To all the college ladies who are on a tight budget but like to shop, I understand your struggle. We want to put an effort in how we look. However, as a college student who has only a limited amount of money to spend on, sometimes we are left to wonder how in the world do we look cute when we have a small budget.

Here’s a few suggestions and tips that can work for you if you want new clothes in your wardrobe or you want to own that expensive trend.

1. Avoid malls or boutiques because not only are they overpriced but you could find something similar at a thrift store or make it yourself. What?! I can’t make that $500 Michael Kors handbag. Well, let me tell you this, do you really need that expensive handbag? Check your closet and count how many handbags you already own. If you have over five purses than no, you do not need another handbag. Instead, go to Target or Amazon and find a similar style for way cheaper.
2. Thrift stores are your best friend. Many people might find used clothing disgusting but if you could just ignore the smell once you walk in the store, you’ll find something cool. The great thing about thrift stores is you can buy anything there for under ten dollars and almost no one will have the same thing as you.
3. D-I-Y. There is nothing cooler than wearing something that you made yourself. In high school, I made some cute pajama pants and all I paid was $10, which included all the materials. You can either sew something or do it by hand. When you make something, you are the designer, which means you can make anything the way you want to.
4. Reuse: Before you throw out that sweater you haven’t worn in years, maybe you can reuse it and create something else. Perhaps you can cut the sweater into a tank top or make a tote bag. The possibilities are endless, you can find so many ideas on Pinterest.com.
5. Clothing Swaps: You and your friends can gather clothes or accessories that you all don’t use anymore and swap each other’s clothes. This is a great idea for you and your friends to do. It’s like shopping but none of you are actually wasting any money.
6. Save those coupons or sign up for emails: Sometimes your favorite stores will send out coupons if you have an account with them. So perhaps you really want a cute top at American Eagle, sign up for their email updates and you’ll receive some discounts.
7. We love to shop high-end stores or even lower-end stores but sometimes you have to ask yourself if you really need that trendy skirt, those funky earrings, or the expensive handbag. Next time you find yourself wanting to buy something, put it down and ask yourself, “How many times will you wear it?” and “Is it worth buying?” Or what you can also do is put the item back and give it a day or two to actually think if you want it, sometimes you’ll eventually forget about it and you will realize that you actually did not need it.