Finding designer looks while balling on a college student budget can be difficult. Physically coming across the sought out pieces can take forever, and one piece can end up costing thousands. While acquiring these expensive clothes may seem impossible, there are ways to still look polished and not hurt your wallet.
One way to find designer looks for less is to use online second-hand stores. It allows for a high-end look while saving money and the environment. Popular apps like Depop and Poshmark may seem like the best options, but neither possess the authentication processes that verify the professional quality of the item.
Stores like The Real Real and Vestiaire Collective are luxury consignment shops used for both buying and selling high end items. The goal of The Real Real is to support the sustainability of fashion by calculating its environmental impact. Vestiaire Collective creates a more communal aspect by allowing consumers to connect with each other, similar to other apps like Depop. Both sites have authentication experts that review every item prior to it being purchased. This prevents issues of scamming for both consumers and sellers.
Beacon’s Closet is another sustainable luxury store. It is locally-owned in Brooklyn with locations in the city and online. The site features buying, selling and trading designer vintage and modern clothing. It also allows for customers to purchase items based on their blog posts, which features looks for every aesthetic.
If second-hand fashion isn’t your thing, there are still great ways to find designer-like looks for cheap. Sites like ASOS and Zara are known for offering luxurious pieces for department store prices. Many of these pieces are similar to those of high fashion designers.
Many of this year’s trends can be found on the runways, but you can find them for much cheaper on well-known sites. Here are five of the best designer dupes that will have you looking fresh off of fashion week:
Trench coats
A beige trench coat is one of the most classic looks to wear during the winter. It can dress up any outfit and still present a put together attire. Net-A-Porter offers this Burberry Kensington Long Trench Coat for $1,990. This same coat can be found on ASOS. The ASOS design trench coat in stone is available for $57.
Patchwork denim jeans
Patchwork denim was one of the statement pieces shown in Tom Ford’s collection. Many love the piece because of its incorporation of sustainability, as it combines scraps of other fabrics that would have been otherwise wasted. The designer sells the wide leg denim pants on his site for $3,250. You can still get the same coordinated look from Fashion Nova for $54.99.
Over-the-knee boots
Over-the-knee boots can be paired with any outfit. They can be dressed up with a slip dress or down with an oversized sweater or tee. Patent Leather Over-The-Knee Boots by Christain Louboutin can be found for $2,395. For those of us who can’t spare an entire paycheck, Steve Madden sells a perfect pair of patent boots for $99.99.
Corset tops
While they may be unconventional, corset tops and other pieces of lingerie make great statement pieces when paired with a suit or long jacket. Alexandra McQueen offers a strapless lace bustier top for $1,495 on Neiman Marcus. You can still get the same luxurious feel with the Jeanine Mesh corset top from Revolve for $46
Puffer Jackets
Puffer jackets are perfect for those days when the cold is too extreme to worry about fashion. They are simple and effective, yet still adorable. Acne Studios offers a drawstring puffer jacket for $805, and that’s including a 30% off discount. Instead, Gap sells an almost identical Upcycled Shiny Midweight Puffer Jacket for $148.
