Fashion on a Budget

As college students, when we think about money, we think about how we spend ludicrous amounts on gasoline, how we wish we hadn’t made so many Starbucks runs and how buying textbooks tends to leave gaping holes in our wallets. Accumulating costs throughout the quarter leaves us more worried about being in debt than about the next It bag or pair of Nikes we’re going to buy.
Basically, fashion is not something most of us can spend too much on. Some of us are willing to sacrifice our savings for style, but for those who would rather be more frugal with fashion, here are some tips.
The first thing that one should keep in mind is what to splurge on versus what to save on. For girls, bags are splurge-worthy because they can last season after season and have the power to add polish to any outfit. Guys tend to spend their cash on multiple pairs of shoes and an array of dress shirts. Many people, guys or girls, insist that the price of designer jeans can be worth the perfect fit. But what can one do if they want to dress to impress without spending too much? Don’t get your skinny jeans in a twist: It’s very possible to save some money when shopping for the pricier items of your wardrobe.
One way to save is to subscribe to the mailing lists of your favorite stores. What you may think is spam could actually be great savings. Not only will a store e-mail about new items, but the store (which could be anything from Barneys to American Apparel) can also mail promotional codes for “private” sales, deals on shipping and even discounts just for signing up for their newsletters.
Although extra e-mails can be annoying, it’s worth it to save some cash with a few clicks. Another online shopping tip is to Google promotional codes or coupon codes for wherever you’re ordering from. Sites like Retail Me Not and Coupon Cabin offer codes for savings on tons of sites.
Now that you know how to save on regular-priced fashion, where can you find clothing that’s inexpensive to begin with? Start by looking where you would normally be hunting for DVDs and toiletries: Target. The megastore has a surprisingly good selection, including their GO International line, which carries designs by different designers that change every few months. Currently, Rogan for Target’s eco-friendly women’s wear line is in stock. Look to places like Target for affordable basics and swimwear.
Searching for another opportunity to find some inexpensive and trendy fashion that’s even closer to campus? Look no further than UC Irvine’s upcoming Sample Sale, organized by Associated Students of UCI. On Tuesday, May 20, come to the Student Center’s Emerald Bay and Doheny rooms to find tons of merchandise at factory prices. Approximate prices for some of the clothing include hats and T-shirts for $10 and shorts, backpacks and sweaters for $20 to $25. The brands include BB Dakota, Rocawear, Kallusive, The Other Duck, Stussy, Rad, Undefeated, USDA Clothing and more.
Now that you know how to fill up your closet for less, spread the knowledge and use those extra pennies to fill up your gas tank. Happy shopping!