Clothing brand Express hit its peak in the 2000s when it was a top brand for higher-quality trendy fashions that helped people save money on essentials for their wardrobes.
Fast forward to April 2024 when the chain retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and is now shutting down around 100 locations.
So, where can you go for stylish attire in bold patterns and fun materials with the working adult in mind? We dug up eight alternative retailers to help you fill that void.
Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account
Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!1
With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!
This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.
Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.
Apply for a Discover Cashback Checking account today
Banana Republic
Founded in 1978, Banana Republic has gone through several transformations. You’re now likely to find their designs on people at the local racquet club, at church, and at brunch on the weekends.
With over 700 stores worldwide, this brand is known for solid-colored, timeless staples, and keeps its prices affordable by using lower-cost fabrics.
J.Crew
As the name might suggest, J. Crew carries preppy, clean-cut styles for the whole family at reasonable price points, especially for the long-lasting quality of the fabrics.
They have a robust offering that covers dresses starting around $60, shirts just under $50, and other items like cashmere, pants, suits, outerwear, accessories, and shoes — and they asd often run huge sales.
Ann Taylor
Largely known for more conservative and professional suits, dresses, separates, and accessories, this brand has made a recent pivot. Step into an Ann Taylor now and you may be surprised at their wide selection of offerings.
The current catalog includes an extensive list of jewel-toned items with fun patterns and textures. Detailed buttons, tailored jackets, and wide-legged pants are must-have staples from this chain.
Get a protection plan on all your appliances
Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.
Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.
For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.
Talbots
Another retail chain that carries similar fashions to Ann Taylor is Talbots. Opened in 1947, the brand has always been committed to providing women with “timely and timeless style.”
Now, you can find anything from sweet floral blouses that carry you from workdays into weekends and fresh staples like wide-legged jeans and cardigans, to edgy embossed faux leather jackets and belted shirt dresses.
Lulus
If you’re in the mood for a great dress, you’ll find a great variety at Lulus. The brand went almost completely digital in recent years and carries its clothing exclusively online and in a flagship store in Los Angeles.
But with a generous return policy, efficient turnaround on shipping, and some great silhouettes at fantastic prices, you can afford to purchase multiple to try on.
Trending Stories
H&M
Even with H&M’s more sustainable practices and “Conscious” collection, their reputation and pricing have historically thrown them into fast fashion categories. But H&M has some stunning wardrobe staples at deeply affordable prices.
Offerings include pleated skirts, tailored dresses and pants, and a host of beautiful blouses. With H&M’s clothing care guides, your items should last for years to come, no matter how deep the discount.
ASOS
Another fun place to shop for size-inclusive dresses appropriate for any age is the British online retailer ASOS. Whether you’re looking for a sweet summer dress or evening attire for a wedding, look no further.
The site features trends from both sides of the pond, which means you have tons of fun options. They carry both affordable and high-end clothing and accessories making it a real one-stop shop.
Madewell
Madewell has become many people’s go-to as a reliable on trend clothing retailer.
The brand focuses on using higher-quality fabrics, so their prices can seem a little steep at first, but they often have big sales for more reasonable prices on dresses, workwear, and beyond. And if you’re in need of a good pair of jeans, their denim collection is spectacular.
Bottom line
This isn’t the first time Express has worked to avoid a complete shutdown. In August 2023, they curbed their losses by laying off 150 employees to cut costs. While they don’t seem to be gone for good yet, having staple alternate clothing options is important.
Keep these retailers in your back pocket to help save money shopping.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.
Author Details