly we’re craving windbreaker-inspired jackets, puffy-sleeved everything and metallic numbers that’ll put the whole club to shame.

Click through the slideshow below for six so-bad-they’re-awesome 80s fashion trends that have designers’ — and our — animal-printed seal of approval.

20 Breathtaking Chokers and How to Rock Them in 2016

Necks are essentially extensions of our faces and therefore vital fashion real estate. Ever since 90s fashion trends made their way back into the fold, easy-to-wear chokers have become our throats’ best friends — and with good reason. They were born to be worn withthe off-the-shoulder trend, you can easily DIY one from any length of leather or ribbon, and more often than not they come in neutral monochromes or metallics that go with literally everything.

Neckpieces come in all shapes and sizes, as exemplified by the Fall 2016 runways of Alexander Wang, Oscar de la Renta, Stella McCartney, Saint Laurent, Loewe, Givenchy and many, many more. They can be rebellious, chic or somewhere in between, as proven by the fashion front-runners who rock them on a nearly daily basis. (Here we refer to Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid and FKA twigs, to name just a few.)

CHOKERS MADE APPEARANCES AT SEVERAL FALL 2016 RUNWAY SHOWS, INCLUDING THAT OF LOEWE; IMAGE: IMAXTREE

Whether you choose to Nefertiti-out or not, one thing’s for sure: Everything south of your clavicle looks a touch more polished thanks to these inherently feminine bands. Behold:

A sparkling neck elevates even the most exaggerated ensembles.

9 Trends That Made Waves at Miami Swim Week 2017

When it comes to Fashion Week in places like New York, London, Milan and Paris, they’re usually ahead of the curve by shining a light on fashions for the following season, forcing us to pine for a shift in temperature to put the trends we see up on the runway into practice. That’s not the case with Miami Swim Week, however. The annual swimsuit mecca showcases swimwear right in the middle of summer and while we may have to wait a while for the actual styles to hit stores, we can emulate what’s presented by incorporating prevalent themes into our beach wardrobe tout de suite. With that in mind, we paid close attention to the top trends from all the presentations to give you a leg up poolside. From flirty tassels to sleek cut-outs, check out the nine swimwear trends you can rock right away.

25 Must-Have Maxi Skirts to Help Maximize Your Summer Style

Fashion girls will tell you that denim is a closet staple for every season. Called a chameleon for its ability to transcend any style, denim is a fabric that’s classic, comfortable and always on trend. The warmer months offer fresh options that go beyond your basic jeans. From youthful overalls to fashion-forward tops, here are seven ways to rock the top summer denim trends — plus, our favorite pieces to shop. 

Summer is all about showing a whole lot of leg, whether it’s via a pair of barely-there cutoffs or a super short miniskirt. But this season, leaving a little to the imagination has become its own kind of trend thanks to the sheer array of maxi skirts on the scene. We’re talking your typical floral print incarnations fit for the inner hippie in all of us, date night versions guaranteed to make an impression and ones straight off the Spring 2016 and Fall 2016 runways. And for those of us who still want to discreetly flash our pins, several of these skirts feature strategic slits and sheer inserts. The best part of embracing the maxi skirt this summer? The surprisingly versatile piece will carry you straight into fall. Take a look at our picks for best maxi skirts in the slideshow above.

What to Wear to Each of Summer’s Hottest Concerts

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Outfit Essential

While RiRi twerks in 'em, you can sit in 'em. Pair with an oversized hoodie and dad cap or, if you can track one down, a vintage Princess Di tee.

Public Desire Alexus Point Heeled Thigh High Boots, $81 at ASOS

Panorama

Where: Randall's Island Park in New York City

When: July 22-24

Headliners: Arcade Fire, Kendrick Lamar, LCD Soundsystem

Vibe: "Top tier musical performances, dynamic art installations, innovative technology, and some of NYC’s best local eats" on an expansive, grassy, sunny knoll. Organized by the same people who bring you Coachella, it promises the same level of excitement, but with a third of the crowd and not a single flower crown in site. It's a well-known fact that New Yorkers dress for festivals just as they'd dress for a night out on the town — with style, sophistication and little concern for practicality.

Image: Courtesy of Panorama

Outfit Essential

A quirky, feminine dress fit for (literal) indie rock queen Régine Chassagne.

J.W.Anderson Polka-Dot Denim Dress, $185 at Matches Fashion

FYF Fest

Where: Downtown Los Angeles

When: August 27-28

Headliners: Kendrick Lamar, Tame Impala, LCD Soundsystem, Grace Jones

Vibe: Short for Fuck Yeah Fest, the event features an endearing hodgepodge of indie psych-rock, punk, hardcore, hip-hop and R&B acts. Expect to encounter diverse, forward-thinking artists and lots of thrift-shop-chic concert outfits.

Image: @tame_impala

Outfit Essential

Tame Impala's line with Los Angeles-based denim label RE/DONE may be long gone, but Leandra Medine's recent collaboration with the vintage peddler is a first-tier substitute. Pair with a 70s-inspired button-down, of course.

