Your freshman year in college is an exciting time full of new experiences. But unless you have access to a trust fund or are super organized, it’ll also be a time when you are constantly short on time and funds. This can make staying on top of beauty and fashion trends challenging. It can be tempting to spend much of your four years hiding in baggy jeans and hoodies, but if you want to stay fresh and fashionable, here are three tips for maintaining your style while on a budget and a time crunch.
Invest in Multipurpose Products
When you have to do more with less, purchasing multipurpose products is a must. For instance, look for tinted moisturizers that can add a splash of color to your face on days when you don’t feel like wearing foundation, or purchase blush in shades that can double as eye shadow.
To help you stay on top of fashion trends, the majority of the clothes in your closet should be neutral pieces that can be dressed up or down with accessories, or paired with other pieces in your wardrobe. For example, put nice jeans together with a graphic tee for a casual look, or dress them up for a weekend party with heeled boots and a nice shirt.
When you do buy trendy pieces, invest in ones you can wear for at least a couple of years before they go out of style. Barring that, opt for pieces that can be transformed into something else at the end of their life cycles. For example, a mini dress can be cut into a skirt and vest combo with a little sewing know-how.
Before you go shopping, be certain to look online for coupons, Nordstrom.com promotion codes, and discounts at your favorite brands that can help you save money. Even getting 10 percent off a trendy new top can leave you with enough money to buy an accessory that extends the shirt’s usefulness.
Beauty from the Inside Out
With the new freedom to eat and drink whatever you want, you may be tempted to do just that. However, it’s ultimately better for your style and your wallet if you stick to a healthy diet as much as possible. Drink plenty of water, eat lots of fruits and vegetables, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly.
These things will help keep your skin looking healthy, so you won’t have to use as many beauty or cosmetic products to maintain it, or enhance it. If you can hold onto your old clothes and makeup as well, it can be a great help to your funds, so use them sparingly, and try to care for older clothes, especially well-made ones so you don’t have to invest in new wardrobe options.
Old is New Again
A great way to get fashionable clothing and accessories at prices that are kind to your wallet is to shop at thrift stores such as Goodwill. Not only can you often find stylish pieces to help you stay looking fresh, you can find clothes that can easily be upgraded to match the current trends. For instance, you can buy a plain t-shirt for a dollar or two and use a sewing machine to change the collar or add a nice trim to the sleeves. Plain jeans can be given new life with dye or bleach. You are only limited by your creativity.
Staying stylish and looking great during your freshman year doesn’t have to be expensive or time consuming. Focus on keeping things simple, and you’ll look great all year.
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most her time hiking, biking and gardening. For more information contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.
