If you are anything like me, your style is inspired by Gigi Hadid and the Kardashian-Jenner Family, but your wallet isn’t quite heavy enough to support that style. Being a broke college student, people believe that their chances of looking good are as limited as the money in their bank account. This could not be any more wrong. There are eights steps to looking like the high-class boss you are on the broken budget you have.
1. Thrift Stores Should Be Your Best Friend
Thrift Stores get a bad rap for being gross and unfashionable but some of the best items can be found here. Being in college, I soon learned where all the thrift stores were around me within a 30-mile radius. Sometimes, a garment may catch your attention when you walk in the door, other times they take some digging to find… but finding a Ralph Lauren trench coat for five dollars makes it totally worth it. Take the time and go look!
2. Never Take Your Parent's Closets For Granted
When we think of our parent's closets, most of us think of ugly sweaters and mom jeans. However, always keep in mind that fashion trends make their way back around. So yes, that means keep your high waisted jeans and baggy cropped sweaters. My mom still cringes every time I tell her clothes I think are cute because she “wore the same thing when she was my age.
3. Recycling Last Season's Clothes For This Season
Being in college, I have had to learn to make summer clothes go into fall and so on due to lack of places to put them. Summer tops can easily be made into a fall or winter look by throwing a cardigan or sweater on top. Take last season's clothes and make them your own by incorporating them into this season.
4. Buy Out Of Season
One thing my mom has taught me is to buy clothes out of season. Sure, it may be three degrees outside with four feet of snow on the ground but you can’t pass up a designer swimsuit for twenty bucks. You will love yourself when you pay hundreds of dollars less than your friends because you bought it out of season.
5. Buy Outfits, Not Items
Although you may be in love with a certain top or pants, never buy it unless you know for a fact you have something to match. This is often dangerous so to ensure your fashion and budget’s safety, always buy in outfits.
6. Shop Online
Some of the best deals can be found when shopping online. Signing up for emails with deals and browsing through the clearance can making shopping extremely affordable even for broke college students.
7. Know What NOT To Wear
No one one knows what looks good on your body quite like you do. With that in mind, regardless of how cute an item may be, do not buy it. Instead, try to find items that may be out of your comfort zone but still respectable for your body style.
8. Classics Are The Backbone To Every Closet
With every style icon, there are classics in their closet. A classic may be the little black dress or even that pair of jeans that look killer on you. Classics are the core to any wardrobe and can define one’s style and image.
