How many times have you heard a friend say, “I think it’s gonna be ____ for dinner tonight,” and in that blank lies the words Easy-Mac, Ramen noodles, eggs, or canned soup? Let’s face it, the average college student is on a budget. And if we’re being really honest, it is probably also true that a college student’s extra cash is on reserve for this weekend’s bar money and a caffeine boost for late night library stamina. Unlike the average college student, the fashionista can’t resist an entire semester without additions to her wardrobe. However, it is not necessary to sacrifice a meal to feed the fashionista cravings in you. Here’s a few tips to shopping on a budget.
1. Be honest
To stay on track and make smarter buys, know what looks good on you. If you spot stellar skin-tight, high-waisted jeans and a crop top ensemble on a mannequin, but try on a similar outfit every weekend and consistently decide against it, stop buying it. Every trend is not for every body. Just figure out what looks great on you! Secondly, face the truth with every purchase. While a pair of 6 inch Jimmy Choo stilettos may be to die for, they’re probably unrealistic for a busy night crossing train tracks between pregames, frat progressives and bar hopping. Buying practical pieces that fit your body type will save you time, money, and crucial closet space.
2. 70/30
A fashionista on a budget should follow two rules. First, the 70/30 rule: 70% of your wardrobe should be classics and staples and 30% trendy pieces. Stay on the inexpensive side at places like H&M, Forever 21, Asos.com, Urban Outfitters, etc for trendy items, simply because they are often only in style for one or two seasons. Spend more on classic pieces like a black suit or a coat from higher quality designers to ensure their lifespan.
3. Cost per Wear
Another helpful tool is to calculate the cost per wear. By dividing the price of the item by the number of times you expect to wear it, you can get a better sense of the actual value of your purchase. If you buy a top with a crazy print and can only wear it 5 times, but it costs 60 dollars, you have to ask, is it worth $12 per wear? Shoot for a CPW of $3 or less.
4. Know when to buy
All stores and designers compete with one another, so they tend to schedule deals around the same time. Typically, the best times to hit the stores are July/August and late January/February (which is perfect for college students because that is right before the semester begins!) Also look out for sample sales. The top events usually happen between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day and after Christmas.
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5. Take advantage of discounts
Go online and register at your favorite stores to receive coupons, special invitations and notifications of hot products and deals. For example Steve Madden gives coupons to shoppers for registering for their email list and Bluefly.com often sends you a 15% off coupon along with your purchases. Also, be sure to check out your favorite magazine’s website. You can sign up for “today only” emails from Luckymag.com where a certain product is 50% off for 24 hours.
6. Don’t be afraid of outlet malls and thrift stores
Thrift stores and consignment shops are not as sketchy as they may sound! They usually filter through what they purchase from sellers to put out only gently used items, which have prices that are gentle on your wallet. A place nearby is Duo located on Elliewood Ave on the Corner. While items downstairs are new and a bit pricey, the upstairs is their consignment shop. (I snagged a pair of chocolate brown suede Steve Madden booties for 9 dollars once. Unreal.) Outlet stores are also another entity you should not be afraid of! They sell the similar items once sold in regular stores for a fraction of the cost. For an outlet option nearby, check out JCrew’s warehouse sale right here in Charlottesville. But be sure not to miss it, it only happens twice a year!
7. Take advantage of technology
The number one study distraction is social networking sites. These days everyone and everything has a Facebook…and a Twitter. Besides sucking up endless amount of your time, Facebook and Twitter can be helpful to find out news about promotions in stores or online. Some stores even give special discounts to their followers. Blogs like The Budget Fashionista are also a good resource for first hand advice to shopping and styling on a budget. Also, mobile apps for shopping are on the rise. These include everything from bargain hunting, to finding the best price on a product, to coupons a store can scan right off your phone. We live in an age surmounted by technology, so use it!
8. Closet swapping
If there is one thing about college that is absolutely conducive to fashion, it’s the ease of sharing clothes! Think about it, living in a sorority house essentially means 20 closets at your finger tips! Swapping with roommates, dorm hall mates and friends will ensure you never get bored of your wardrobe, and it won’t cost you a penny. Any fashionista’s dream.
Just because collegiette living is often restricted to a budget, does not mean yoga pants and one of the many free oversized t-shirts you’ve accumulated are your only options! As long as you think before you buy, there is no reason why you can’t have all of life’s essentials, extra weekend cash and a rockin’ wardrobe too.