How To Shop Melbourne On A Student Budget

Rebecca Volpe

Turning my bag inside out and upside down while rummaging around for coins before entering Pressed Juices (ok I have enough, let’s proceed) is not an uncommon occurrence for me.

Cue: #UniLife. You know, the clichéd account of the poor uni student who balances her time between school, work and whatever time is leftover for a social life. And when it comes to deciding what to wear – well, let’s not even go there.

Shopping on a budget is sometimes no easy feat but thankfully, not impossible – I’ve been doing it for years! Here’s my hints;

1. Get real

When shopping on a budget, be realistic about what you can and cannot afford – in other words, get serious sister! Think about what you really need. Is that Zimmermann dress really worth it? Yes, probably. But will you wear it again? If your answer is no then put it down and keep walking. That’s half your rent and phone bill paid for right there.

2. Back to basics

The key to a user-friendly wardrobe is being able to mix and match your everyday basics with on-trend pieces. What’s the point of having a closet full of stripes, patterns and bright colours if you can’t wear them all together? (Unless you can pull off clashing prints then more power to you sister). To achieve a wearable wardrobe stock up on some good quality basics that will make it easy to pull outfits together.

My must-have basics include:

• A pair of skinny, cropped jeans
• Black or tan flats
• Woolly grey knit
• Denim shirt
• Loose cotton long or short sleeve tops in neutral colours
• A white crisp shirt
• Find cheap basics at H&M, Cotton On and Topshop.

3. Visit us at Melbourne Warehouse Sales

By subscribing to Melbourne Warehouse Sales, you will be the first to know about our upcoming warehouse sales. You can also catch us on Instagram too.  Subscribe here in two seconds!

4. Make outlet shopping centres your new BFF Save a date on the weekend and make time to visit an outlet centre. You are sure to pick up a great bargain (or two!) that won’t break the budget. Try out:

• DFO South Wharf (Southwharf, Melbourne)
• Spencer Outlet Centre. (Spencer Street, Melbourne) Read our review here.
• Uni Hill Factory Outlets. (Bundoora) We loved the Nike store there, check it out here.
• Brand Smart (Nunawading)

5. Be a savvy shopper If you’re out shopping for a particular item, don’t just settle on the first expensive piece you lay eyes on. Shopping on a budget requires you to be ultra-savvy when it comes to finding a cheaper alternative. Follow our handy tips and save yourself a few bucks:

• What colour and style do I want/need?
• What will match with the clothes already in wardrobe?
• Scout for other options before settling on just anything.
• Look for cheaper alternatives at chain stores, outlets or online.
• Ask to put the item on hold and have a good think about it.
• If you’re still thinking about it in few days then go back to the store and reassess.

Oh, and the boots in the picture…..they were $9.95 from K-Mart. Don’t ever be too cool for the K. Just sayin… We can let you know when the best sales in town are on…just sign up to our weekly sales alerts here.