Shopping for California Style: An Insider‘s Guide to Stores Like Hollister
As an avid shopper and bargain hunter with over 10 years of experience, I’ve become well-acquainted with laidback California-inspired style. And one brand that truly captures that aesthetic is Hollister. From distressed denims to off-the-shoulder peasant tops, Hollister brings coastal cool to closets across America.
But variety is the spice of life in fashion as much as food. So I often get asked – what are some great stores like Hollister to mix up my shopping routine?
And after a decade scrutinizing labels, racks and price tags, I can confidently share my insider’s picks for the best Hollister alternatives.
In this detailed guide, you’ll discover my hand-picked recommendations on 12 stores sharing that bright, beachy DNA. I’ll unpack what truly defines the Hollister vibe, tips for strategically shopping the brand itself, and insights from friends on these California-cool alternatives.
Let’s soak up some sunshine and dive right in!
Decoding the Hollister Surfer Chic Style
Before uncovering fresh stores to swap into your rotation, let’s examine what makes Hollister so wildly popular with over 600 locations globally.
The California beach lifestyle stands at the heart of the brand. Hollister wraps wearers in visions of seaside bonfires, pier walks at sunset, and joyrides along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Shoppers get transported to an endless summer of wanderlust and adventure.
Bright, casual pieces capture a carefree spirit. Flowy tops flutter in beach breezes, while distressed denim and cutoffs feel lived-in from days soaking up sunshine. Graphic tanks and tees promise endless fun, while off-the-shoulder peasant blouses and sundresses evoke romance.
Laidback surf and skater culture flows through its DNA. Hollister’s roots in action sports shapes its selection of hoodies, joggers, logo hats, and swimwear. Effortless outfits promise comfort for everything from bonfires to beach volleyball.
So in summary – breezy, bright clothes wrapped in coastal vibes and grounded in SoCal culture. Casually cool personified.
Now let’s find you some fresh fashion territory to pioneer! Below I present 12 phenomenal stores like Hollister brimming with California charm.
12 Stores Like Hollister for West Coast Inspired Style
1. PacSun
Founded: 1980
Number of Locations: 600+
Price Range: $ – $$
My friend Nina loves PacSun for its surf and skate inspired styles reminiscent of Hollister. As someone who grew up catching waves in San Diego, she appreciates brands like Vans, Volcom and Rip Curl carried at PacSun. From muscle tanks and board shorts to hoodies and sandals, PacSun brings coastal action sports ensembles to life.
I particularly enjoy their frequent BOGO (buy one get one) sales around holidays like July 4th and Labor Day. Their everyday prices cater perfectly to high school and college budgets.
So for graphic tanks, bikinis, or an extra hoodie to tie around your waist, PacSun is a fantastic place to soak up SoCal energy.
2. Tilly’s
Founded: 1982
Number of Locations: 200+
Price Range: $ – $$
Tilly’s offers another prime destination for West Coast cool at accessible price points. The brand carries its own apparel alongside labels like Billabong, RVCA and Quicksilver. So whether building relaxed looks from graphic muscle tees and joggers or suiting up for surf sesssions, Tilly’s delivers.
My best friend Kelly loves scoring discounts on essentials like denim shorts, one-piece swimsuits and flip flops here. She even furnished her first apartment with adorable accent pillows and wall art from Tilly’s décor section.
For stylish, laidback staples rooted in action sports, Tilly‘s captures the Hollister ethos focused on SoCal lifestyle.
3. Urban Outfitters
Founded: 1970
Number of Locations: 500+ globally
Price range: $-$$$
While Urban Outfitters commands slightly higher prices than mall mainstays, the unique bohemian style offers an alluring option for Hollister fans. Flowy peasant blouses, high waisted shorts and ankle boots bring vacation flair. And pieces like kimonos, woven bags and floppy hats add worldly texture.
My globetrotting friend Amanda adores Urban Outfitters for its modern hippie vibe. She found the perfect travel outfit here – a breezy jumpsuit with intricate embroidery – for her recent trip to Mexico.
For boho lovers longing for Hollister’s breeziness, Urban Outfitters presents a compelling case.
4. Brandy Melville
Founded: 1990
Number of Locations: 80+
Price range: $
Hugely popular with the Gen Z set, Brandy Melville delivers the Holy Grail of effortless California chic. The made in LA styles focus on crop tops, high waisted bottoms and slouchy graphic sweatshirts. These easy, lightweight layers capture the essence of Los Angeles fashion.
