How to be a Fashion Killer Through College

As you probably already know, I'm a college student and being a college student comes with many inconveniences: stress, tight living quarters, horrible food and many more. By no means am I complaining about how horrible college is (it's actually the exact opposite), but any lifestyle change undoubtedly induces some minor bumps in the road. On my road through higher education, one bump has been significantly larger than any other and that is *dun dun duh* being broke. Almost every college student can relate to this and if you can't, I seriously envy you. My issue isn't specifically being broke, but it unquestionably stems from it. My problem... *deep breath* is shopping. There. I said it and now that you all know, I am a professional shopaholic and I am here to help fuel your addiction even if you happen to be a very broke college student like me. Here are my tips, learned from experience, on how to stay stylish on a serious budget:

1. Shop clearance

This one is obvious and honestly the easiest item on the list. You can score some major deals at stores you already shop at on styles you already know and love. Given, some stores have better clearance sections than others and there will be variance in the size of selection depending on the time. Most stores will offer better deals toward the end of the season so be aware and take advantage of this.

2. Check out discount stores

TjMaxx is my best friend when it comes to shopping. I'm there ALL the time. They carry relevant designer brands as well as some lesser known, but still stylish labels for discounted prices. It doesn't get better than that! I'm always finding steals in stores like this on great pieces. In fact, I just scored an awesome pair of pants in a style I've been coveting for $4 there recently. Insert cool, sunglass-wearing emoji here.

3. Use HauteLook

If you've never heard of HauteLook, I'm so sorry. This website (and app) is the best one I've come across on the internet for sales on high-end, designer clothing. HauteLook features new styles and designer brands as "events" every day. They even feature makeup, home goods, men's and children's styles. I recommend either downloading the mobile application or signing up through the website, which you can find by clicking here, and checking for new events regularly.

4. THRIFT, THRIFT, THRIFT

I used to be completely against buying other people's used, discarded clothing, but it turns out people discard some really great stuff. If you're into vintage this is right up your alley and you probably already do this. Even if you aren't into vintage, you can still find amazing, modern pieces for extremely low prices. And come on, who doesn't love a great pair of $5 mom jeans?

5. Remember that patience is a virtue

As with anything else in life, patience is essential to staying stylish on a budget. You won't always find the perfect piece every shopping trip, but if you just remember that almost everything eventually goes on clearance, HauteLook has new events daily and thrift stores take time to pick through, you'll find some crazy deals on premium items. Most importantly, just think of all the money you're saving!

Don't get me wrong folks, you'll still catch me rolling into my 8 a.m. classes in sweatpants, they'll just be cute Adidas joggers I got for a steal. I hope these tips inspired you to shop savvy and not let the inevitability of college poorness impair you from serving looks all semester long.

Have tips for shopping on a college student budget? Comment below!

See you next post,

Casey