How To Dress The "Acting Part" On A Budget

Wardrobe is a big part of the daily existence of an actor. While big budget movies and television shows have their own wardrobe departments that supply the main actors and major guest stars with their outfits, many actors don't have the opportunity to work on larger productions. They work on commercials, do background work and book smaller guest star roles that require them to supply their own clothes. Some smaller shoots do have clothes on hand to help fill-in various wardrobe needs with standard size generic looking clothes. More often than not, the actor booking the role will get a call from wardrobe asking them to bring specific types of clothes to the shoot. The clothing request is made so the production will have outfit options for various scenes.

What's an actor with a limited budget supposed to do when they book a job for the next day with wardrobe requests? What are the best choices in Los Angeles for camera ready clothes on a budget?

The following is not a comprehensive list of places to shop for clothes on a budget. It is more of a "starter kit" to help find stores to shop at for auditions or booked jobs:

1. The Council Thrift Shops (NCJWLA/National Council of Jewish Women) - Worth checking out for the occasional name brand clothing. Multiple locations around Los Angeles.
2. Berda Paradise Thrift Store - A play on words as well as the first name (Berda) of the founder of the store. A thrift store with a good heart as it benefits the Hollywood Sunset Free Clinic. Vintage clothing, name brands, purses and other goodies can be found at this store on Sunset Boulevard in Silver Lake.
3. American Cancer Society Discovery Shop - A set of stores across Los Angeles near and dear to my heart as my wife works for the American Cancer Society. There is sometimes more of a focus on furniture and home decorating items but still worth checking out for a few clothing items.
4. Wasteland - With three locations in the Los Angeles area, Wasteland is a definite resource for clothing on a budget. The actor searching for clothes will find anything from designer suits and jeans to shirts perfect for auditions and hanging out with friends. There is also a good selection of casual clothes. Wasteland is a place where almost any style of clothes can be found on the right day at a good price.
5. It's A Wrap - This is kind of an odd place because the clothes in the store are actual wardrobe pieces from TV shows and movies. If nothing else, it gives an actor a good idea of the wardrobe style of various productions. Plus, where else can you buy a random outfit from "Dancing With The Stars"? There's one location in Burbank and one on Robertson Blvd on the Westside.
6. Squaresville - A 2-story vintage store on Vermont with a little bit of everything in terms of clothing. Casual and designer clothes, shoes and accessories can all be found at this store.
7. Out Of The Closet - There are three or four locations of Out Of The Closet around town. Their selection of clothes shares space with housewares and books with part of the proceeds benefiting the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. 
8. Jet Rag - A vintage clothing store on La Brea that sometimes leans towards more eclectic selections but still worth checking out on a regular basis. It can be a little crazy on Sundays when they hold their $1 sales.
9. Crossroads - The number of Crossroads locations across Los Angeles makes it easy to find a location. Although they are not big on dress clothes or designer wear, they are a great option when searching for more casual outfits.
10. Buffalo Exchange - Their tagline says they specialize in new and recycled fashion. This is true as new/gently worn clothes hang next to vintage concert t-shirts and faded jeans. A good place to shop for stage clothes as well as clothes for filming.

In a city the size of Los Angeles, there are dozens of options when it comes to shopping for acting clothes. There are many recycled and vintage clothing stores that sell outfits that still look brand new. It's always nice to wear an outfit that cost very little but still looks like a million bucks.

The parents of this actor have had good luck at thrift stores.