Trends don’t have to break bank

Rachel Rouse

Snow is melting, birds are chirping and lines at the tanning salons are getting longer – all signs that it’s time to put away those sweaters and Ugg boots and revamp your wardrobe.

“I hate the cold and I hate winter,” said Lindsey Douglas, freshman in apparel merchandising, design and production. “As soon as it’s over and spring comes, I’m excited to be able to wear cute tank tops and sandals again.”

It doesn’t have to take a small fortune to get your closet ready for the warmer days ahead. Little things can be done to redefine your style for little to no cost.

For Her:

Dresses

Don’t wait until summer to bring out your flirty sundresses. Pair them with jeans or leggings for a fresh new look. Finished with ballet flats or wedges – this ensemble is show-stopping.

Platforms

Platforms are the short girl’s best friend. These shoes are by far the hottest spring trend. You don’t have to spend a lot to find a cute pair of platforms. Several discount shoe stores carry a wide variety of styles and colors.

For Him:

Vintage T-shirts

Make a statement by sporting a one-of-a-kind, quirky shirt you found at your nearest Goodwill or Salvation Army. Not only are these T-shirts stylish, they are also great conversation starters.

White Sneakers

Nothing screams spring more than a pair of crisp, white sneakers. Sometimes all it takes is a little cleaning and some shoe polish to get your pair of Nike’s Air Force Ones in mint condition.

Accessories:

Sunglasses

When it comes to this spring’s sunglasses, bigger is definitely better. Oversized sunglasses are still in style this season. Your local thrift store often carries these retro-looking shades for a fraction of the price you would pay at department stores.

Headbands

According to www.glamour.com, headbands can take a jeans and T-shirt outfit from boring to chic. Not only are headbands the new trend, they are also the perfect cure for a bad hair day. Simple headbands can be found for mere pocket change at discount stores.

Beauty:

Natural is in

“Very natural lip-glosses and taupe-colored eye shadows are the new trends for spring,” said Janet Hamer, Clinique beauty adviser at Younkers, 2801 Grand Ave. This spring, keep your makeup to a minimum. Not only will you look fresh-faced, but you’ll save yourself some cash as well.