Frugal fashion tips: stand out in the crowd with a creative outfit

As I’ve grown older and moved on from GapKids to the preteen sections of Old Navy to my current frequenting of Nordstrom and H&M, I’ve noticed a growing trend, and it’s not a good one. With age and perhaps a broader selection of clothes come increased costs. So what’s a girl to do after growing tired of wearing that same old black cardigan or those beat-up Converse All Stars? Especially without a job and with all those college expenses? As long as you’re a little creative, I’ve discovered, you don’t need to have access to a trust fund or Daddy’s wallet to make your outfit pop.

Of course there are some like Viktoria Cornelius, a fourth-year sociology student, who aren’t too concerned with making their outfit stand out in a crowd. “I usually don’t think, “˜How am I going to stand out?’ I usually just think “˜Am I going to look good?'” Cornelius said. Regardless, it’s always nice to be able to transform your everyday look into something a little more exciting. Here are five simple tips on how to spruce up your outfit, ensuring that you will always be noticed (in a good way, of course).

1. Throw a belt on it. Whether that just means tucking in your tank top and adding a belt to your shorts, making a loose-fitting dress look a little more flattering with a belt around your rib cage, or embellishing a high-waisted skirt with something simple, a belt always makes an outfit look more polished. Plus, once you get a great one, you can use it in all the aforementioned ways.

2. Wear a hat or headband. Drawing attention to your face in this way is always a positive thing. And there’s such a variety to choose from ““ flowered, skinny or crocheted headbands and fuzzy beanies, sunhats, fedoras or slouchy berets.

3. Add a bright element to your wardrobe. “I select clothes from (my) closet, which is quite similar to staring at a double rainbow,” said fourth-year anthropology and linguistics student Matt Pawlik. “I just try to throw on as many colors as I can.” While this may not be the right approach for everyone, adding one or two bright pieces in the form of colorful shoes, sunglasses or even nail polish (for girls) can be a good accent to an otherwise drab outfit.

4. Include statement jewelry pieces with your ensemble. This can include a large and interesting cocktail ring, gold hoop or dangly earrings, or a long chain necklace added with a simple white v-neck or another such outfit that may otherwise lack some flare.

5. Wear boots. These are my favorite way to make an outfit look, well, just plain better. They add an instant edge to your appearance and are great for those cold and rainy days, although those may be a ways away.

How do you make your outfit stand out in a crowd? Feel free to leave a comment in with any of your own suggestions.