College fashion is tough. It’s really tough. Cash-strapped 18 to 20-somethings attempting to look good for class on three hours of sleep is a joke.
But there are ways to circumvent the system so that you can wear the latest trends and still have money left to pay student loan bills and buy triple espresso macchiatos at 3 a.m. when you’re studying.
Here’s some places where you can find affordable, adorable styles:
Marshalls: Skip the department stores and the sometimes steep prices on back-to-school clothes and try out Marshalls, where prices on the hottest styles are much lower. The big downfall with Marshalls is that you can’t order clothes online, but there are two locations in our area: One at Colonial Commons in Harrisburg and one at the Silver Spring Commons in Mechanicsburg. Sometimes stores like Marshalls and T.J. Maxx have a reputation for offering styles that were out two seasons ago, but after scanning what Marshall’s offering now, the styles are hot. They’ve got small prints, jean jackets and leather accents galore.
Deb: This chain store that can be found in malls across America was once known for its dirt-cheap homecoming and prom gowns, but the store has had a facelift and offers a variety of great styles, especially on its comprehensive website. The site has both junior sizes and plus-sized offerings with prices ranging from $10 to $50 for dresses and other styles. The store has a huge selection of 90s grunge-style wear, so if you’re looking to be a part of this reemerging trend, head to debshops.com.
Forever 21: As a college student, I am obsessed with Forever 21’s styles, and I’m even more obsessed with their prices. Forever21.com is a comprehensive website, and make sure you check out the „sale“ tab which has pages and pages of adorable styles, many for $10 and less. Forever 21 also has a great selection of nicer dresses if you’re looking for that perfect piece for a fall formal.
Goodwill/ Thrift shops: OK, so bear with me on this one. I know hipsters have a reputation of going to Goodwill and raiding the store for ugly sweaters just so they can tell people they bought their clothes at Goodwill. That’s not what I’m recommending. Oftentimes in college towns, students low on money will take clothes still in style to Goodwill or thrift shops to free up space in their tiny dorm rooms, or in the case of a thrift shop, make a few extra bucks. Check out the Goodwill in your town or one that’s close to a college – I guarantee there will be a few offerings you’re interested in. And if the clothes are from the 90s, they’ll be back in style this fall anyway.
DIY: If you want to spend next to nothing on your newest look, then do it yourself! Check out one or more of the hundreds of Do It Yourself fashion blogs that are chock full of tips of the trade to make something out of nothing.