Whether you’re particularly ‘into’ fashion or not, everyone needs clothes in their wardrobe. And as you change and grow, which you definitely still are as a student, it can be hard to keep up to date and on top of what you need. But there are definitely ways to get your fashion fix on a student budget, and we’re here to help…
Shop second hand
There are literally *so many ways* to shop second hand now, and it’s definitely one of the best ways to shop for a few reasons. First of all, second hand clothing is generally (9 times out of ten) cheaper than buying new – especially if you’re not specifically going for designer brands and such. And secondly, buying second hand clothes is an example of you really doing your bit for the environment. When someone gives a piece of clothing a new lease of life, they are stopping it from going to landfill. So your next shopping haul could be saving the planet, if you shop sustainably.
The best places to get great second hand buys from are charity shops, car boot sales, apps like Depop or Vinted, good old eBay, and Facebook marketplace. The first two are where you’re more likely to find low cost high street items, and online is where you’re probably going to see some designer or branded pieces – because people have to put more effort into selling them here, and they know they’ll be able to get more money for their preloved clothing.
Clothes swaps
One of the best ways to get your fashion fix on a student budget is to set up a clothes swap; you could do this through your student union and make it open to all students, or just organise it within your student accommodation. Everyone brings the clothes they no longer want, and puts them in a pile or on a table. Then essentially, you all just pick and choose what you want from each other’s piles of clothing, bags, shoes, accessories and jewellery. If you pair it with a couple of glasses of wine and plenty of snacks, this makes for the perfect night in! And you get to walk away with some exciting new additions to your wardrobe, without having to spend a penny. What more could you want?!
Shop the sales
It goes without saying that sale sections are cheaper than the rest of the shop – but it pays to be smart with them. For example, get next year’s thick jumpers and a new winter coat at the end of the season while the shops are starting to push out their spring gear. They don’t have space to store everything, so this is the perfect time to grab a bargain to save in your wardrobe for a few months’ time. By the time you get the chance to wear it, it’ll feel brand new to you anyway – so it’ll feel like another shopping trip, without having to spend any money.
Getting your fashion fix on a student budget can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be!
