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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Kent State chapter.

Everyone knows that colleges students have no money and no time, so what happens when you get bored of your wardrobe but don’t have the supplies to fix that? DIY!  

 

As a fashion student, I am always looking for ways to get the cheapest but most unique and chic looking clothes. So, I came up with the top five things to do to get those luxury looking clothes while ballin’ on a budget. 

 

1. DIY! 

I know this sounds like a solution made strictly for creative people, but it’s not! There are so many high-end brands that make clothes, price them at a ridiculous price and expect to sell to young people. Go look on websites such as fwrd.com or follow a celebrity whose fashion you adore. Find clothes you love and remake them. Some things are even as simple as adding a layer of lace on the sleeves or a sparkle trim on the bottom of your skirt. YouTube sensation Amber Scholl as a ton of videos of her remaking designer products for more than 75% less of the cost. She has made everything from a Gucci knockoff jean jacket to her own versions of designer sunglasses. Definitely recommend checking out her channel! 

 

2. One Man’s Trash is Another’s Treasure

Recently, I have been seeing a bunch of different Instagram accounts pop up where my friends are selling some of their old clothes! Swap or buy clothes from your friends. It’s such an easy way to get gently used clothes for such a cheap price. Look for these accounts on social media! They usually have a name like “Alyssa’s Closet” for example. They might not like that shirt they bought a year ago and only wore once, but you might love it…and the price will be great! 

3. Get the Basics and Jazz ‘em Up

It’s super easy to buy the basics in basic colors. When I say basics, I mean garments that can be built on. A white tube top can be dressed down with leggings or cuffed sweatpants or dressed up with colored jeans and knee-high boots. Charlotte Russe and Forever 21 have cheap basics! Another basic item is a cardigan, but there are many different fabrics they can come in. Try a satin cardigan with that white tube top and then the outfit looks luxurious and expensive without spending the money!

 

4. Upcycling! 

Head to the nearest thrift store and find something that catches your eye. It can be something that fits you or something that is too big. Once you have found a few things, figure out things you can do to them to make them more attractive. Finding an oversized sweater or men’s dress shirt can be altered to be smaller in the waist to fit you and then you have a sweater and or shirt dress. 

 

5. Designer Dupes 

Everyone sees the trends of Gucci belts, designer sunglasses, handbags and so much more. They are all so beautiful but so expensive. If you are the type of person who loves these luxury brands, Amazon.com is the place for you. They have knock-off Gucci belts for 9$ and there is nothing that visibly shows it’s not real! They also have designer look-alike sunglasses, shoes and so so much more! 

 

Those five things have helped me fall back in love with a wardrobe I just didn’t like anymore. I really hope I could help some of you fashionistas find new ways to love your wardrobe again too!

I am a sophomore fashion design student with a minor in costume design here at Kent State. I have always loved fashion design and I am so excited to studying it. I focus my fashion studies and interest on couture designs, as well as unconventional. I have been feature in large media platforms such as People Magazine and the Today Show Online for my unconventional designs. I have also appeared on FOX 8 News for these designs. I am currently working on a dress for Netflix, made out of their DVD envelopes, and hope to get good feedback from this design as well. I have sewn for 6 years now, and done costumes for five.I have also always loved writing, but never had the courage to do anything with it. I am so excited to finally mix my interest in writing with my love of fashion.
Junior at Kent State, with a mojor in journalism and a minor in fashion media. I like to write about fashion, lifestyle and Harry Styles.