Recession Chic – How to Be Fabulous on a Budget
The following is a guest post by Devon, a sophomore at a catholic high school in New Jersey. She also has her own blog called Adventures of the Catholic School Girl.
If you wanna blog for College Fashion, use the contact form to get in touch for all the details.
Let’s be honest, the economy isn’t fantastic right now. These days, we can’t afford to spend large sums of money on new clothes and the season’s trendiest handbag whenever we feel like it, as much as we may want to.
But even though the economy is forcing us fashion-forward women to keep our wallets shut, it doesn’t mean we can’t look great! So if you find yourself a victim of financial woes, here are a few tips on how to exude fabulous style and elegance on a tight budget .
1. Shop smart.
Make Forever 21, Topshop, H&M, and Target your best friends! These trendy shops carry a wide variety of stylish tops, shoes, handbags, and accessories that complement your personal style at affordable prices. Kate Moss herself periodically designs collections for Topshop, so you already know that the merchandise will be amazing! And Forever 21 has the biggest inventory out of all of these shops, so you’re bound to find something to love.
2. Remember: quality over quantity.
This has always been the motto for girls on a tight budget, and it’s still true today. If you find yourself splurging on something, make sure it is a timeless investment piece (leather handbag, little black dress, etc). Instead of wasting money on a couple of “in-season” tops at a department store, with good care you can have the timeless piece for years to come.
3. Mix it up.
Wear the pieces you already have in new ways. For example, take a sundress or long tunic and wear it over a long sleeve shirt or turtleneck during the winter. When it gets warm, layer it over a short sleeve shirt or just by itself. Try this with any other pieces of clothing you think would look good with layering (shorts over leggings, etc.), and you’ll get two chic looks for the price of one. Also, by mixing your clothes up, you can wear them for many seasons without having to buy all new stuff.
4. Throw a swap party.
Swap parties are one of the biggest trends on the rise. Here’s how they work: Invite a dozen or so friends over, and bring a selection of clothes and accessories you’ve either outgrown or don’t want anymore. While sipping beverages and eating appetizers, go around in a circle – one person holds up an item and explains why she is giving it away. Anybody who wants that item raises their hand and then they get it. If more than one person wants the same item, draw names from a hat. By the end, each person has given away old items, but most importantly has gained many new outfits!
5. Petite? Consider yourself lucky.
If you are small, petite sized women, please don’t roll your eyes as you pass the children’s department! You can pick up some simple, perfectly good clothing (exercise gear, pajamas, t-shirts, underwear, and socks) from the kids and junior’s sections without having to pay the extra dollars.
6. Become a confident internet shopper.
Often our favorite stores have hidden discounts and clearances that can be found online only . Any time you go to a store’s website, look for hidden clues including “new markdowns,” “additional discounts,” and “last chance.” Macy’s for example is notorious for having these hidden online sales. If you haven’t tried already, look on eBay for even greater deals on merchandise; just make sure your seller is reliable. In addition, be aware of how much you’re paying for shipping; it can turn your great find into a very expensive item.
7. Thrifting is a must.
Although not all of us have time to sift through the racks at a thrift or charity shop, it’s truly worth the extra hour. You can find so many beautiful and inexpensive discoveries at these stores – vintage jackets, skirts, headbands, shoes; the possibilities are endless! And you never know – you might end up finding a brand new item with the tags still attached. Even better, if you want to make some extra cash selling your old clothing, some thrift stores will buy clothes from you (at a low price) with open arms.
8. Buy out of season.
Stores always have the biggest sales after Christmas, the transition between winter and spring (late February or March), and the transition between summer and fall (late August – early September) . That winter coat or pair of gladiator sandals you wanted could have an even bigger discount if you just wait a couple of weeks before you buy!
Your Thoughts?
As much as Hollywood tells us so, you do not only have to dress in designer duds to look fashionable. Everyone can still maintain their own unique style in this recession, and you may find it easier then expected!
What are your budget fashion tips for looking fabulous in spite of the recession? Leave them in the comments!
Posted on on March 16, 2009 / Filed Under: Shopping / Tags: Budget Fashion, Forever 21, Investment Pieces, Money, Recession, Shopping, Target, Topshop, Vintage
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Ally
great post! you encouraged me to check out forever 21, and it’s a great shop.
Nonie
yup..this is what i intend to do this year..thanks for the tips..i hve been lately accessorizing fun spring colors with lot of neutrals/other colors..can you post something on what color combos are great n what are absolutely no-no’s…would love to get your opinion..:)
Marita Greenidge
Great tips! I completely agree with quality over quantity…I will shell out the extra bucks for a good, quality, timeless piece. It’s usually worth it.
