Stay in Style without Breaking the Bank

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May 29, 2008

As summer approaches, our expenses seem to rise with the temperature. Suddenly, being fashionable is a luxury, taking a backseat to filling up our gas tanks and keeping the fridge stocked. Although it might seem like keeping up with the trends is impossible on a college budget, you can look fab without spending a fortune.

This summer, you can keep out your spring favorites for the day and rework them for a jazzy night look. Since many trends such as floral prints, safari and nautical looks are still great for this season, you can shop through spring sales and clearance racks for discounted clothes and accessories.

I searched far and wide for an outfit under $30, which was no easy task. After discount shopping from store to store, I realized that shopping on a budget can be tedious, and it requires patience and an eye for quality pieces.

To really get the most for your money, pick a few summer essentials that you can dress up or down to take you from the classroom to the club. Keeping your key pieces in neutral shades like tan and gray make them more versatile and easier to pair with bright accessories. Look for colors like yellow and purple to add a fun touch to your wardrobe, and use metallics to dress up your outfit for the night.

When it comes to fashion, exploring the unexpected is often the key to putting together a stunning look on a budget.

The Look for $30

Junior biology major Alina Francisco and freshman political science major Ayden Maher show how to take a $30 outfit from day to night with the help of a few accessories and a little imagination.