FASHION: LUX ON A BUDGET

Hi Lovelies! Sami from The Unexpected Type here to talk about keeping your fashion ultra-lux while on a college girl’s budget! Fashion influences the lives of many—who doesn’t want to walk around wearing the latest Dior? I’ll raise my hand to that! Budgets remain to be a questionable issue in the industry to whether it really is the key to true style. Trust me, it’s not!

So many expert fashionistas are mixing high and low, or even going low-end all around to show that true style isn’t in the price of the piece, but how you wear it. As a girl who once struggled on the impending college student budget, I learned a few tricks along the way that will keep you looking like a million bucks under $100 (seriously!)

Go Dainty

Dainty, minimalistic jewelry can get pricey, fast. The trend of simple jewelry started last year and accessorizing with minimal pieces is booming this year. You can find really simple pieces pretty much anywhere for under $5. Forever21 may be lacking in the quality of clothing, but their $3 dainty necklaces and bracelets will make up for that! I get compliments on my minimal pieces from F21 all the time—my priceless secret!

Forever 21 | Triangle Charm Necklace ($3) //  Etsy | Dainty Birthstone Bracelet ($34) // Etsy | Siren Ring Stacked Bands ($40)

Grab a Clutch

All that hardware on your bag can make it look cheap or tacky. The hardware can wear away pretty fast, too, leaving tattered remains of a chain that once was (yikes!) Detach the extra chains and ditch the hardware for a super sleek clutch. You’ll go from “eh” in the accessories department to “Fashion Editor” with a capital F.

Asos | Unlined Soft Leather Flap Over Clutch Bag ($50) // H&M | Suede Clutch Bag ($13) // Etsy | Medium Pebble Black Clutch ($36)

Upgrade Your Denim

I used to be the girl who bought a cheap piece of denim just because my favorite designer pair was getting worn way too many times only one way. Invest in a good pair of jeans! It’ll save you money, since you won’t be buying the cheapo’s every once in awhile. Try buying a pair of boyfriend or skinnies. You can cuff, roll, unroll, and tuck into many different options and lengthen the life of your denim wear.

Old Navy | The Boyfriend Skinny Ankle Jeans ($30) // American Eagle | Extreme Jegging ($50)

// Zara | Skinny Jeans ($70)

Get Monochromatic

All black, all white, all grey, even camel. Opt for one color in cool proportions and textures to create a super cool look everyone will be drooling over. It’s actually fun to put monochromatic looks together—it feels like a challenge! Did I mention how chic this is right now?

Asos | Tailored Sleeveless Boilersuit ($81) // Zara | Sash belt trousers with bow ($60) // H&M | Blouse with Trumpet Sleeves ($30)

Get Creative With Accessories

Your favorite silk scarf just turned into a purse accent Monday-Wednesday and a hairband Thursday and Friday. Reusing your accessories in interesting ways adds a very unexpected touch that will have people waiting to see exactly what you do next. You get more use out of your pieces and still make a style statement!

H&M | Silk Scarf ($30) // Zara | Feather Print Scarf ($20) // Nordstrom | Modal Silk Blend Scarf ($38)

-post by sami davis