Thrifty Summer Outfits

Summertime + Shoppaholic + Broke College Freshman Budget = 4 NEW OUTFITS (??) 

I may not be very great at equations but I do know that the one above doesn’t seem to match up. But it does!

Finding clothing that is versatile enough to wear for more than one season and that is inexpensive is a struggle. But I have been “trained by the best” (Mom) to look out for deals and quality clothing while being thrifty at the same time. So here are a few of my favorite outfits for this summer. Most items I purchased at a thrift store so I will tell you where I got all of the items and as an added bonus I will tell you how I will wear these outfits in the fall as well. But don’t expect any pictures for the fall outfits. It was too hot outside to take photos in those outfits!

Where I got it: 

DRESS: Thrift store ($4)

SHOES: Target ($15)

How I wear it:

I love short sleeved dresses more than sleeveless dresses because I can always just wear them alone in summer and throw a cardigan or a jean jacket over it to combat the chilly weather of early to mid autumn. And these shoes are just perfect because they are not exactly sandals so I could potentially wear them into the early fall as well. Plus they are adorable and vintage style, which is my absolute favorite.

Where I got it:

SHIRT: Thrift store ($3)

SKIRT: Thrift store ($4)

SHOES: Converse Outlet ($25)

How I wear it: 

Classic t-shirts are a mandatory staple for any wardrobe. This one is nice, because, even though it’s a solid off-white tee, it has floral embellishment on the front that makes it stylish enough to wear on it’s own. This black circle skirt is literally so versatile and comfortable I can pretty much wear it for almost any occasion. In this outfit I wore it with my favorite pair of purple Converse high tops that I got on clearance at a Converse outlet for only $25.

When I wear this outfit in the fall I usually wear my faux-leather bomber jacket over the tee. If it gets really cold I’ll pull on a pair of tights.

** By the way, this cute Mason jar tumbler cup I got from Target is definitely worth the $10 I paid for it. For starters, it’s a MASON JAR (which I’m absolutely obsessed with) and it has a double wall so it insulates your drink and keeps it cold or hot depending on your drink. If you’re going to college, GET ONE. It will make it so much easier to drink water more often. And actually, studies have proven that people who get travel tumbler cups with a straw are more likely to drink water then someone with just a regular cup or disposable water bottle because the tumbler is more easily accessible since you don’t have to screw off any caps or accidentally dump water all over yourself (like I do all the time!). **

Where I got it: 

SKIRT: Pay Half ($12)

SHIRT: Thrift store ($5)

BELT: Thrift store ($1)

SANDALS: Payless ($12)

How I wear it: 

Maxi skirts are perfect for most weather. They are cool and comfortable for the summer and they can keep you warm in the fall and winter too.  I think another classic staple for a college student’s wardrobe is a button down chambray shirt. You can dress it up or down depending on the bottoms you pair with it and the accessories you have. I wear this outfit to work in the summer with some gladiator sandals and this skinny belt. In the fall I would probably pair this outfit with a pullover sweater or a cable knit cardigan and some oxfords.

Where I got it: 

KIMONO: Target ($4)
SKIRT: Thrift store ($3)
CAMISOLE: Forever 21 ($1.80)
FLOWER CROWN: Deb ($5)

How I wear it:

Basic camisoles are always great to have when you want to wear a little more detailed top without mixing too many patterns. And, again, I have a maxi skirt, but this time this one has a slit in one side which I personally love for fall to wear some ankle boots with and I will probably wear a crew neck sweatshirt if I were going for a really casual, laid back outfit. And I would still wear the flower crown, because who doesn’t love flowers?!

I hope you all enjoy these outfits and I hope they inspire you to build a thrifty and versatile wardrobe, while still being stylish at the same time. Let me know in the comments if you want me to do some of these same outfits, but the fall/winter versions instead!