Shopping for clothes can be a fun experience, but when you can buy on the “cheap,’’ it’s an even better experience. Barbra Streisand did it, so did Oprah, by shopping at consignment stores such as the two Sweet Repeats, one in Pensacola and one in Gulf Shores.

With about 3,000 pieces of consignment clothing coming in each month at reduced prices, you can afford to change your outfit as often as your mood — whether you’re looking for a complete outfit or special occasion dress, said owner Kay Bonnell.

“Young women in the 21st century are more comfortable with themselves and the clothes they choose. They come in here and leave happy,’’ Bonnell said.

Young women such as Christy Porter, 21, a nursing student at the University of South Alabama who also works in catering on the side.

“I need some career-oriented clothes as well as casual ones. I love coming here because it’s all in my price range, and I’m in style,’’ Porter said.

For women 16 to 26, the selection of beachwear, sun dresses, designer jeans and camisoles are what to look for. Older women go for the Capri sets, evening dresses, designer suits and shoes.

Mixing something old and something lets women create their unique style.

“We can dress customers from funky to yesterday’s retro style and elegance, by adding our new accessories such as scarves, gloves, and jewelry,’’ Bonnell said. “I travel across the country to different jewelry markets and benefits.

For example, in Chicago and Atlanta, the styles range from bright colors and funky, chunky pieces to Dallas, where styles are elegant, yet self assuring, bold and chunky is hot.’’

New colorful gloves can add a touch of elegance to a retro-looking formal black dress. And gloves are definitely coming back in style, Bonnell said.

Melissa Demers, 21, an account executive for an area radio station, said, “I get tired of my clothes and like to change a lot. It doesn’t bother me at all that these are consignment clothing … they fit me and my budget.’’

Ericia Dixon, 26, a student at Capps College, was browsing at the store for the first time, “I like the clothes. I just didn’t know they had all these name brands,’’ she said, referring to the selection of Chico, Coach, Dolce, Gabbana, Dooney, Burke, Gap, Express and Carlisle.

“I like business casual,’’ said Porter, a size 0. “I’m very conservative, but I like chunky, funky jewelry. I can’t have too many denim skirts, and I buy jewels and sew them on them. I wear a mini denim when I’m out with the girls, mini all the way. But when I go to church, I wear a long denim.’’

Her favorite “fun’’ dress on a recent outing was the Marilyn Monroe-style white dress that made her famous in “Seven Year Itch.’’

“I used to watch her when I was a little girl, I felt good in that dress.’’

But she also liked the jeans — with knee holes — and the coral top.

“I’d wear that to school, on a date, out to dinner. It was so versatile.’’