The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Ask BB: Back-to-School Looks on a Budget

I was wondering if you can do like a few back to school looks on a budget? Any outfits that are cute for the fall because I'm starting college in like 2 weeks and I want to know what to wear on the first day of school. Everyone wants to look cute when they start college with a good first impression. Please help! —Anonymous

On just about any college campus, you'll discover the uber-cool, ultra creative fashion crowd (watch these style mavens and take notes) to the just-rolled-out-of-bed in my VS PINK sweats crew—and everything in between. So your best bet is to start out with some simple yet stylish basics, then add in the occasional new piece as your style evolves and you figure out what works best with your routine and your unique personality.

Get a kick-start with these three mix-and-match outfit ideas, all featuring items well under $100 (click any set for details on all items shown):


Urban Expressions at ShopStyle

[1] Simple yet cool basics create a foolproof foundation for back-to-school style.


Charlotte Russe at ShopStyle

[2] Put your stamp on this basic party look with fun makeup and accessories. Swap the heels for boots and you're ready for class.


Arden B at ShopStyle

[3] Look cute and comfy while you pay down those tuition bills in a versatile plaid shirt-dress and ballet flats.

And here's a FALL FASHION 2009 Checklist for the College Bound:

  • Dark-wash bootcut jeans

  • Dark-wash skinny jeans (distressed, if you care for the latest trends)

  • Long sleeve flyaway cardigans in black, gray (buy best you can afford for warmth, longevity)

  • Black leggings

  • Long plaid shirt/ Plaid shirt-dress

  • Oversized scoop-neck pocket tees in gray, black, white (rayon cotton blends won't wrinkle)

  • Low-heel knee-high leather boots

  • Mid-heel ankle boots

  • A couple soft, warm scarves

  • One great coat, preferably wool-blend trench coat in red, gray, black, etc.

  • One sexy bomber, preferably (p)leather

  • One pair "fierce" heels

  • One pair "cool" kicks

  • One pair leather ballet flats

  • Boyfriend watch (don't want to be late for class!)

  • Tiny purse with strap (for partying)

  • Oversized handbag or tote for notebooks, pens, lipgloss, keys, phone, wallet, lap top

  • Comfy jersey drawstring pants and tee for lounging, sleeping

    Readers: What did I miss?


Comments
great picks BB! I love seeing all the picks you find for budget friendly clothes.

check out my blog for a diy on a necklace harness!
#1 anh (Homepage) on 2009-08-25 12:40 (Reply)
a hat! if you're in states with a true winter, a hat is a necessity! find one you won't mind wearing all the time, in a material that's closely knit and preferably lined wool, for warmth and comfort (no itching with the lining!). Berets are always popular, and slouchy beanies look cute while keeping you warm!

Oh! And gloves! I wear gloves as soon as it gets cold. I like the old-fashioned look. :-D
#2 Christina on 2009-08-25 12:57 (Reply)
if only i had been that fashionable as a college student. GREAT picks!
#3 cupcakes and cashmere (Homepage) on 2009-08-25 12:58 (Reply)
Fab picks! Maybe add some wellies or snowboots, if your up north like me! Trudging to class in good shoes through feet of snow makes for grumpy girls.
#4 Sally (Homepage) on 2009-08-25 13:14 (Reply)
I'd add a long, belted, chunky knit, open cardigan for the cool fall nights. Wear it over a tee and skinny jeans and you've got a weather-appropriate school outfit for fall.
#5 Jo from Canada on 2009-08-25 14:40 (Reply)
Fabulous list! For us non-college students too.

A puffer and weatherproof boots are a biggie in this neck of the woods :0)
#6 angie (Homepage) on 2009-08-25 15:31 (Reply)
I think a nice what I call "sweatshirt jackets" is a must have for college and beyond. I like this one from Forever21!

http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=outwr%5Fcoats%5Fjackets&product%5Fid=2063612232&Page=all

Also a few pairs of warm tights, they double task as long underwear for cold mornings.
#7 Janna on 2009-08-25 15:42 (Reply)
I like tunic dresses/shirts and black leggings (stirrup leggings are on my list this year!), for those days you just don't feel like wearing anything thats constricting.
Tunics are like my publicly acceptable pjs!
#8 Erin (Homepage) on 2009-08-25 21:35 (Reply)
well i think this is a very common question that bothers the freshers especially the gals and i must say this is a very cool answers with cool pics that i think will surely have helped out the anonymous
#9 Rick Carstens (Homepage) on 2009-08-26 05:47 (Reply)
Great list--even for people out of college!

I'd say a versatile dress--maybe a lbd--something that could be dressed up or down. We had social events/dances occasionally, and I would always have to send home for something nicer to wear, which got annoying. Also, I often wear dresses when going out on the town, since some of DC's neighborhoods are a little more dressy.

And a blazer--great layering transitional piece, and can be worn casually or dressy.

A college t-shirt/sweatshirt for cheering at sports games, or those days where you feel like lazy dressing.

And I totally second the hat comment as well!
#10 Becky D. (Homepage) on 2009-08-26 19:21 (Reply)
the list is deffintely right on, but i would say you need a boyfriend blazer and a maroon or grey berret
#11 lisa on 2010-06-06 11:45 (Reply)
Leave a comment
E-Mail addresses will not be displayed.
Enclosing asterisks marks text as bold (*word*), underscore are made via _word_.
Standard emoticons like :-) and ;-) are converted to images.
E-Mail addresses will not be displayed and will only be used for E-Mail notifications.