College Girl Loungewear - Look for Less

MY LITTLE SISTER IS STARTING AT A 4-YEAR UNIVERSITY IN THE FALL!!!!

That being said, I've had college style on my mind lately.  Specifically, how I remember wanting to look pulled together while still being *comfortable*.  You're busy enough between classes, studying, and holding a job that you need a 'no fuss' solution for your wardrobe.  Mixing and matching becomes ESSENTIAL and your budget is typically tight.

::especially if you've been saving up some of your hard earned dough for 50c beer night!::

The other day I stumbled across the following depiction of the modern College Girl's go-to wardrobe..

{source}

And thought to myself how right they were. 

I love leggings and if they were more professional I would still wear them everyday. 

Cardigan is a must as you never know what temperature your next class is going to be.

Comfy T? YES, YES, YES!  Workout, Sleep, Class.. this is a staple in every young woman's closet.

Comfortable shoes for walking around campus.

And of course some good ol' chapstick and headbands to keep those fly-aways in check when you've been leaning over books for hours at a time.

J's report of the Images pictured above:

Petite Black Ponte Panel Leggings $36 - Topshop

Felicity V-NECK T-SHIRT $75 - Reiss

QSW Storm Stripe Cascade Cardigan $94 - Quiksilver

TOMS 'Classic' Glitter Slip-On (Women) $53 - Nordstrom

Paisley & Floral Headband $2 - Forever 21

Burt's Bees Pomegranate Lip Balm $3 - Smallflower

Without hesitation I forwarded the article to my little sister, Mari, who replied

"super cute but not really for in a college budget! lol(: "

WOW. I hadn't even stopped to notice the prices... sans the $2 headbands and $3 chapstick this list is overkill for what I believe most college students consider affordable!

So I decided to re-vamp the look FOR LESS.

{Look for Less after the JUMP!}

Alright so I whipped up not one but TWO great looks for less as spin-offs of the above post.  Plus, while I did include the TOMS (I completely support their mission to provide shoes to children in third world countries) I also included some more affordable choices for those whose first concern is putting shoes on their own feet with the money they have.

Look #1 -

Hive & Honey Border Stripe Cardigan $14.97 - Piperlime

Sunfade Burnout Tee $34.50 - Victoria's Secret

Canvas Skimmer Flats $10* - Go Jane

Bow Front Leopard Print Flat $24.20 - Go Jane

Yoga Leggings $29.50 - Victoria's Secret

Fab Headbands $1.50 - Forever 21

Subtle Metallic Eyelet Scarf $7.04 - Forever 21

Look #2 -

525 America Flyaway Cardigan $28.99 - Piperlime

Essential V-Neck Tee $13* - Victoria's Secret

Linen Skimmer Flats $10.95 - Go Jane

Daily Crop Leggings $20* - Victoria's Secret

Feminine Headbands $2.50 - Forever 21

Navajo Woven Scarf $6.50 - Forever 21

In case you didn't notice, I also added scarves because I absolutely ADORE them.  They are a cost efficient accessory you can use to mix up an outfit, tie together multiple colors, AND they're warm and cozy.

Questions for the Day:

What do you think of the looks?  Are you a Loungewear sorta-gal?

In college - what did you spend most of your money on?  Did you work or have a tight budget?

Are you a Scarf Lover as well?

Shop Sweaters & Cardigans for < $50 here.