Part of life is the inevitability of change. One thing that changes with us as we grow is our style. Sometimes the way we dress ourselves changes without us noticing until someone points it out. Other times we decide to change it. The problem with trying to change your wardrobe in college is that you are most likely extremely low on funds. So here are some ways to change your wardrobe while low on funds.
First thing to do is figure out what look you are going for.
If you only know you want to change but go out shopping without a plan you'll end up wasting time and money. Look at yourself not physically but who you are inside. Let your style reflect your personality. If you can't come up with a look for yourself go online and look for inspiration.
Once you have a plan sort through all your clothes and make a keep, discard, and working pile. The keep pile is what you love and want to keep. The discard pile is clothes that you hate, make you feel bad, you never wear or ones that just can't be made to fit. These are going to be sold or used for fabric later. The working pile is for pieces that you like but they just aren't working right now. You can take them in, let them out, add fabric, designs, beads, and so much more.
Now that you have some money from selling things its time to shop.
The first place to go would be the thrift or second hand store. You could find some really great clothes for really cheap if you look carefully. If there is something you are not positive you like try it on, things look different on you then they do on a hanger. While you are shopping look for statement pieces. These are bold and unique pieces that are the center of attention of the outfit you wear them with. Look for fun things that really reflect who you are because these are the first things people see on you. You should also look for staple pieces. These are pieces that are versatile and can be worn with different outfits in different ways. Sometimes it's better to splurge a little on staple pieces because they are pieces that need to be durable and last longer.
Looking for things on sale/clearance is a great way to save money.
Everything goes on sale eventually, if you can wait then just wait a few weeks then go buy it. Shop for winter in the spring and shop for summer in the fall because that’s when things go on sale for those seasons. If you are trying to subtly elevate your look accessories are something you should focus on. Adding a watch or sunglasses can change an entire look.
A couple more places to go for free clothes would be friends and lost and founds. Ask your friends if they are planning on getting rid of clothes if you could look through and keep some. Some place like to have a day where they just give away everything in the lost and found to clear it up. This is popular to do at colleges and recreation centers. Make sure you wash all the clothes you get before you wear them. Have fun with your look and experiment. You might find a part of yourself you didn't even know existed.
