Although it may not feel like it, spring is officially here and it’s time to start exchanging your pea coats and earmuffs for sundresses and capri pants. While preparing to embrace the popular fashion trends of the new season, many collegiettes become unsure of how to complete their ideal look without completely emptying their wallet. With some advice from Madeline Dolgin, a freshman at Gallatin with a concentration in Fashion Therapy, NYU collegiettes can achieve the perfect spring look for much cheaper than expected.
Before discussing how to create the perfect look for less, collegiettes should first learn what trends are in and what trends are out. In an interview with Dolgin, she said, “see-through clutches are trending for this spring…they’re so great for people who can never find anything in their bags, like me.”
A high-end retail store called Witchery features a Neon Perspex Clutch for $129.95. However, you can find much cheaper versions of the same neon trend through auction websites such as EBay or, if you are the artistic type, you can create your own with help from do it yourself websites such as “a pair & a spare.”
While see through clutches are very in, a certain trend involving shorts has gone out. Dolgin said that collegiettes shouldn’t “stick with the teeny cut-off shorts this season… They aren’t flattering, nor do they evoke the sense of confidence and a sleek leg line which shorts are supposed to convey.”
Rather than continue with an unflattering trend, find one of the many other great options for shorts this season. Slouchy styles for example: Dolgin said, “They are a classy way to look cool, stay cool, and be comfortable.”
Once you have figured out which trends you want to incorporate into your wardrobe, you should start looking for ways to create your look for cheap. “I like to mix up the new must-have trends which are more expensive with some of the classic post-season clothing from the sale section,” Dolgin said.
New York, being one of the fashion capitals of the world, is abundant in pricey boutiques and flagship stores. Rather than deprive yourself completely of the latest styles, pick an item that will be a staple in your spring wardrobe and splurge on just that. Once you have found your token piece, scour the thrift stores, bargain basements, and cheaper chain stores such as Forever 21 or Strawberry for the rest of the outfit.
Alex Sullivan, a sophomore in NYU’s Liberal Studies Program, said she prefers Forever 21 because, “you don’t have to spend a lot of money to find trendy clothes and they also have great everyday basics.”
The cheapest place to find clothes this season is possibly the most surprising source: your own closet. “The cheapest way to put together a new outfit is to go into your closet and mix up your staple and basic pieces,” Dolgin elaborated.