Finding designer looks while balling on a college student budget can be difficult. Physically coming across the sought out pieces can take forever, and one piece can end up costing thousands. While acquiring these expensive clothes may seem impossible, there are ways to still look polished and not hurt your wallet.
One way to find designer looks for less is to use online second-hand stores. It allows for a high-end look while saving money and the environment. Popular apps like Depop and Poshmark may seem like the best options, but neither possess the authentication processes that verify the professional quality of the item.
Stores like The Real Real and Vestiaire Collective are luxury consignment shops used for both buying and selling high end items. The goal of The Real Real is to support the sustainability of fashion by calculating its environmental impact. Vestiaire Collective creates a more communal aspect by allowing consumers to connect with each other, similar to other apps like Depop. Both sites have authentication experts that review every item prior to it being purchased. This prevents issues of scamming for both consumers and sellers.