The infamous college budget is probably every Fashionista’s number one hindrance when it comes to style. It’s not that trendy items aren’t available on the cheap, but to the discerning eye, there’s a pretty big difference between Target and Thakoon in terms of quality and taste level. It was astounding to me that no single part of this Fashionista’s outfit put a designer-sized dent in her wallet. Even though her outfit is a mix of inexpensive brands and thrift finds, her look still reads “expensive” thanks to clean lines, vintage accessories and the perfect nonchalantly boyish attitude.
Name: Sam Wittwer
Major: Graphic Design
Year: Sophomore
CollegeFashionista: Where are all of the pieces of your outfit from?
Sam Wittwer: My sweater and jeans are both from Old Navy. The belt is vintage, the oxfords are Steve Madden and my watch is a Timex Camper. The blazer is an Eddie Bauer that I picked up at Goodwill and the hat is a vintage Helen Kaminski that I found at the bottom of an old trunk at an antique store. My backpack is a '60s Boy Scout standard issue camping pack from the same antique store.
CF: Was there any sort of inspiration behind your outfit or a particular look you were going for?
SW: It sounds like a bit of a cop-out, but I actually got dressed really quickly this morning and didn't really put any thought into my outfit. I have a lot of staple pieces in neutral colors that I wear all the time, so it's easy to just throw together an outfit and not have to think about if it works together. I once explained my “style” to someone like this, and I feel like it works for today's outfit too: “I spent the night at my French boyfriend's apartment and forgot to pack an outfit and had to throw something together from his closet.”
CF: What trends or pieces are you most looking forward to wearing this spring?
SW: I'm on the hunt for flowing, backless dresses, a blue and white cotton Kimono jacket, a silky cream colored blazer, tissue thin T-shirts and patterned ankle-length trousers. I’m always looking for that Phoebe Philo / Isabel Marant vibe.
How To: Staple pieces don’t have to be expensive to look great. Stock up on inexpensive classic T-shirts, sweaters and trouser style denim in a neutral palette and pair those basics with unique vintage items to make the look your own.