I know a lot of people say, once you graduate from high school or college, you should stop shopping at forever 21. Well, I can't completely agree with that. I'm a college graduate with a full time job but I still check out forever 21 to see if I can find that one amazing item, that doesn't look like its from forever 21! And trust me, once in a while, you hit the jackpot! Here are a few tips I've learned through my years of shopping there:

Take a look online and see what's new before going into the store. This will save you time and have an idea of what to look for
If you see something you like online, take a picture/print it out/ write the product sku/code down to ask a sales person
Always do the sheer test!! If you can see your hand through the fabric, most likely the world will see your ass. Nobody wants that
Look at mannequins. Most of the time, they put their best items on them. See how they're styled for inspiration too. But don't buy the whole outfit on the mannequin
Make sure you try it on! If it doesn't fit, don't buy it! You'll find it somewhere else. Trust me
If you see a minor tear that's easily fixable, make sure you ask for a discount. Forever 21 usually gives up to 10% off
Sign up for coupons/emails. Every few months they send out a 40% off coupon. Yes I know, it can't get any cheaper!!
Some of Forever 21's materials look cheap and are cheap. For example: polyester chiffon and some denim. Just skip on buying these pieces. They look cheap and feel even worse on.
Shop by the section that is most your style. For example, I love their contemporary department so I look there first.
Look through the entire rack. I've found amazing pieces that happen to be the last one remaining and it has been stuck in the corners.

Happy shopping!!