The Budget Fashionista

Never been an Old Navy fan, and even the promise of basics for a couple dollars (awesome sales going on right now, apparently) was not enough to get me into the store.  I feel like I can feel the difference with Old Navy in terms of quality - the fabrics and tailoring are not as elegant as, say it’s sister stores Gap and Banana Republic.  I’m a big fan of both Gap and Banana Republic, and I feel that there is not much difference between these latter two stores in terms of overall quality (although, of course, the styles and target demographics are different).  But with Old Navy, I feel there is too much of a difference in quality to make it worth my time.

Is it all in my head?  Do I have preconceived prejudices against Old Navy?  Should I give it another chance - I want your opinions!  Is the clothing quality acceptable, compared to the other stores under the Gap Inc. umbrella?  I want to like Old Navy.  I want to want to buy from Old Navy because I need to save some moolah.

If Banana Rep is in your budget, stick with it…maybe a little less often if the budget is tight.  Having browsed Banana Rep and Gap I would say the quality is a bit higher than Old Navy.  When I have found Banana Rep at the thrift stores the clothing is in good repair and lasts for years with me.  But, my budget is tight enough that Old Navy is a splurge-so I scan the discounts.  It’s all relative.  To some, Banana Rep is their low-end shop.  I say, if you look and feel fab, what else matters?!

Old navy is a good place for “staples” like t-shirts, etc.  I get drawn in by the sales and stock up.  It’s also a good place for baby clothes, as the grow out of them so quickly.  I’ve bought a lot of cute baby things there for next to nothing when they have a sale:  cute fall coat for my niece for ~12 bucks, simple cotton dresses for ~5 bucks, raincoats for ~10 bucks, etc.  You can’t beat that!

i’ll give almost any store a fair chance, especially if the prices are reasonable.  after numerous unsuccessful visits to old navy i have stopped going.  their pants don’t fit me well, their t shirts are either too boxy or seem to be sewn crooked, and their fabrics and construction just haven’t impressed me. 

i have one turtleneck sweater and one pair of yoga pants from there that occasionally see wear.  i simply got tired of sifting through the messy racks and piles of shirts on tables just to end up with empty hands walking through the door.

for kids clothing, however, i can see the appeal for “trendy” clothes on the cheap.

I agree about the children’s clothes.  All the pants have adjustables tabs inside the waitline!  My littlelest is rather thin, pants anywhere else do not fit, but Old Navy pants work.  ANd the dresses for her are incredible cute and trendy.

I agree Old Navy is a place for staples like tee shirts and kid clothes. I brought some of their jeans and was not happy.
I thought because they had stretchy that they would be great….WRONG They do that evil butt gap thing where your pants have still low even when you go from sitting to standing. Just sitting they do it too. A belt does not help. This does not happen with my jeans from the GAP. Long and Lean for me thank you. These are a splurge and I must save up but it is worth it.

Gina

I like Old Navy, but the quality isn’t the same. It can’t be at that price point.  The finishes on the clothing are no where near that of the other stores - the buttonholes, the seams, the bindings. The BR stuff, for example, is really adjustable at the tailor’s if your size goes up or down . With that said, Old Navy has its place….I think of it as more disposable, trendy clothing. When I buy something there, it is not with the intention of having it last years. I tend to buy inexpensive, summer tops or dresses for the beach there that will probably make it two seasons and are very easy to take care of.  ( I don’t buy bottoms or winter clothes there…I tend to spend a little more on winter clothes. )

So I don’t think it is in your head….maybe you need to think of where the Old Navy stuff can fit into your life so that you don’t spend more than you have to.  And, remember, mix it up. I have two great cotton halter tops that are lined, light as air that I wear with some great ( and much more expensive ) JJill linen pants and/or under a nice summer sweater or jacket. I get tons of compliments on these shirts. I think that at my age, head to toe Old Navy would look silly and cheap and ill-fitting - it really is geared toward younger people with no hips.

I wouldn’t wear them anywhere important, but they are great to run around in when it is 100 degrees out and I can just toss them in the wash. Or at the zoo with my kids and they spill their ice cream or apple juice all over me…. you get the picture !!!!

Old Navy has been rather hit or miss for me.  I will say that I have had luck and found some cute, inexpensive items that lasted through the season.  With that said, I realize that nothing from Old Navy is designed, nor built to last over several seasons.  I end up getting rid of almost everything I purchase at the end of season.  But can be a good place for inexpensive, trendy pieces- occassionally.