How to Shop Mindfully as a Broke College Student
After previously discussing a capsule wardrobe and how to build one, I wanted to dive deeper on the topic of shopping mindfully. If building a capsule wardrobe is a goal you are working on attaining, trying to find pieces that embody the essence of quality over quantity can be tough. As a college student who is trying to save money, spending 70 dollars on a well-made t-shirt seems absurd. Well what if I told you that being a broke college student, does not mean compromising ideal fashion choices? By adopting a mindful approach to shopping, you can build a stylish wardrobe that reflects your personal taste, while also staying on budget.
Create a Budget:
As someone who has had issues with overspending in the past, creating a budget is something that has helped me keep track of my spending habits, while having enough for things like food or rent. First, determine how much you can comfortably allocate towards your fashion expenses each month and stick to it. This will help you prioritize your purchases and avoid impulse buys, by taking a second and asking yourself if a certain piece truly adds value to your wardrobe.
Assess Your Wardrobe
As Black Friday and Cyber Monday fall upon us, the idea of a budget is oftentimes thrown out the window. Jaw-dropping deals cause a thick fog to blur our brains of any smart shopping choices, causing us to buy things we don’t actually need or even want. To clear this fog, take a good look at your current wardrobe. Identify the items you already have and love, as well as those you rarely wear. By knowing what you already own, you can avoid unnecessary purchases and focus on filling the gaps in your collection.
Plan Your Purchases:
Instead of impulsively buying a piece of clothing, take time to plan out what you will buy in the future. Make a list of items you genuinely need or have been eyeing for a while. By doing this, any spontaneous purchases that you may later regret will be avoided. This also will give you time to research and compare prices, ensuring you're getting the best deals possible.
Embracing a Timeless Style:
Don’t get me wrong, I love following the latest trend as much as the next person, but trends come and go and will easily drain your bank account. As soon as the next best thing comes, the most recent fashion trend is no longer “in,” causing a lot of wasted money. But one thing that never goes out of style is timeless fashion. Instead of chasing every fleeting trend, focus on building a wardrobe with classic and versatile pieces. This approach not only saves you money in the long run but also allows you to curate a personal style that reflects your unique taste.
Shopping mindfully is the smartest way to save money while also staying fashionable. By creating a budget, assessing your wardrobe, planning purchases, and embracing timeless fashion, you can create a shopping experience that aligns with your values and helps you look and feel fashionable without breaking the bank!
Written by: Olivia Ogle