Despite its tiny brick-and-mortar presence, Brandy Melville enjoys cult status on social media. In fact, my 15-year old niece Ava lives in Brandy Melville crop tops and Mom shorts. She loves flaunting her style on TikTok and Instagram.
For laidback SoCal style with major influencer appeal, Brandy Melville is a slam dunk.
5. Lucky Brand
Founded: 1990
Number of Locations: 100+
Price Range: $$
While Lucky Brand sits a notch up in price from fast fashion, frequent 40% off sales help ease the blow. And for investment denim and timeless peasant blouses, dedicated Lucky fans happily pay a premium. The quality craftsmanship shines through in finishings like tacking and reinforced seams.
My friend Jen relies on Lucky Brand for her casual Friday work outfits. She feels the distressed jeans and breezy shirred tops allow her professional polish to peek through. Yet she still channels that West Coast spirit.
So for elevated essentials like shorts, tanks, and cardigans, consider splurging on Lucky‘s superb construction.
6. Forever 21
Founded: 1984
Number Locations: 600+ globally
Price range: $
Fast fashion favorite Forever 21 allows you to emulate Hollister style on a shoestring budget. The brand delivers vacation ready ensembles centered around micro tops, denim cut offs and flirty dresses. Graphic tanks tempt you toward adventure as floral prints whisper romance.
And with new arrivals daily, variety never wanes. My bargain hunting friend Lauren logs almost daily Forever 21 runs seeking hidden micro top and mini skirt gems. She proudly averaged just $11 per outfit last summer – perfect for globetrotting on a grad student budget!
So for wallet-friendly takes on Hollister‘s micro top and mini skirt uniforms, Forever 21 is a savvy pick.
7. Francesca’s
Founded: 1999
Number of Locations: 700+
Price Range: $$
Francesca’s polishes boho style with delicate feminine flair at just the right price point. The brand spotlights breezy peasant blouses, fluttery kimonos, and smocked off-the-shoulder dresses. Patterns, crochet, and lively florals channel the kind of free-spirited aesthetic Hollister hints at.
The quality also rises above fast fashion standards, as confirmed by my friend Nadia. As a busy single mom, Nadia depends on Francesca’s pretty washable dresses for both work and adventures with her twins. The clothes earn compliments without requiring dry cleaning budgets.
So for femininity with a wanderlust edge, Francesca’s is a smart choice post-Hollister.
8. Aerie
Founded: 2006
Number of Locations: 180+
Price Range: $
A division of American Eagle, Aerie imports coastal charm through its focus on intimates, lounge and swim. The brand champions body positivity and diversity by refusing to airbrush models. They‘ve built fierce customer loyalty as a result.
In addition to proudly showing real women with flaws and all, Aerie delivers outstanding quality at bargain prices. My best friend swears by their ultrasoft bralettes, pretty lace thongs that avoid VPL (“visible panty lines”), and flattering high-waisted swimsuits.
As someone who lived her teen years in string bikinis digging into my hips, I really appreciate Aerie‘s message. Their goal is helping young people feel comfortable in their own skin – and the clothes to match.
So for intimates and loungewear that make you feel sunshine-kissed inside and out, do like the #AerieREAL role models and embrace your unique beauty.
9. Abercrombie & Fitch
Founded: 1892
Number of Locations: 300+
Price Range: $$
If you still associate Abercrombie with heavy cologne and oversexed ads, it may surprise you to see this revived brand on our list. But under new leadership, Abercrombie has done the work to refresh its image. goodbye, shirtless models – hello, cute graphic tees and versatile denim!
The company now focuses on quality over logos, spotlighting durable denim designed specifically for curves. My curvy friend Taylor confirms Abercrombie as her go-to for jeans actually cut to fit her bubble butt and ample thighs. And she doesn‘t have to sacrifice style for fit.
Beyond denim, Abercrombie shines with cozy button-downs, breezy dresses and timeless jackets – ready to layer over swimsuits between beach adventures. For critter-loving teens, Abercrombie‘s partnership with National Geographic adds wildlife flair.
So if you still cling to old Abercrombie grudges, I gently encourage giving them another look.
10. American Eagle
Founded: 1977
Number of Locations: 1000+
Price Range: $ – $$
Accessible all-American style stays rooted at AE no matter how trends evolve. But recently, the brand has modernized with curve-focused jeans and trendy collaborations from Addison Rae‘s Item Beauty makeup to beloved streetwear label STAPLE.
