How to Be a Recessionista

Spring is here and summer is just around the corner. Along with new seasons come new clothes for many. However, there are ways to introduce new trends without breaking a sweat or breaking the bank.

“Set an overall budget,” says Brad Ulrich, a finance graduate student. “Make sure to pay immediate bills, then set aside a percentage for you to play with each month. But remember, when that money is gone the spending stops until next month.”

Another important trick that keeps bills where they belong is to ask yourself questions. Just make sure to be honest and don’t cheat.

“We need to ask ourselves what happens if I buy these amazing pair of boots, what do I have to forgo” says senior fashion and merchandise apparel major, Shannon Marks. “At this age, we all need to budget, so we have to realize that there needs to be a trade-off somewhere.”

Marks says she became consumed with staying on trend and purchasing items that were out of her budget. She says she didn’t have things in perspective and needed a different mindset.

“It was so easy to justify expensive purchases because my major revolves around fashion. Girls in this major typically dress to impress,” she says. “I started to go into debt and one of the things I started doing was asking myself if I truly need it. I do it with everything, not just clothes and it’s really helped me.”

Of course, there are always good, old-fashioned sales to help keep bills low.

“March is the best time to go shopping,” says Hollister employee Mimi Swiatkowski. “Stores put winter clothes on clearance and spring and summer stuff on sale to encourage buying before the season actually gets under way. You can stock up on all seasons for cheap!”

She recommends checking out whether a store has an email list to sign up for because oftentimes a store will send unique coupons to only those customers on their email lists.

Another simple way to spruce up an old wardrobe is by incorporating new accessories or updating seasons-old pieces with fresh elements.


“It’s so easy to be on trend without spending a fortune,” says Kate Hannah, owner of Fort Collins clothing boutique Tula. “The newest trends for spring are bright colors, chunky accessories, and gladiator sandals. It’s so simple to update your style with these you already own.”

Hannah suggests layering and stacking jewelry to be on trend this season. She also says to consider making or updating pieces with fabrics and stones from Hobby Lobby.

“The best way to be trendy on a budget is to make your own,” explains Hannah. “For example, if you want to try incorporating bohemian elements look for tarnished metals and earthy beads and glue them on to plain flip-flops or sandals using fabric glue.”

Of course these tips are easier said than done, but with practice and a little creativity, being on trend this season is cheaper than ever before.