Emma
Great article! I wanted to add that consignment stores are also a great option. I sold some clothes I didn’t want, and have been shocked at what I have found. A few weeks ago I bought a pair of Prada jeans with the tags still attached for $50 and 7 for all mankind jeans for $35! And I discovered a consignment store right across the street from the mall that amazed me.
Jane
Great article! My favorite tip would be to “shop your own closet” by looking online for inspiration, and putting together pieces you never would have thought about before. Fashion blogs are always a great feature to look at timeless pieces in a new way.
Aileen
Really liked the article–the advice here really stands true for all times, not just the recession we’re in right now!
Fashion blogs like collegefashion.net are definitely a reminder that the economic crisis just might have a positive impact on fashion, especially with its emphasis on individuality and true style over here-one-day-gone-the-next-fads.
btw, absolute snaps of joy for mentioning Forever 21 & H&M!!!
Sherrie
Don’t forget eBay. I bought Frye boots for a fraction of the price, Coach purses and so on. I got jeans for $5.00. Watch the shipping costs, though. They can really add to the price of the item.
Sharon
this is by far my favorite ‘guest blogger’ article :)
i like the idea of swap party:) i should do tht with some friendss.
also these days i also start to wear skirts tht i haven’t wore for years, and wear them in a diff way, esp using them as “high-weist” skirts since theya re relli ‘in’ now ;)
may i ask where u guys get inspirations? suggest some blogs/websites for me :)
Ina
Hey, great idea to write about fashion tips for being chic with less money. I just would like to give my thoughts on the above advices:
- I disagree that trendy clothes can be found in the stores mentioned in tip number 1. Even topshop – yes they used to have nice stuff before, however I do not see anything fashionable or trendy recently. And Forever 21 is the typical American store where you buy clothes that every second girl has, which means that it is not unique and trendy, but just traditional and popular. The other stores maybe we can find something decent for work, but I don’t think hot club apparel is available at all there. That’s just my opinion, I like more different and unique clothes.
- again just giving personal opinion – I am more for the quantity that for the quality, simply because when I put something on 5 times it becomes boring to me. I almost don’t have any pieces in my closet that will last forever, simply because I am not married to my clothes and I want to wear something different every day, not one and the same thing over and over again.
- I agree for the “mix it up” part, although we should be careful when matching colors and designs, because sometimes putting too much clothes or mixing too many colors can make us look funny rather than trendy;
- The swap parties were so much fun back in the days when we were 13, we used to do it all the time. I’ve always thought that my girlfriends have better clothes than me. However I don’t think I can do it now, I just like my style, plus any of my friends is my size :(
- Very good idea for the petite sized women to look at the kid’s section, however my observations are that usually kids clothes are a little bit cutter for grown people to wear and also – more expensive.
- I totally agree that online shopping could save more money. Also don’t forget to look for online coupons – if you google it, most of the times will be able to find a discount coupon for every brand.
- the thrift stores are always an option when you want to save money, however it could take a lot of time to find a piece that is worth it. Usually in this stores we have to know when are they going to get the new merchandise and go that day. And even if we know that I heard that the best clothes are first taken by the sales people who work in these stores.
- the last tip is also very true – that’s what I always do – buy off season. The only problem with that is if you really liked some dress or a pair of shoes and you decide to wait for the off season clearance, it may no longer be available. So in such cases, when I really fall in love with something I would rather buy it and not spend any more money on shopping this month than to not have it at all :)
So these were my thoughts on this wonderful post. Have a great day!
VP
I think the article is fine, but nothing earth shattering that I’ve never read on CF before. Rather than thrifting, I think it’s a better idea to go to consignment stores as they are more selective in what they take making it easier to find something.
Kat
What a fantastic article! I’m hoping to have a swap party with my friends ASAP, thanks so much for the idea.
Naima
Cool! Amazing article!! And IDK if you did a post on Thrifting, but that could be a cool article to do! :)
Chelsey
Another good thing to do is to stop at Ross/Marshalls/TJMaxx before going to the mall, they always have plenty of trends for less
verina
C O O L article !!
i was gonna make one for my blog but i was kinda stuck
lollll
wish i cud do the swap party thingy
lol
Brittney
I can’t be the only one who thinks Topshop isn’t inexpensive.
Rebecca
Hi, BIG fan, and excellent point on between season shopping… my favourite time to buy!
pieceapie
Topshop is expensive Brittney, I agree
Francesca
Love these tips, thanks!
Noelle
Thank you thank you thank you!
Just what i need. :-)