It’s that time of year again. The loan’s gone on the rent, the overdraft seems to have been spent entirely on sandwiches in the IC and to top it off you have no new outfits to wear on those last pre-exam nights out of freedom… put simply you’re unbelievably broke.
Never fear penniless students! Here at Image we know how to put a good outfit, make that four amazing outfits, together on a tight budget.
We bought one £9.99 dress from H&M and using the many items that lurk in our wardrobes, accessorised a boring black shift dress into four fantastic different looks.
Dinner, date, uni or gig we’ve got it covered, proving just how far a few pennies can really be stretched…
Lovely Layers
Although we’re moving speedily into spring, with the freak April snow storms, layering is always a sensible option, and it’s a great way to achieve several looks with one base item. Here, we layered up the simple black dress with a stone grey polo-neck and thick black tights. The colour co-ordinated boots teamed with baggy grey bobble hat create the casual style we were going for. We added a splash of colour with the purple handkerchief scarf to set off the look and the vintage broach and heavy metallic bangle complete the style. We kept the make-up natural and the hair simply blow dried – a perfect look for a day in lectures or a quick coffee with friends!
Simple and Sophisticated
We created this formal style by keeping it simple; we added a jeweled bow tie waist belt and champagne gold peep-toe stilettos with matching ruched clutch. The base make-up was kept fairly natural with a splash of shocking crimson on the lips. The hair was the main feature of the look being pulled back into a large intricately weaved bun, we definitely recommend Wigs and Warpaint for special occasion do’s!! So for sophisticated chic, keep it simple by combining well co-ordinated accessories with feature hair and make-up; ideal for all those end of year balls coming up!
Groupie Chic
Rock band tees are the uniform of every groupie and combined with pencil skirts look irresistably sexy yet rebellious… so get raiding your mothers’ wardrobes to find some vintage classics. Accessorize Blondie, The Rolling Stones or Ramones with spiked belts and combine plastic and metallic bangles to achieve that effortless “I don’t give a damn!” look. Finish off the outfit with sky scraper high spikey heels or scruffy wore in converse. Back combed bed hair is a must for wild girls so get the wax, hairspray and (if you’re feeling adventurous) the crimpers ready. Make up should be experimental…get creative with bright lips, glittered eyes and smudged eyeliner.
Fifties Glam
Fifties fashion centred around the sexy silhouette. Modern girls can achieve that gorgeous hour glass shape by cinching in the waist with over sized belts and adding extravagant broaches to draw attention to the bust. Jewellery should be kept simple yet classy and so we chose a simple pearl choker, reminiscient of fashion icon Audrey Hepburn. Seamed fishnets add extra sophistication and are great for making legs appear more toned, and sexy stilettos are a must, the higher the better! A simple up do is preferable to show off those lovely cheekbones, and make up should be kept monochrome…think heavy lids, kohl eyeliner, false eyelashes and pale lips.
Photographer: Michael Siggers ( http://web.mac.com/mdsiggers or 07913533069)
Writers and Stylists : Laura Mackenzie (Image Ed) and Kate Williams (Deputy Ed)
Hair and Make Up : Wigs and Warpaint (West One Plaza, Fitzwilliam Street, Sheffield, 0114 270 0336)
Make Up: Elizabeth Williams
Models: Kate Williams and Gregory Jones
Location: The Edge Student Bar (34 Endcliffe Crescent, Sheffield, S10 3ED)
