In these hard times, fashion is not necessarily one’s top priority.
But when a student needs to be dressed up, for times like an internship or job interview, clothes are a necessity and an expense. The Daily gives you tips on ways to save, and what things to splurge on to avoid the ritual morning phrase, “I don’t have anything to wear.”
Clean out your closet
No college student wants to spend a Saturday afternoon cleaning out a sorry excuse for a closet, but in order to easily access and inventory your stock of clothing, you have to know exactly what you have and what you’re lacking.
Know the basics
Trends may come and go, but there are certain basic items everyone needs to have in their closets. For a woman, this includes a pair of nice slacks, three or four pairs of well-tailored jeans, a little black dress, some solid colored blouses and a pair of black pumps. For a man, this includes a well-tailored pair of dress pants, white dress shirt, three or four pairs of well-fitting jeans and a pair of black dress shoes. If you can afford it, these items are the best things to purchase because they’ll never go out of style and will last a long time.
Where to go
To buy items that would be classified as trendy, go to places like Forever 21, Ross, American Eagle, Aeropostale, Kohl’s, Dots or Target. Even thrift stores have nice quality clothing that is worth digging around for.
Make sure it fits
Whether or not you get your item of clothing is from Ralph Lauren or from Target, if it doesn’t fit well, don’t purchase it unless you have the intent to get it tailored. Even an expensive piece of clothing can look cheap if it doesn’t fit correctly.
Do your research
If you like a certain look this season but can’t afford it, print out a picture of your desired outfit and go to a more affordable store to replicate it. Designers often imitate higher-end designers to sell more products.
– Jamie Birdwell, professional writing sophomore
Our picks
Dillard’s prices
Women’s Dresses
Antonio Melani white dress — $169
Women’s casual
BCBG mini dress —$108
BCBG sweater — $98
Men’s dressy
Lincs dress shirt —$68.60
Roundtree Yorke pants — $75
Men’s casual
Ralph Lauren polo — $75
Ralph Lauren shorts — $69.50
Kohl’s prices
Women’s dressy
Dana Buchman dress — $53.20
Women’s casual
SO dress — $21.60
It’s Our Time Sweater — Was $36, on sale for $9
Croft and Barrow Belt — Was $20, on sale for $10
Men’s dressy
Dockers sport shirt — $19.99
Chaps pants — $29.70
Men’s casual
Chaps polo — $21.99
Lee Dungarees shorts — $40
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