5 Ways to Shop Luxury Fashion on a Budget

Are you a college student who has not found a career that fills your dream closet? Are you seeking easy methods to buy luxury without breaking the bank? Then here are fast solutions to adding luxury brands to your collection while staying within your price range. With these techniques you can get any style, whether newly released or vintage.

Renting Clothing 

The newest trend in fashion is renting designer clothing. Rent the Runway is an authentic website that lends luxury accessories and apparel for a quarter of the price. This business understands that people want high-end wear but cannot justify purchasing it. Rent the Runway is a wonderful alternative if you do not have the opportunity to wear the pieces on a daily basis but are interested in using them for special occasions, such as a wedding or birthday. It is also perfect for if you are picky about wearing the same outfit more than once and like to sample new designs without the danger of not wanting them after making the purchase.

Consignment Shops 

Consignment shops are much more curated than your regular thrift store: Someone interested in selling worn goods, usually expensive items, partners with the store owner to sell them. However, since they are used, even slightly, the items are almost half the price. The best part about these shops is that you can contact the seller and try to bargain the price down. Luv Luxe in Scottsdale, Friends Resale Boutique in Chandler and Sew Used in Tempe are amazing spots to try in Arizona. 

Another great option is to shop at estate and garage sales or vintage markets to find treasures from past decades. Nine times out of ten, you will find designer brands and at estate and garage sales, many people want to get rid of their items as fast as possible and are more open to negotiating the price.

Online Luxury Reselling 

RealReal is considered one of the top authentic designer reselling websites. Every item is at least fifty percent off the original price. RealReal also adds sales often, so if you are interested in a piece, you can be notified when it is on sale. The only problem is that, like with thrift stores, you may like a piece, but it does not have multiple sizes available. On the bright side, it means so many pieces on the website are one of a kind. Use the drop-down menus at the top of the site and add your sizes to avoid this.

Apps like Depop, Poshmark and eBay allow people to resell high-end brands. However, it is much riskier as many sellers send replicas, and you'll have to ask for proof of authentication from the seller every time. The deals are typically better than The RealReal as there are deals up to seventy-five percent off of the original price. Just be aware of what seems shady or too good to be true.

Outlet Stores

Outlet stores are a great way to shop your favorite brands, except the entire store is on clearance. Many of the overstock sent to outlet malls are a wide range of pieces still in style. Phoenix Premium Outlets in Chandler, Arizona, has outlet stores like True Religion, Coach and Saks OFF 5TH. Tanger Outlets is in Glendale, Arizona, has great deals from stores like Levi's, Polo Ralph Lauren and Boss. Both outlet malls have an excellent selection for a wide range of customers and they are all in one location. 

Set Price Alerts & Use Wishlists

It is essential to think less impulsively when you decide to buy luxury clothing. To help, websites like Karma, Lyst and ShopStyle. These websites will send you fashion sale alerts for all the brands you dream about buying from, including price drops and available coupons. These sites also help you compare prices across multiple sites that are selling the same products. Wishlists are a great asset that these sites provide for tracking price drops.

Google Lens, a Chrome browser tool, is another option for conducting more research. When you see a piece you love, right-click and search Google Lens. This reverse image search can help you authenticate the item or see cheaper options. Another option is Beni, a Chrome or Safari plugin and app that provides solely second-hand choices from your favorite designer brands. It is a new way to thrift your favorite garments online and more effortless than ever to find them in your size.  

The above should be used as your one-stop shop for resources that will help you achieve the luxury wardrobe of your dreams. If you shop smart, you will not have to overspend your budget to enjoy high-quality luxury brands. Also, note that it is okay to slowly build your designer collection over time rather than going into debt; fashion isn't going anywhere anytime soon.