Get savvy with clothes shopping and find out how to update your wardrobe for less, as Michelle Higgs explains
“The money you earn from selling your unwanted clothes and accessories can go straight back into your clothes budget”
“Charity shops on every high street are full of this stylish, quality clothing, many of which are vintage or by designer labels – all for a fraction of the original price”
“As a student, you’re very lucky because countless discounts and deals are on offer to you, so make the most of them!”
Facts/stats
37% of UK students sell their old clothes online
(UNiDays 2023 Fashion Report)
Students spend an average of £40 a month on clothes and shopping
(National Student Money Survey, Save the Student, 2025)
73% of students love in-store shopping because they can try before they buy
(UNiDays Fashion Report, 2024)
What you wear helps to express your unique personality and style, so clothes are a great way to boost your self-confidence. As a student, you’re always going to be short of money but that doesn’t mean you can’t look your best. If you’re open to trying new ways of finding items, you can still treat yourself to clothes and stay within your budget.
Keep it simple
Is your wardrobe full of clothes but you feel as though you have nothing to wear? You’re not alone! This usually happens when you’ve bought something on impulse without considering if it will go with anything you already have, or you’ve realised afterwards that it doesn’t fit or suit you, and you haven’t returned it to the retailer.
Believe it or not, it’s easy to solve this issue by creating a simple ‘capsule wardrobe’. This is a collection of key items that never go out of fashion and can be mixed and matched with more seasonal pieces. The goal is that each item should go with at least three others. These versatile, quality staples can be dressed up or down to create many different looks from the same clothes. You might have to pay a bit more for them, but they will last for years to come. This is not a viral trend; it’s a life hack you can return to again and again.
Sell your unwanted clothing
To make room for the new quality staples, you’ll need to go through your wardrobe and identify anything you no longer like or doesn’t fit you, or hasn’t been worn for six months. Be ruthless! You can then sell these clothes on apps for pre-loved items or on marketplace sites. Alternatively, take them to your local charity shop but if the clothes aren’t in very good condition, recycle them at a clothing bank instead. Never, ever just throw them in the bin.
The money you earn from selling your unwanted clothes and accessories can go straight back into your clothes budget. From this moment on, stick to this golden rule: before buying another item of clothing, think about whether it will go with anything else in your wardrobe. If the answer is no, don’t buy it.
Buy second-hand
Second-hand, pre-loved, nearly new, vintage and repurposed clothing has become hugely popular in the last few years. And there’s no sign of this trend disappearing anytime soon. The brilliant thing about it is that old clothes get a new lease of life and are prevented from going to landfill, and you get items that are perfect for your individual style for far less money than new. What’s not to like?
Charity shops on every high street are full of this stylish, quality clothing, many of which are vintage or by designer labels – all for a fraction of the original price. You might not get what you want the first time you visit and you’ll need to rummage to find the good stuff. Bear in mind that quality items made from more durable materials always last longer than cheaper ones, so it’s often worth paying more for them.
Charity shops are also great for finding more formal wear, for example, if you’re about to graduate or start an internship. If you spot anything with the label cut off, that usually means it’s come direct from a brand. You can also buy second-hand or pre-loved clothes from specialist vintage shops, market stalls and online sellers.
Look for the best deals and discounts
As a student, you’re very lucky because countless discounts and deals are on offer to you, so make the most of them! With a TOTUM card, you automatically get a wide range of discounts from clothing retailers. Always present your TOTUM card whenever you go in clothing shops, especially in university cities, because they all want your custom. When buying online, it’s often worth going through a cashback site to get a percentage of your spend back, although it’s never a guaranteed payment.
Outlet discount clothing stores, warehouses and supermarkets are great for basics, but don’t forget the outlet section of your favourite clothing brand’s website – that’s where there are bargains galore from past seasons.
When it comes to clothes, there are even better deals in the sales. Make it a rule to never buy a full-price item of clothing, and only shop at the end of a season. But don’t buy something just because it’s on offer. Always think to yourself whether it could become part of your capsule wardrobe or if it’s too similar to something you already have.
New looks from old
There’s one place where you could get whole new outfits for next to nothing, or even for free: your existing wardrobe. Do you have a top, skirt or pair of trousers that you love the fabric and style of, but you’re not keen on the colour? Try using a pod-type fabric dye that goes in the washing machine, and you’ll end up with a whole new piece of clothing. These types of dye work best when you’re changing from light to dark shades, so it’s also good for refreshing faded items.
Another way to get several new looks from your existing clothing is to buy some cheaper accessories to make each outfit unique. You could try various types of belt for cinching in the waist; different styles of colourful bag; or striking scarves worn in a range of ways. Your local charity shop will have lots of inexpensive accessories like this.
If you’re skilled at sewing, or you know someone who is, the possibilities are endless for creating new outfits with very little money. You can easily reuse and repurpose items of clothing you already have, and transform them into something new. Ripped jeans can be made into summer shorts. Or how about an eye-catching patterned bag made from the fabric of an old top? There’s lots of inspiration online if you’re stuck for ideas.
5 steps to buying a branded item for less
Want new trainers, a jacket or bag from your favourite brand, but can’t afford full price?
- Go to a clothes store to see and try on the item. Make sure you know which size and colour is right for you. Do not buy it then and there!
- Look online to check what student discounts are available via the TOTUM card.
- Check if any online sites that you haven’t shopped from before are selling the item so that you can take advantage of an introductory discount (it could be as much as 20% off).
- Try online auction sites to find nearly new versions of the item, often in mint condition, for a fraction of the price; it’s easy to browse and search by brand, size or colour.
- Order the item online at the best possible price, making sure the size is correct so that you don’t have to return it and be out of pocket because of delivery costs.
5 clothing apps
ASOS (Android, iOS, free)
With an all-year-round student discount, this is a great app for updating your wardrobe from 850+ brands.
Depop (Android, iOS, free)
A go-to app for circular fashion: buy pre-loved items at great prices and sell them when you want a change.
eBay (Android, iOS, free)
With this app, you can find both new and pre-loved branded items at a fraction of the usual price.
Etsy (Android, iOS, free)
A brilliant app if you’re shopping for hand-made, vintage or one-of-a-kind accessories.
Vinted (Android, iOS, free)
A hugely popular app for fab pre-loved clothing and accessories; you can also use it to declutter and sell your unwanted clothes.
