In the fall, I started a new chapter in my life and went back to school to complete my Bachelors of Business Administration. It was something I had always wanted to do and I finally got enough courage to quit my job and become a full-time student. Having been a career woman for the past decade, it was quite the adjustment to go from enjoying a paycheque to depending on student loans.
Despite my new financial situation, I was still determined to have a stylish closet but realized I needed to satisfy my fashion fix through more sustainable means. Since becoming a student, I have gradually steered my clothing spending to more affordable options and have learned where to shop to achieve a fashionable, trendy closet without breaking the bank.
So if you’re looking to curve your spending while still being on trend, check out my top five fashion spots to shop on a student budget.
8th + Main: With two locations in Vancouver and a recently opened location in Toronto, 8th + Main is one of my favourite local spots to shop for a wide selection of fashion-forward items at affordable prices.
Vero Moda Canni 34 Mini Dress, $39.99 CAD, 8th + Main
Noul: Noul is a branch of the Oak + Fort brand and has two brick-and-mortar locations (Vancouver and Edmonton) as well as an online store. Noul’s mission is to provide fun, quality clothing, shoes and accessories for the creatively independent at prices that are extremely affordable.
Blouse E33, $58 CAD, Noul
Joe Fresh: As a student, you’re always in need of comfy everyday wardrobe essentials like plain tees, sneakers, leggings, and hoodies. My go-to destination for comfortable yet stylish clothing at affordable prices is Joe Fresh. I’d be hard-pressed to leave Superstore without a Joe Fresh tee in my shopping cart!
Bonded Active Hoodie, $19.94 CAD, Joe Fresh (Photo via SS Life + Style)
H&M: To be honest, I wasn’t much of an H&M shopper prior to becoming a student but lately I’ve been frequenting their stores more often and am continually impressed by their inspiring fashion for unbeatable value.
Faux Suede Biker Jacket, $79.99 CAD, H&M
ZARA: I’m sure many of you aren’t surprised that ZARA made this list. ZARA is definitely not a new discovery for me but has always been one of my top retailers for good quality, on-trend fashion items. And most importantly, its prices are student budget-approved!
Lace-up Plimsolls, $45.90 CAD, ZARA
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