LIFESTYLE: Autumn Fashion on a Budget: Belfast’s Bargains
Rebekah Williams
As autumn heads into full swing, you may be finding the lockdown clothing hauls you ordered for restrictions easing are more suited for spring or summer, and the hunt for new clothes is seeming a lot more stressful. For university students, this can be complicated further by the fact that budgets as a collective are notorious for not being the largest. Thankfully, with the help of several amazing independent clothing stores in Belfast, it is possible to keep up with the latest fashion trends on a budget.
Perhaps due to everyone being stuck inside for so long and self-expression becoming limited, wildly colourful and bright outfits are trending, as seen in the recent Versace and Roksanda catwalks. Luckily, Fresh Garbage, a quirky store on Rosemary Street, sells a vast amount of quirky clothing. Whether you want to experiment with wearing something slightly bolder than what you’re used to, or are someone who feels their most comfortable donning very ‘out there’ outfits, no doubt Fresh Garbage will be able to deliver at a very affordable price.
Another gem of a vintage store is Octopus’s Garden, located on Wellington Street. This is the perfect store to go to when searching for mini skirts, which are trending again after Fendi, Chanel, and Versace paired them with tights in recent catwalks. A good job considering Northern Ireland’s autumn weather! Ideal for almost any situation, whether that’s simply just dressing up for a lecture or going for a night out, mini skirts are a wardrobe staple.
There are several great choices for independent clothing stores in Belfast that can be life-savers when it comes to autumn fashion. Though it goes without saying, these shops stock stylish items all year round, even if you’re someone who couldn’t care less about what’s ‘in’ when it comes to fashion, there will still be something for you.
Also, as we’ve heard repeatedly, supporting local businesses has never been more important, especially after the impact of the Covid pandemic upon the local economy. With the release of the £100 Spend Local card, these outstanding shops should be contenders when it comes to deciding where to spend them.
Rebekah Williams is a health and lifestyle reporter for The Scoop. She is a second-year English and Creative Writing student at Queen’s University Belfast.