Back to School Fashion: Best Alternative Teen Clothing Stores in Houston 2025
Is it Back to School Again?!
Summer is going by so quickly, and it’s back to school in a few weeks. Looking for the perfect back-to-school look for your kids (and maybe you, too)? Houston’s alternative fashion scene is bursting with teen clothing that screams individuality, perfect for rocking the school hallways with goth, candy raver, or bold colorful styles.
Pavement
Why It’s a Hit for Back to School: Pavement is a larger-than-life buy/sell/trade shop in Montrose, offering a wide variety of new and used teen clothing, shoes, and accessories, handpicked for style-savvy shoppers. It’s not a typical thrift shop, with curated vintage and modern pieces perfect for a 12-year-old’s goth or raver school look. A great stop from Clear Lake for back to school shopping.
What to Expect: Graphic tees ($15-$30), platform boots ($40-$80), neon skirts ($20-$40), studded bracelets ($5-$15), funky earrings ($8-$20).
Price Estimate: $30-$60 for a complete back to school outfit (top, bottom, accessory).
Address: 1657 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006.
Website: pavement.store (in-store and online).
Leopard Lounge
Why It’s a Hit for Back to School: For over 20 years, Leopard Lounge has been Houston’s go-to for curated vintage teen clothing from the 1920s to 2000s, located in the heart of Montrose. With knowledgeable staff who love vintage, it’s perfect for styling a unique goth or raver school outfit for your daughter.
What to Expect: Fishnet tops ($15-$25), pleather jackets ($50-$90), colorful wigs ($20-$40), spiked belts ($10-$20), glittery hair clips ($5-$15).
Price Estimate: $35-$70 for a full back to school look (top, accessory, outerwear).
Address: 1639 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006.
Website: leopardlounge.store (primarily in-store, some items online).
Buffalo Exchange
Why It’s a Hit for Back to School: This Montrose thrift store is a budget-friendly haven for alternative teen fashion 2025. Teens can dig for Y2K-inspired tops, goth dresses, or bright accessories, with fresh inventory daily for a unique school wardrobe.
What to Expect: Vintage tees ($10-$20), goth dresses ($20-$40), platform sneakers ($25-$50), chunky necklaces ($5-$15), colorful scarves ($8-$18).
Price Estimate: $25-$50 for a thrifted back to school outfit (top, bottom, accessory).
Address: 1305 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006.
Website: www.buffaloexchange.com (in-store and online).
Space Montrose
Why It’s a Hit for Back to School: This quirky Montrose shop mixes local art and teen clothing Houston adores, offering colorful tees and accessories with Houston flair. Ideal for a teen crafting a raver or artsy school look.
What to Expect: Local graphic tees ($15-$30), colorful hoodies ($30-$50), beaded bracelets ($5-$15), custom patches ($5-$10), tie-dye socks ($8-$15).
Price Estimate: $30-$55 for a back to school outfit (top, accessory, hoodie).
Address: 1706 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77098.
Website: www.spacemontrose.com (in-store and online).
The Whimsy Artisan
Why It’s a Hit for Back to School: In the Heights, this shop offers quirky, handmade pieces with a creepy-cute edge. Its jewelry and tees are perfect for a teen mixing goth teen style and colorful vibes for school.
What to Expect: Handmade chokers ($10-$20), quirky earrings ($8-$15), graphic tees ($15-$25), skull pins ($5-$10), neon scrunchies ($3-$8).
Price Estimate: $20-$45 for a curated back to school look (top, accessories).
Address: 2515 Harvard St, Houston, TX 77008.
Website: www.thewhimsyartisan.com (primarily in-store, some items online).