It really depends on what I'm getting. Generally it's good to keep in mind to not focus on what all the gawth stores are but rather what you can do with something. You can recreate an outfit using a lot less money at "normal" stores, and imo it's not worth spending that much on something just because it has a association with "goth".
Forever 21 (I can hear everyone sighing) has versatile pieces at low prices. They have cheap tank tops you can use for layering They're really helpful to me because they hug the body tightly but comfortably and it goes with a lot of my stuff. You can also find things in there that can work in your wardrobe, my friend found a forever 21 black lace jacket, and one day I was surprised to see that the store had a fishnet shirt on their website. It was dark blue, and you can make a fishnet shirt yourself for really cheap but, still. They also have lots of spiky jewlery and cuffs, and tights too. One of my favorite tights from F 21 is these bright purple fishnets.
note: I heard some weird things about forever 21, something about them not having the "cleanest" cotton if you know what I mean.. As much as I feel bad supporting that kind of thing my shopping there most likely won't change as long as I'm poor school kid..or until I find a better store with similar prices.
Thrifting - St. Paul's is pretty good (if you have one nearby). I once found a fishnet jacket with no rips in it or anything, for 2 bucks in there.
I also found a black vest cutoff I plan to put on buckles on..eventually. Just keep your mind open because thrifting is probably my number one way to save money on clothes and it helps you not have that awkward moment when you have the same shirt as someone else.
Walmart - Take advantage of Halloween when all the cool tights and jewelry go on sale. I recently stocked up on fishnets and found a cool spiderweb pattern and striped purple and orange tights, and they were all around 3 bucks each I believe. I took one of the fishnets and made it into a fishnet shirt (wore it under a tank), and still deciding what I want to do with the rest..
Hot Topic - I'd only go there for stuff like fishnet gloves or something, but honestly you're better off staying away from here because I find that the quality is weird and the prices are a bit too high for my liking.
I hope this helps I would recommend more but I'm not sure if I talked too much. :X
