Fridays can be the best days, especially when you get your paycheck and go shopping. It’s like going to Disneyland. Nordstrom is the log ride, because it’s so classic. Urban Outfitters is “It’s a small world” because it makes you feel cultured. H&M is the Matterhorn bobsleds, because it’s one of the most adventurous rides. Macy’s is the teacups because all the clutter makes you dizzy. The designer stores and boutiques are the rides you were too short to go on when you were 5.

Sometimes shopping can make you feel insignificant and unworthy of a trend simply because you cannot afford it as a college student. You don’t need to fret. There is a secret to dressing trendy and not cutting up your Visa. First, split your shopping day in half. One half is for sight (style)- seeing and the other is for bargain hunting.

Treat the expensive stores like museums (if you touch the picture, the security guard will yell at you). Look at the outfits on the mannequins. Stare at the chicly dressed rich older women. Analyze what would look good on you and what the latest colors are. Then go to TJ Maxx, Ross, Nordstrom Rack, Target, Marshalls and Forever 21 to rummage.

There is nothing in fashion that has not been done before. When a trend goes mainstream in the United States, some designer the year before started it and others followed. Usually no one buys the new trend until more people are wearing it, so the first cycle is put on sales racks and eventually ends up at TJ Maxx, my favorite store. If you fashion-educate yourself, you can go into these bargain stores and come out with really good quality designer clothes for a fraction of the actual price.

The strategies for shopping at bargain stores are universal. Treat it like you’re grocery shopping without a list and grab a cart to fill up with whatever looks good. Avoid eye contact with other people shopping because they are your competition. Go straight to the section that appeals to you the most. If you need new boots, go to the shoe section and scavenge. The more you dig, the more you find and the more calories you burn.

Proceed to the clothing racks and quickly skim through each item. Look for fabric quality, color, label, size and, lastly, price. If the sweater looks decent, throw it in your cart and move on. You will be surprised with how many items you find similar to things you saw at Nordstrom or Urban Outfitters.

Once you’ve searched all of your sections, go to the dressing room. While waiting in line, look at the rack of clothes people have already tried on because you may have missed something. Most likely you are above the limit to take in, but don’t worry — just be organized. When trying on a skirt, shirt, jeans or basically anything, always check the zippers, pockets and backside to spot any flaws.

Throw things on, mix and match, and make quick decisions. For every item be sure to ask yourself how many outfits you can make in your wardrobe with it. Create sections on the hooks. One hook for “no way,” another hook for “maybe” and another hook for “buy it.”

When someone asks you where you got your new red pumps, don’t say you can’t remember because you are too embarrassed to say Ross. Tell them you bought it at Ross, and if they give you a snotty face, just say, “People have been telling me all day how cute they are.”

Pretentious people that think they are too good for Forever 21, Nordstrom Rack and Target miss out on the feeling you get from finding that great buy.

No matter how much money you have, to a person whose favorite hobby is fashion, no adrenaline rush can compare to skimming a clothes rack and finding a Free People dress for $15.

[Reach columist Shanelle Smith at features@thedaily.washington.edu.]