I do both. I get good, fashionable stuff from macy's at like 75% off, or from Kohls at 90% off. You don't have to throw big bucks for fashion, just be on the lookout for clearance deals or underestimated brands/companies/stores.
But, you can't just go to thrift stores either. Thrift stores suck nowadays, even for the "vintage" look. You can't really find vintage stuff or good stuff... just cheap, ugly or oversized crap from the last 15 or so years.
>>1
I know what you're talking about. I think I touched upon it in my "Recommend me some shoes!" topic. IMO, if you really don't want to be associated with the connotations of the style you're wearing, either don't wear it or wear something that clashes with it.
>Why should you care if someone sees you wearing x and assume you're y?
I can imagine if one liked the goth style, but didn't want to be considered a gothh or so.