The affordability also opens their relaxed denim, slouchy tees, joggers and dresses to more shoppers – key for my coupon cutting mom! She keeps my teenage brother looking cool on a budget thanks to AE‘s frequent BOGO (buy one get one 50% off) sales.
So for laidback American style staples easy to integrate with vibrant Hollister pieces, American Eagle is a convenient one-stop shop.
11. Ralph Lauren (Polo Shops)
Founded: 1967
Number of Locations: 500+
Price Range: $$$
While the understated polish of Ralph Lauren reads more country club than beach club, the brand still captures essential elements of the Hollister aesthetic – think crisp button-downs, cozy shawl cardigans, and always…dense, buttery sweaters.
Yes the price point is big leap, but the exceptional fabrics, tailoring and finishes justify costs for Ralph devotees like my Aunt Julie. She‘s amassed a collection of decades-old Polo pieces she continues wearing far longer than any fast fashion.
Beyond investment classics, Ralph‘s youth label Polo Shops presents a more laidback side. Relaxed tees, hoodies, and swim options infuse the country club with California chill. So it‘s the best of both worlds.
While outside typical teen budgets, Ralph is worth saving up for or watching for discounted. Because good clothing should last more than a few wears before falling apart or going out of style.
12. Levi‘s
Levi’s
Founded: 1853
Number of Locations: 3000+
Price range: $$
What California style guide would be complete without iconic denim label Levi’s? The brand that literally invented jeans remains trusted over a century later for good reason. While Levi‘s prices sit above mall brands, the materials, construction and finishings justify costs.
In fact, one pair of Levi‘s outlasts three of my friend Kara‘s cheaper jeans. She invested in vintage inspired high rise 501s last year and wears them almost daily with zero fraying or bagging. Her $40 Rock Revival jeans lasted about 4 months by comparison.
Beyond denim, Levi‘s also nails quintessential California casualwear like trucker jackets, joggers, shorts and tees. So for foundations guaranteed to elevate your relaxed adventure style, stick with the OG Levi’s.
Tips for Strategic Hollister Shopping
Hopefully those 12 phenomenal alternatives sparked some fresh fashion inspiration! But before we close, I want to share my best tips for continuing to shop Hollister in the smartest and most affordable way. Take notes!
Follow sales calendars. Hollister hosts major clearing events over almost every major holiday weekend from Memorial Day through Christmas. I plan shopping trips around these promos to stack discounts.
Browse clearance racks first. Tuesday mornings when new markdowns emerge are prime times for treasure hunting. I almost always find cute graphic tees, denim or dresses for 60-75% off retail this way.
Double up discounts: Sales associates frequently have extra coupon codes and offers. You can combine these with existing sales and clearance to maximize value. Last July 4th, I combined a 50% off shorts promo with a $25 off $75 coupon for 65% off my whole haul!
Watch for online exclusives. Hollister often reserves its deepest discounts for online events. So before purchasing full price in stores, check the website for any digital only deals.
Use status perks. As a member of the free Club Cali program, you earn points with purchases redeemable for discounts and free items. Sign up to access additional promos.
Refer friends. Referring members to the Club Cali program earns you bonus rewards too! So be sure to invite fellow Hollister fans to join and share perks.
Weighing Pros and Cons of Hollister
Pros
- On trend styles rooted California culture
- Frequent sales and clearance discounts
- Affordable prices for most budgets
- Inclusive sizing accommodating more body types
- High quality materials and construction
Cons
- Limited brick-and-mortar presenceoutside big cities
- Some items run very small
- Styles not as age inclusive as sister brand Abercrombie
- Sales can induce overspending impulse buys
- Mostly young, thin models lack diversity
The Verdict?
Hollister delivers outstanding value catering to relaxed coastal style. Just be mindful of impulse sale splurges, size variations, and limiting representation.
Final Takeaway
Hopefully these insider tips help you continue rocking effortlessly cool Hollister finds while mixing in fresh styles from amazing alternatives.
Remember, variety and flexibility keep your look feeling fresh. So enjoy exploring sister stores like Abercrombie, American Eagle, Aerie and PacSun trading in that same SoCal DNA.
Or chase inspiration further afield with bohemian staples from Urban Outfitters and Francesca‘s. Discover LA It brands like Brandy Melville and Levi‘s vintage cool. Or even dabble in Ralph Lauren‘s polished preppy.
Here’s to keeping your look as bright, beachy and adventurous as the California sun itself! No matter where you shop, I hope these picks spark inspiration.
Let me know which new stores you explore in the comments below! Share your wins scored in your latest hauls.
And as always, happy treasure hunting! This is Jen signing off.
