How to be fashionable on a budget
People often assume that being fashionable requires spending tons of money. The truth is you can be fashionable without breaking the bank.
As a college student I know the struggle of trying to keep a budget for school, social life and shopping. Personally, I try to keep my closet up-to-date while holding on to my classic pieces. Trust me when I say that you can be fashionable without stressing about going over your budget.
For starters, you have to know what looks good on you. Feeling comfortable with what you’re wearing will save you a lot of time and money. Secondly, create a shopping list. Write down what you need. This will help you stay on budget and help you avoid any splurge purchases.
The key for shopping on a budget is the 70/30 rule: purchase 70 percent classic items and 30 percent trendy items. Trendy items tend to come and go and will usually be out of your closet in a few months. When it comes to trendy items, the cheaper the better. These items can be purchased at stores such as Forever 21, H&M, Target, Urban Outfitters, etc. The pieces that make an impact on how fashionable you can be are the classic pieces such as suit pants, blazers, coats and purses; these are items you want to hold on to for longer periods of time. You can shop for such pieces at stores like Burberry and Michael Kors. Other discount stores you can check out are Marshalls and T.J. Maxx.
I know that shopping for high-end items can definitely be a little out of our comfort zones, but there are different sources you can use to get the best deal. I recommend checking out local outlet malls, as you are sure to find higher-end pieces for a lot less. You can check out Tanger Outlet and Premium Outlets in the greater Houston area.
You also have to keep in mind when the best time to get the best deals is. Many stores have huge sales around January and February right after the holidays and in July and August when students are going back to school.
Finally, just remember to enjoy your shopping experience. Being on a budget should not take away from how much fun you can have updating your wardrobe.
