Like many midmarket and fast fashion stores, I have a love-hate relationship with Express. As a high school student it was one of my go-to places for button-down shirts and sexy dresses. Then after college as a new professional on a very low budget their workwear was ideal even if the material was not. Every so often I still like to stroll in there to see what the assortment looks like.
Last week I was on my way to an after-work event when I learned that the outfit I had on was way too fancy for the dress code. Cue screeching brakes! I didn’t want to go crazy buying an entire new look at premium prices if I didn’t have to, so something inspired me to take a stroll to the Express just a few blocks away with a friend.
I’m so glad we did because right now their assortment is on-point. That is, on-point for Express. It’s not like you’re going to find amazing pima cotton tops or luxe silk dresses. But at the price point and for long-term wearability I’m pleased by the amount of classic staples I found — plus a few trendier items it was easy to buy for under $40.
Inside, what I’ve bought on my two recent trips into Express plus a deal so good it beats the one currently listed on their website — but it’s valid today only.
MIXED TEXTURE ZIP FRONT TEE ($40)
A fantastic update on military green, the zipper gives lots of play for a more demure look or something a bit sexy when the time is right. Runs TTS — M for me. |
HIGH WAIST FULL MIDI SKIRT ($80)
Available in plenty of pretty colors sure to please any Anthro lover for Spring. Runs TTS — an 8 for me. |
PLEATED FLUTTER SLEEVE FITTED TEE ($30)
A sleeve that may be challenging to wear, a neckline that’s mesh. And yet, I love this red top! Runs TTS — a M for me. |
IMPATIENTS GARDEN SLEEVELESS PORTOFINO SHIRT ($45)
It is SO EASY to wear a cute layered necklace with this top. Also comes in solids. Runs TTS — a M for me. |
BARCELONA CAMI ($45)
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BARCELONA CAMI ($40)
In solids or polka dots this cami is beyond adorable. Runs large, I took a S instead of a M. |
DESTROYED KNEE HIGH WAISTED JEAN LEGGING ($80)
Although I can’t get beyond knees-only destroyed, I have to admit I like these. Runs TTS, an 8 for me. |
NECKLACE TRIM HIGH NECK
BLOUSON CAMI ($50) I love a good jeweled neckline! The tuxedo pleats are a great touch too. Great for showing off shoulders. Available in white (more playful) or black (more…something else). Runs TTS — a M for me. |
COWL NECK Y-BACK TANK ($40)
Beyond sexy. I bought the necklace too (no longer online sadly) on a different trip to the store. Runs large — I took a S instead of a M. |
POCKET AND ZIP CREPE FRONT TANK ($40)
This tank top is so amazing, I’ve already bought two colors (black and white). Runs TTS, a M for me. |
BAROQUE CROCHET LACE TEE ($60)
Sick of lace tops yet? I hope not, because this one is adorable even with the kinda spacious sleeves. Great for a monochromatic look (black) or a romantic boho one (other colors). Runs TTS — a M for me. |
MARLED LONDON SWEATER
(now $20) |
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MID RISE JEAN LEGGING ($80)
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SCOOP NECK LACE STRIPE TEE (now $15)
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FITTED DEEP V-NECK TEE (now $15)
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MARLED MESH DOLMAN SWEATER (now $30)
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(MINUS THE) LEATHER JACKET ($128)
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For under $250 I got two cute sleeveless tank tops, one dressier shirt — the Silky V-Neck Tee ($40) in tile blue not shown above, a sexy cowlneck, a pair of jeans, a marled cardigan that’s no longer online, three necklaces that aren’t online, plus the Stone Embellished Swag Collar Necklace ($40) shown at the top of this post and these earrings. I’ll post an OOTD on my Instagram with the items that are no longer online soon!
I didn’t even mention dresses either — again, not the highest quality you’ll ever find but lots of cute options. I’m interested in trying on this cute halter dress, this shirtdress and this sheath. And though this dress and its striped cousin are unlikely to work on me, I think they are both very cute warm-weather date night options!
Right now Express is running a bunch of promotions — many jeans are buy one pair, get a second pair for $30. The jeans included in this promotion are labeled on the jeans category page, you’ll see them as you scroll through the selection. Over in the tops section I noticed that there are several tops that are buy 1 top, get 1 top 50% off.
And here’s a deal so good Express didn’t even post it on their website. Today only you can use the code 1871 at checkout to get $25 off every $75 you spend. I took full advantage of this promo in-store — today is the last day for this particular promo.
Have you been to Express lately? Certainly worth a visit if you’re near a store…