RE/DONE The Leandra, $322 atRE/DONE

Summer Sixteen Tour

Where: All over the United States and Canada

When: July 20-September 18

Headliners: Drake and Future

Vibe: Arenas full of hip-hop fans (with a newfound appreciation for dancehall), all cozy in their sweats, thinking, "Man, what a time to be alive!"

Image: @future

Outfit Essential

You and Drake may very well match in this throwback 90s sleeveless top. Team with matching bottoms and pointed heels. Much like, say, adopting a new accent, your concert outfit will throw everyone off in a good way.

Calvin Klein For UO Modern Capsule Sleeveless Hoodie Sweatshirt, $79 at Urban Outfitters

Electric Zoo

Where: New York City’s Randall's Island Park

When: September 2-4

Headliners: Bassnectar, Tiësto, Hardwell

Vibe: A menagerie of shiny, outlandish festivalgoers ready to get down to thrilling, whipsawing sets ranging from percussive electro house to zipping drum and bass to lighthearted electropop hip-hop. Expect ensembles that will pop under neon lighting.

Image: @tiesto

Outfit Essential

Tiësto would always condone taking neon to the next level. Plus, shoulder bags leave hands free for dancing and twirling glow sticks. Wear with a black hook-up from Reformation — the ribbed material is incredibly stain-resistant.

Moschino Neon Small Flap Bag, $528 at MONNIER Frères

The Formation World Tour

Where: Throughout North America and Europe

When: April 27-October 2

Headliners: You already know

Vibe: Stadiums full of buzzing Beyhive members ready to take in the goddess that is Beyoncé, bow down accordingly and feel inspired to "keep running because a runner don’t quit on herself." Concert outfits will undoubtedly range from tongue-in-cheek "Boycott Beyoncé" shirts to shrewd Lemonade references. Pray you catch tickets.

Image: @beyonce

Outfit Essential

Wear with a statement headpiece or wide-brim hat (depending on how sunny your seats are/how much you want to risk angering those posted behind you) and a velvet choker.

Zara Lace Dress, $29.99 at Zara

Anti World Tour

Where: Europe, North America, Asia

When: February 26-August 18

Headliners: RiRi, duh

Vibe: A randomly epic road trip, complete with twists, staggering peaks and the occasional wrong turn made right. Stadiums full of Manolo, Dior and Puma clad onlookers will find themselves marveling at the Bahamian badass, who, if we do say so ourselves, is at the height of her vocal, physical and sartorial abilities.

Image: @badgalriri

Outfit Essential

While RiRi twerks in 'em, you can sit in 'em. Pair with an oversized hoodie and dad cap or, if you can track one down, a vintage Princess Di tee.

Public Desire Alexus Point Heeled Thigh High Boots, $81 at ASOS

Panorama

Where: Randall's Island Park in New York City

When: July 22-24

Headliners: Arcade Fire, Kendrick Lamar, LCD Soundsystem

Vibe: "Top tier musical performances, dynamic art installations, innovative technology, and some of NYC’s best local eats" on an expansive, grassy, sunny knoll. Organized by the same people who bring you Coachella, it promises the same level of excitement, but with a third of the crowd and not a single flower crown in site. It's a well-known fact that New Yorkers dress for festivals just as they'd dress for a night out on the town — with style, sophistication and little concern for practicality.

Image: Courtesy of Panorama

Deciding you wanted to brave the crowds and the heat to see [insert musical genius here] was easy. Budgeting for the occasion, still relatively so. Sitting by the computer in the minutes leading up to the ticket drop repeatedly hitting refresh, a little irritating but, again, fairly straightforward. Deciding what to wear to a concert on the big day, not so much.

There are several things to consider when planning summer concert outfits. Footwear can be especially tricky and while flashy sandals are tempting, we who’ve seen Randall’s Island Park in the rain recommend erring on the side of practical. For festivalgoers, a flat shoe is absolutely necessary. (Depending on the forecast, rain boots and several plastic bags may even be in order.) For daytime lineups, well-ventilated concert outfits are key. Having a top layer on hand, however, is absolutely essential to sustaining comfort once the sun dips.

Many may be tempted to commit the well-practiced faux pas of throwing on a T-shirt touting the artist of the hour, sliding on a pair of cutoffs and calling it a day. This is our cease and desist order. Rather than going the over-trodden band tee route, why not draw style inspiration from your music idol? After all, imitation is the highest form of flattery when deciding what to wear to a concert and, in this day and age, the industry’s hottest headliners are known not only for their vocal skills, but their fashion chops. Picture this:Beyoncé locks eyes with you from across the crowd. Her prophetic gaze takes in your interpretation of her show-stopping “Sorry” ensemble. She extends a thumbs-up. Life as you know it is never the same. (Hey, it wouldn’t be the first time Bey paused during a performance to compliment a fan’s look.)

Click through the slideshow above for a guide to what to wear to a concert this summer and the outfit essentials that will get you noticed at each one.