Bag a Bargain For Your Summer Wardrobe

Calling all budget conscious fashionistas! Shopping for a summer wardrobe can be torturous on the bank balance, but fear not… we have compiled the best way to bag yourself a bargain.

We at Pillow don’t think it’s fair to feel guilty after a splurge, particularly for a summer or holiday shop, so we’ve compiled some handy top-tips and top sites to keep it purse friendly but definitely not any less fantastic or exciting.

For starters

Shop around. Seen a designer dress that you love? Have a quick scout around in New Look, Topshop and so on, the chances are you’ll find one almost the exact same elsewhere for cheaper, or with a discount on top. This goes the same for online shopping, whether eligible for student discount or not, one might have free delivery, or cheaper in-store delivery – there are always ways to save money.

For example, take the new cute pinafore trend, we love this one from Miu Miu, on sale reduced from £1,145 to £572.50 but you can easily copy the style on the High Street, and if you do your research between the major stores you can easily save another extra few extra quid.

This floral New Look one is cheaper than a similar River Island one – and you can get student discount on top. Bargain!

Miu Miu, £572.50, New Look, £19.99 and River Island, £22

For mains

Shopping online is a gift from the gods, something we can sit and do a stupid-o’clock at night and not even have get off the sofa for.

A put-off for online shopping can generally be “Well how do I know it fits?” or ‘”Is that what it looks like in real life?” – firstly, check reviews, quite often when clothes or shoes aren’t true-to-size someone somewhere on the world wide web will have said so, if you aren’t sure go have a look.

Secondly, shops such as John Lewis also do free in-store delivery, always a good call if you aren’t sure but have seen a bargain that you couldn’t resist! It doesn’t cost you anymore and you can try it on as soon as you go and pick it up (and if necessary, returns are dead easy because you’re already in the shop!).

Thirdly, sign up to websites, even if you aren’t planning on shopping with them today. Asos, Office and many other websites do spontaneous sales, discounts and offers – always a good way to save some pennies if there’s something you need but haven’t got round to getting yet!

For desert

Bring on the shopping.

Take this summer’s shoes – the barely there heel or the perspex court take your pick – all of which are purse friendly.

Zara have an incredible pair of barely there heels, they add a bit of an edge and sophistication to a simple shoe – l loved them so much they’re currently in my wardrobe! And only cost £30!

For the perspex shoe, these Boohoo shoes are fantastic. They add a touch of metallic and sex appeal to any outfit, whilst still being understated. Boohoo, whilst doing student discount, also often do free delivery or 25% off footwear codes (not student exclusive!).

And for the perspex heel, these black and white ones from Shuh look sensational! Free delivery online and student discount available, you can’t beat it!

Zara, £30, River Island, £20, and Shuh

Save on the summer dresses. There’s always something satisfying about buying a new dress, whether to go out in or for a warm sunny day, these are all under £20! (You can’t buy shoes without a dress right?)

A high-neck printed body con, day or night wear and definitely should be in your wardrobe – this Aztec-printed number is only £20 from River Island.

The Maxi-dress, an incredible day to night piece, slimming in all the right places and hugging all the right bits – this striped one is a wallet-friendly £18 from Dorothy Perkins. And it would look great at the beach.

Go for a touch of chic with this bright red skater dress from Forever21. We love the off the shoulder sexiness of it, but dress it down with quirky accessories like a black hat and clunky boots. Best of all it’s only £18.75.

In other words, you can get twice the amount of clothes for the same price had you not have found these cheeky steals and using these simple rules. A-mazing.