Trendy and Environmentally Friendly: How to Stay Fashionable on a College Budget

In the world of college fashion, balancing a trendy wardrobe with a tight budget can feel like a challenge. Luckily, some Auburn students are finding creative ways to stay stylish without breaking the bank by embracing thrifting, the use of social media, and fashion subscription services. Whether it's hunting for vintage finds at local stores like Thrifty Lizard or Atelier, refreshing wardrobes through apps like Depop, or renting statement pieces through fashion subscriptions like NUULY, today’s college students are finding ways to express themselves for class, game day, sorority rush, interviews, and more.

There is no question that thrifting has become an essential part of campus fashion. Stores like Thrifty Lizard and Plato’s Closet have become hotspots for students looking to score stylish pieces at a fraction of the retail price. Thrifting isn’t just about saving money, though—it’s also about the thrill of finding one-of-a-kind items. For many students, thrifting offers a chance to stand out from the crowd, creating unique looks with items that can’t be found in mainstream stores. For example, a vintage store, Atelier, just opened in downtown Auburn and has become a staple, allowing students and Auburn fans alike to find unique, vintage Auburn gear. Beyond the affordability, thrifting is also a sustainable fashion choice. As the fashion industry becomes increasingly criticized for its environmental impact, more students are turning to secondhand stores and apps like Depop to reduce their carbon footprint. Depop, in particular, has gained popularity among students for its convenience and endless selection of secondhand goods. Students can browse, buy, and sell their own clothes around the world, making it easier than ever to personalize and refresh their closets. Senior Supply Chain and Apparel Merchandising major, Jackie Carr, is expressing her creative side by designing hand-painted nail designs to be sold on Depop.

While thrifting is a great option for everyday wear, some students are turning to fashion subscription services like NUULY or Fashion Pass for special occasions. From game days to date parties, a handful of students are opting to rent high-end pieces rather than buying them for a single event. NUULY offers access to a changing selection of designer and trendy items, perfect for students who want outfits for specific events but don’t want to commit to purchasing them. To put into perspective, Apparel Merchandising Sophomore, Ella Kate Churchwell, proudly states she's a “NUULY girl till the day [she] dies”. Fashion subscriptions have become an ideal solution for students who want to stay up to date with trends without accumulating excess clothing. Not only are these subscriptions cost-effective, but also more sustainable. Plus, it helps students avoid the “I can’t wear that again” dilemma since every piece can be returned and replaced with something new! In addition to thrifting and subscriptions, Auburn students are also taking advantage of community-based resources like the 'Auburn Girls' Buy Sell Trade' group chat on the GroupMe App. This student-run group has become a go-to for buying and selling, from Halloween costumes to furniture to textbooks. This form of peer-to-peer exchange allows students to refresh their wardrobes without spending much. It's yet another way that students are staying fashionable and sustainable, all while building a sense of community.

Between thrifting, using apps like Depop or GroupMe, and renting from NUULY, students have more options than ever to create unique, stylish wardrobes without overspending. These methods help students look fashionable for all occasions, whether they’re headed to class, tailgating for gameday, or getting ready for a themed date party. In a world where trends change rapidly, students have found new ways to adapt, while taking into consideration the health of our planet.