The pauper’s guide to dressing up

What’s an impoverished student to do? So many drop dead gorgeous, cool and funky threads out there in the stores, but there’s only one problem… you’re BROKE!!!

But worry not, here’s a handy guide for those who are dying to look divine but are a bit short on the sheckels.

You want to look fab and up for grabs on the cheap? Here’s how:

Step one

Fashion is a bit like a bad hangover head, it just keeps on going round and round and round, so there’s no better place to start your fashion forays then by entering the Aladdin’s cave we so affectionately know as “Ye Olde Second Hand Shoppe”.

Whether you’re into Retro, Gothic, Punk, Skate, ’80s, Cowboy or Hippy style, you’ll find bargains aplenty in second-hand charity shops. Every town and city in Ireland is scattered with these little gems, and if you’re lucky, the little old dear working in the shop might even make you a nice cup of tea.

You can really look hot to trot with some vintage Levis, genuine old-school belts, bags and boots. In fact, if you’re good at rummaging, you can look a million Euros for less than the price of a pint in the student bar!

Recommended stores are Oxfam, Concern, CASA and Eager Beaver in Dublin, but check out your local store for similar treats.

Step two

The next step to fashion fulfilment is creativity. Those sewing lessons you did in primary school should not go to waste. Customisation is the key to looking better than the next best thing!

Haberdasheries and material shops are everywhere, so why buy hideously expensive ripped and paint-splashed designer gear when you can just do it yourself? Go crazy with a bit of fabric, a rip here and a rip there, a dab of acrylic paint and Bob’s your uncle! You’ve made your very own individual statement.

You can customise your jeans, bags, belts, scarves, and you’ll never have the embarrassment of finding someone else in the same outfit as you, ever again!

Recommended shops for creative types are Hickeys Fabrics, Woollen Mills Trimmings and Rainbow Fabrics, or again explore your high street haberdashery.

Step three

For all you stylish Sophisti-cats, if trawling around second-hand stores isn’t your purr-fect shopping day out, then stress not! There are plenty of outlets where you can get designer looks at high street prices, and, hey, who can tell the difference?

A few favourite haunts are Topshop, Mango, A-Wear and nationwide stores like Penneys and Dunnes Stores. Dunnes have recently introduced a very cool, contemporary range called “Savida”, so you can lay your mitts on funky knits and jackets in all the latest colours and fabrics. Penneys and Dunnes are great for underwear, very much influenced by Agent Provocateur and Knickerbox, but at a fraction of the price. So if you ever get run over by a bus, at least your undies will look damn fine!

Step four

If all that fails to whet your appetite, then feel free to raid the Parental Units wardrobe: in the hidden depths of these closets you will find original ’60s, ’70s and ’80s clothes to die for.

Remember fashion gurus, you don’t need to spend your life savings to look “Fantastico”. All it takes is a little imagination, some style savvy and a creative flair – so let the fun begin! Hot looks this season are Gothic inspired clothes, black and feminine, with just a hint of danger.

The Urban Hippy “I Just Threw This Together” look is also very much in.

Step five

Last but not least, remember you’ve got to accessorise to maximise admiring eyes! Now, where did I put at e5 I’ve got to spend on an outfit…