Welcome to college. It'll be the best years of your life, but you'll have to learn to live on a very tight budget.
For people like me, that does not come easy.
You need fall clothes, winter clothes, going out clothes, interview clothes, lounge clothes, cute clothes, casual clothes, big sweaters, t-shirts.... basically you need enough clothes for any possible weather pattern/occasion, and make sure you are capable of washing it because hand wash only is not going to happen.
For all you shopaholics out there, here is a list of shops for a budget, student discounts and tricks of the trade.
Cheap clothes, good style
1. H&M
What it's best for
1. Going out clothes
2. Accessories
3. Cheap sweaters
4. Pants
Precautions
1. Hand wash only
2. Wrinkles easily
2. Forever 21
What it's best for
1. Going out clothes
2. Dresses
3. Accessories
4. Lounge wear
5. T shirts
Precautions
1. Hand wash only
2. Wrinkles
3. The return policy
3. Tobi
What it's best for
1. Going out clothes
2. Tops/ t shirts
3. Pants
Precautions
1. Look for sales and cheaper options
2. It's online only
4. Charlotte Russe
What it's best for
1. Going out clothes
2. Dresses
3. Shoes
4. Tops
Precautions
1. Wait for sales
5. Boohoo
What it's best for
1. Going out clothes
2. Tops
3. Outerwear
Precautions
1. Quality of fabric
2. Shop the sale
Spot the sales
Most stores have sales at some point. Learn to wait to find the right sale for you.
The biggest time of years for sales:
Just after the New Year
May or June "semi-annual" sales
August back to school sales
Black Friday
There are, however, pop-up sales in between.
Learn to shop in the sale or clearance section. That top you wanted 3 months ago is now 40% off.
Learn to coupon. Websites like retailmenot.com and coupons.com are always updating with new coupon codes.
Sign up for the rewards programs. There is often a 10% off your first purchase coupon when you sign up, on top of spend $x.xx and get xx% off. The emails are annoying, but the deals are worth it.
Shop for seasonal clothes at the end of the season. Discounts come for winter coats in March, bathing suits are cheaper in September. Buy them now and hold off for next year.
High end, low price
Take advantage of "off the rack" stores like Marshalls, TJ Maxx and rental websites like RentTheRunway.com.
1. Marshalls and TJ Maxx
Known for having designer clothing, for a much cheaper price. Get last seasons clothes this season for half the price. They are constantly changing stock and catering it to the customer
2. Nordstroms Rack
Little known secret of Nordstroms. A secondary store of theirs with their own stock of last seasons designers. All pieces were previously stocked in their large department store but now are discounted in their sister store.
3. RentTheRunway.com, The Ms. Collection
Rent on-trend fashion straight off the runway for a night. You'll have to return it in top condition, so you'll have to be cautious of spills, but this is potentially going to be the only way to wear Prada to a girls night out.
Comment your favorite style steals
