Getting the urban style without breaking the bank.

 

by Lea Rossignol

 

Often, the fashion problems that most college student face are rooted in their ultra-low budgets. Most people have the ability to be stylish without losing their individuality. The real problem lies in the empty pockets of the typical college student whose debt seems to keep multiplying.

In keeping with the street chic style of this week I have taken the look Robert Protulis has outlined in his article “The New Camouflage” and found similar pieces from stores that are more affordable for the average college student.

Something to keep in mind when trying to pull off a certain look is that the quality of the clothing doesn’t necessarily have to suffer because the price tag is lacking a couple of zeros. It is important to pay attention to detail as Robert pointed out in his article, to the type of fabric blend used, the stitching and the overall comfort of the article of clothing.

Some men have the notion that looking at an article of clothing is just as good as trying it on in the dressing room. Now I am sure this will take a huge chunk of your precious time but I assure you it is well worth it; not all sizes are the same! Designers, stores, and even style of jeans fit differently, so trying them on really is a must.  

 

All three looks shown in Robert’s article incorporate jeans.  The jeans from Paper Denim & Cloth and Seven , but more importantly, they are a medium to dark wash with a worn-in look on the front of the leg. Stay away from this style if you are at all self-conscious about your legs! If you are are self-conscious, you'll want to look for a darker, even-toned wash. A straight leg jean is flattering on most body types, but you could opt for a small boot cut at the bottom if you are heavier through the mid-section.

I’ve selected a medium wash jean from Gap with some feathering at the pelvis and the warn in look around the knees. They retail for $59.50 and can be found at most Gap stores or online at Gap.com. If that still puts too much strain on your budget, stores like Marshalls and T.J. Maxx are filled with jeans from designers that cost as much as 50% less than when found in the retail stores they call their homes. Because items at these discount stores are often irregular, it is even more important to try on anything you intend to buy.

Next, I found jackets similar to the one Robert is wearing at different price points. Medium length trench style coats are great because they can go with almost anything, especially when in neutral colors such as khaki or black. The first is from Gap and retails at $88, the pea coat style is form fitting but classic.


Urban Outfitters is a great place to look for that street chic style.  I found this Triple 5 Soul jacket for $119. It's a bit more casual than the original jacket but has the same length and double-breasted pockets.

Last but not least, Robert is wearing a simple short sleeved button down shirt. Depending on the fabric, a shirt can create an entirely different look. A linen shirt will appear more laid back and casual, where a cotton or cotton blend will seem more tailored and formal. Again I’ve found my shirt at Gap for $34.50. The fit of the shirt is the most important part; you want to stay away from shirts with no figure or tailoring down the mid section. It's the more fitted shirts that will achieve the street chic look you are striving for.