Jackson Free Press

With all the stresses of college living—community showers, part-time jobs and intimidating professors—it can be hard to maintain a personal style that branches out from the umbrella of "all-nighter chic." College isn't about being fashionable, but it's easier to face that 8 a.m. class in a vintage dress than in sweatpants and one of a dozen "Welcome Week" t-shirts. Developing a style that suits college classrooms and adulthood takes time and a carefully trained eyed to scoop up the best deals. Luckily, Jackson has the best thrift shops to build a million-dollar closet on a ramen-noodle budget.

Here are my favorites.

Silly Billy's (534 E. Mitchell Ave., 601-672-6693) specializes in great deals on gently used clothing and accessories. It has the largest selection of dresses and men's button-ups, which are perfect for cool morning walks across campus. Silly Billy's also has a lower level in the shop where lucky thrifters can find one-of-a-kind vintage pieces.

The Orange Peel (422 E. Mitchell Ave., 601-364-9977) is a consignment shop with clothing selections for men and women, accessories and a small-but-packed "furniture barn." Inside are unique pieces of home furnishings such as mirrors and coffee tables. A piece of vintage furniture can switch up the monotony of dorm-room decor fast.

Repeat Street (242 Highway 51, Ridgeland, 601-605-9123) houses one of the largest selections of consignment pieces, such as name-brand clothing like J Crew, True Religion, Lilly Pulitzer, Nine West and Brahmin. The shop also carries vintage dresses and purses along with one-of-a-kind statement pieces and lots of furniture and housewares.

Best of Jackson 2014: Shopping and Services

Best Thrift/Consignment Shop: Repeat Street

(242 Highway 51, Ridgeland, 601-605-9123, repeatstreet.net) / Second: Orange Peel (422 E. Mitchell Ave., 601-364-9977) / Third: N.U.T.S. (114 Millsaps Ave., 601-355-7458; 3011 N. State St.) / Finalists: Bargain Boutique (5070 Parkway Drive, 601-991-0500); Fondren Muse (3413 N. State St., 601-345-1155); Leap Frog Children's Consignment & More (104 Village Blvd., Madison, 601-898-0727); Silly Billy's Consignment Shop (534 E. Mitchell Ave., 601-672-6693)

Best Boutique:

Material Girls (182 Promenade Blvd., Flowood, 601-992-4533; 1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 7005, Ridgeland, 601-605-1605, shopmaterialgirls.com / Second: Treehouse Boutique (3000 N. State St., 601-982-3433) / Third: Fondren's Fashion House (310 Mitchell Ave., 601-362-9090) / Finalists: Arco Avenue (1107 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 107, Ridgeland 601-790-9662); Posh Boutique (4312 N. State St., 601-364-2244); Royal Bleau Boutique (1100 John R. Lynch St., Suite 8, 601-321-9564)

Best Women's Shoes:

The Shoe Bar at Pieces (135 Market St., Flowood, 601-992-9057) / Second: Maison Weiss (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 109, 601-981-4621) Third: Material Girls (182 Promenade Blvd., Flowood, 601-992-4533; 1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 7005, Ridgeland, 601-605-1605) Finalists: Arco Avenue (1107 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 107, Ridgeland 601-790-9662); Soma Wilai (2906 N. State St., Suite 103, 601-366-9955); Treehouse Boutique (3000 N. State St., 601-982-3433)

Best Men's Clothes:

The Rogue and Good Company (4450 Interstate 55 N., 601-362-6383) / Second: Kinkade's Fine Clothing (120 W. Jackson St., Ridgeland, 601-898-0513) / Third: Great Scott (4400 Old Canton Road, Suite 101, 601-984-3500) Finalist: Mozingo Clothiers (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 140, 601-713-7848)

Best Tailor:

Custom Tailoring by Al (1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 4004, Ridgeland, 601-607-3443 / Second: Finishing Touch Alterations (4551 Office Park Drive, 601-362-5288) / Third: Tailored to You (258 Dogwood Blvd., Flowood, 601-992-1373) / Finalists: Cathy's Alterations (3010 Lakeland Cove, Suite R, Flowood, 601-933-0036); Tom James Company (1775 Lelia Drive, 601-713-2034)