As a college student and a self-proclaimed shopaholic, I wholeheartedly understand the struggle of trying to look good on a tight budget. I find myself constantly tempted by trend alert e-mails, Instagram feeds, the siren call of shop windows, and anything on Pinterest. Not only am I tempted by these things, but I also can really see a difference in quality between more expensive items and cheaper ones. Since I am a poor college student on a budget (most of which I'd rather spend on food), I've come up with a few creative ways to look like I spend a lot on my wardrobe without actually going broke!
Here are a few tips for looking good on a budget:
1. Shop sales
This one may seem slightly obvious but I don't mean it in the way you expect. I mean go into more high-end stores like Nordstrom or J. Crew (or whatever you like), and browse the sale sections. You may not expect it, but if you look hard enough you'll find some really great deals!
2. Go for basics or solid colors
Budget friendly clothing is often made of lower quality material than pricier options and that is more obvious when you add a busy pattern to the mix, so stick to solid colors or basic patterns like stripes. Also, most stores carry basic pieces like a white t-shirt or a little black dress, so why spend $200 on a designer tank top when you can get it for $5?
3. Pay attention to the kinds of material you are buying
This tip kind of goes along with the previous one. Material is a dead giveaway of quality so really look at that when you are shopping. If you are shopping online, make sure to read the list of materials in the product description section and also look at how to care for the item before you buy it.
4. Look for silhouettes that suit your frame and fit you well
This tip is probably the most important of the bunch. Choosing clothes that fit you properly and look great on your body is the easiest way to look great. You know your figure better than anyone and so you definitely know what looks good and what doesn't. If you are petit make sure to shop in the petit section and so on. Also if you are shopping online make sure to look at the sizing chart and if you are in store ALWAYS try things on!
5. Thrift shop
I think this tip pretty much speaks for itself. Thrift shopping is either a hit or a miss but when you find something good, you really score! Thrift shopping isn't the same as shopping vintage because vintage items can be really pricey, but it doesn't mean that you won't find a great vintage piece while thrift shopping.
6. Wait for trends to hit the high street
I remember when knee-high boots came back into style and everyone just had to have a pair but they were only available by high-end designers like Stuart Weitzman. So many people bit the bullet and shelled out $800 and then a month or two later knee-high boots were available everywhere for much less! So when you find a trend that you just have to be a part of, wait until it hits the high street before you buy into it.
7. Shop online
If you haven't yet heard of Ebates, you are missing out. It is a company that gives you cash back on thousands of different online purchases that you make everyday. In short, Ebates basically pays you to shop online so they are definitely worth looking into! Also, most stores give additional discounts and options to customers who purchase items online, so you can save from the comfort of your couch!
8. Buy clothes you like
If you wear things you like then you are pretty much guaranteed to like the way you look. One of the best shopping tips that my mom ever told me is that you will like an item the most when you are seeing it in the store, so if you only feel luke warm about a piece in the store, then chances are that you won't like it any more once you get home. So only commit to clothes that you like.
9. Get clothes that you are comfortable in
If you are confident in what you are wearing, then that is half the battle. True elegance only comes with complete confidence, so if you love your legs then play them up with a pair of high waisted jeans, or if you have a great waist then try a peplum top. Bottom line- if you love it you'll wear it over and over again.
10. Don't buy something unless you know you can integrate it into your existing wardrobe
This is where you start wasting unnecessary money because you get home from the store with a really cute pair of polka-dot pants that you can't wear because nothing goes with them (yes I am speaking from my experience). My rule of thumb is to create three different outfits in your head with the item you want and things you already have, and if you can't make three outfits then you shouldn't buy the item.
11. Shop around
Don't just go to one store and get the first thing you find. Look around for better deals, go online, visit other stores, see if you can do it yourself. At the end of the day, if you go back to that first store then at least you know you are getting the best option for you.
12. Pay attention to overall quality
or will fade with one wash, then you are wasting your money. Items that are low
quality will need replacing sooner and more often than items that are of a
higher quality.
13. Use your student discount
A lot of students don't realize just how many retail stores offer a 15 or 20 percent student discount and all you have to do to get it is to present your valid student ID! Also, some stores will add your student discount on top of already marked down prices and give you a really great deal.
14. Check fashion blogs and YouTube videos for inspiration and discounts.
YouTube and fashion blogs are really an untapped resource when it comes to getting cute clothes at a good price. Social media influencers like these are paid by brands to promote their products and so brands will usually give them their own discount codes and affiliate links to help raise brand awareness. These discount codes are usually really great so keep an eye out!
15. Mix and match
This is where the basics come in handy, because you can have only a few basic items and make a bunch of different outfits with them by mixing and matching them. If you have ten basic items in your wardrobe that you can swap in and out of outfits then you can really cut down on the cost of clothes.
