How to be on trend without breaking the bank

When it comes to fashion, being on trend doesn’t have to be spenny! Trends change all the time, so if you’re looking to keep up without spending a fortune, you’ve got to get a ‘lil creative, and of course, savvy.

We’ve pulled together some top tips for keeping your student outfits looking fresh without breaking the bank.

Know your style

The first step to dressing on trend is knowing your style. Trends can range from subtle to actually unhinged and you’ll want to end up with a wardrobe that matches your energy and you can mix and match.

If you’ve got a clear vision of what your style is you won’t have to shop for every trend that comes around - you’ll spot the ones that work for you.

Declutter first

Once you’ve defined your style, it’s time to declutter. Remove anything you no longer wear or that doesn’t vibe with your chosen style or the trends you’re interested in.

As you declutter, you’ll start to see where the gaps are. This is a good time to create a list of items you’d love to have to complete your style so you’re not tempted to restock with trends that don’t blend with your current wardrobe.

And, if you sell your unwanted clothes on second-hand sites like Vinted or Ebay, you might make some cash to put towards new fits.

Choose staple pieces

We cannot state this enough. Staple pieces are the most critical items in any wardrobe. They’re the foundation of your style that you adapt for different daily looks.

That foundation might be your signature style like brightly coloured socks, tights or statement jewellery or a simpler base layer like your preferred cut of jeans or t-shirt.

You can create so many looks with these core clothing staples and incorporate new trends, like pairing an on-trend leopard print coat or bag with a simple tee and jeans or a pair of bright red tights.

Shop the sales

We’d all love to dress like we don’t have student fees to repay but it’s just not realistic. Shopping the sales is one way to stay on trend without parting with too much cash. Many sales aim to remove out-of-season stock, but if you get in early enough, you might bag some on-trend pieces before they go out again.

Alternatively, check out upcoming trends, ideally one or two seasons ahead, and you could get your hands on some affordable items before they’re in high demand.

Support sustainability

Sustainable fashion has come a long way. In fact, sustainability has become a trend in itself, and we’re so here for it. There are many ways to shop sustainably and stay on trend. Check out vintage clothing trends then browse your local charity shops and second-hand clothing sites.

Or catch new on-trend outfits by opting for clothing rentals. If you have an event coming up, several online rental sites loan on-trend items for a short period at a fraction of the price of buying new.

Upcycle

Keen to work with what you already have? Upcycling is the way to do it. If you’ve spotted a trend you love but know it’ll cost a small fortune to buy new items, rummage through your wardrobe to see if there is anything you can adapt.

Let’s say burgundy is the colour of the season but you don’t have anything in that colour. Take a plain white tee and dye it to pair with your denim staples.

Borrow

Uni friends are some of the best friends you’ll ever make, especially if they’re happy to share. We all have different styles, so when cash is limited but you’re keen to wear something different, see if your roomies are up for a temporary clothes swap.

Accessorise

Accessories are some of the most affordable ways to stay on trend. From jewellery and bags to shoes and hair accessories, it’s easy to nail a new trend if you’re willing to get creative.

If you’ve got the staples right, you can splurge a little on the accessories. Whether it’s must-have trainers or a hat, it’s doable if you’ve nailed the basics.

Some trends are accessories-focused anyway. Take the hair bows trend that came in a summer or two ago. A simple bit of ribbon from a haberdashery is an easy and affordable option.

Learn the art of layering

Layering is a great way to create multiple looks from the same set of clothes. There’s a bit of an art to it, especially if you’re trying to embody a new trend.

We saw how circus or clowncore clashed prints, frills, bright tights and big jewellery together, and normcore paired basic sweats, chinos with classic Nike or Adidas trainers.

To get started, choose a base layer, like a tank top, trousers or leggings to create your foundation and build from here. Layer complementing or contrasting colours, or combine a variety of textures to add more depth to your look.

Leverage social media

Being on trend on a budget is impossible if you don’t know what’s popular. Thankfully, social media is awash with influencers keen to tell you exactly what’s on trend.

Make sure you’re following fashion trend-forecasting accounts or thrifty influencers who specialise in finding luxury dupes or high-street pieces inspired by the runway.