Freshers Guide To… Managing Your College Wardrobe On A Budget

It is the moment you’ve been waiting on since you sat your first Junior Cert exam all those moons ago. You’re finally moving out and about to embrace college life. After you’ve secured college accommodation comes the fun part, sorting out your bedroom, and more importantly, your wardrobe. A student budget does not mean that your style has to suffer… Here are our top six savvy purchases to ensure your wardrobe survives the college pinch.   Accessories Vamping up an older piece of clothing is simple; it is all about the accessories. Buying some cheap jewellery can instantly change up an entire outfit. Add a necklace and belt to your favourite little black dress and voilà; it looks like a brand new purchase. Tights No woman should be without a few trusty pairs of tights in their drawer. Tights take the hassle out of going out and we may have said it once or twice before but they are the greatest clothing item ever. Tights allow you to ditch the razor, forget about streaky tan and be party ready in minutes. High heels One pair of good high heels is an essential item in every girl’s life. Trust us, investing in a pair of black heels that are comfortable is a must. Paying that little bit more means that come 3am, when you’re walking from the nightclub to the chipper, you’ll not be barefoot and carrying your shoes. Thrift stores Will become your best friend, (that is of course if they're not your best friend already). Every Irish woman loves a good bargain and the beauty about shopping in a thrift stores is that literally everything is a steal. From comfy pyjamas to a little party dress, warm coats to fantastic footwear… Thrift shops have it all. Sales A ruthless clear out before you move out from home is key. Every cent adds up, (something you’ll soon learn), and your old items of clothing have the potential to make you a few bob. Take any good quality clothes that boast an in-demand label to a second-hand shop where you get a decent percentage of any resale profits, or list on Ebay/Depop Market etc. As the old saying goes, 'one man's trash is another man's treasure'. Jeans A good pair of jeans is a college wardrobe staple. Go comfy with a pair of converse by day; go classy with a pair of heels by night.   Bank of Ireland is helping your wardrobe survive on a budget. College-goers get 20% off* lots of brands when you use your student Visa Debit card, check out their website for more details by clicking here. *20% offer applies to student Visa Debit card only. For all retail partners promotional terms and conditions click here. Terms and conditions apply to student accounts and Visa Debit cards. You must be 16 years or over to apply for a Visa Debit card. Bank of Ireland is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.