Style on a shoestring

You just got invited to a party, a night out in the city, or a date, and you’re  thinking what to wear or how much you would shell out. The problem is, you are on a student budget and can’t spend a lot on clothes.

Here are some typical casual clothing options, from Sunday dresses to sweatshirts, that, with a little tweak, would be good alternatives to the pricey clothes that could cost an arm and a leg.

The opening line

The A-line dress for girls is a good and easy choice for date night. It’s no-fuss, and flattering to the figure. For boys, wearing colored jeans is a good way to create a fun formal look. Pair it with a hooded blazer for a sporty vibe.

ON LA: Black hooded blazer, chambray shirt and pale-blue jeans, all from Markus at SM Boys Teens’ Wear

ON KELSEY: Brown dress with green flower prints, Soiree at SM Girls Teens’ Wear; blue skinny belt and earrings, SM Accessories; blue pumps with tiger logo, SM Parisian

ON TOLA: Asymmetrical dress, Soiree at SM Girls Teens’ Wear; gold bangle, SM Accessories; black satin shoes, SM Parisian

Pink and blue hues

Pink and blue are colors that can work for both formal and casual occasions.

Use them in monochrome to achieve a dressy look.

ON TOLA: Blush-pink Maggy London dress, SM Fashion Forum; strappy heels, SM Parisian

ON LA: Navy collared shirt and printed sweatshirt, Mainstreet at SM Menswear; blue jeans, Markus at SM Boys Teens’ Wear; black slip-ons, Salvatore Mann

ON KELSEY: Pink lace bomber jacket and blush-pink skirt, Soiree at SM Girls Teens’ Wear; earrings, SM Accessories; violet platform heels, SM Parisian

Sunday prep class

The Sunday dress and cotton sports blazer you wear to Mass are usually worn for day but, with a little layering, can be easily transformed as party wear. Use your favorite high-heel shoes and mix it up with lots of accessories. For boys, matching cotton sports blazer with a nice clean shirt and dark jeans makes  for a classic preppy look that would make any girl swoon.

ON TOLA: White dress with pink embroidery (worn under) and pink top, Shopaholic at SM Girls Teens’ Wear; belt and accessories, SM Accessories; nude pumps with ribbon, SM Parisian

ON KELSEY: Floral dress, Shopaholic at SM Girls Teens’ Wear; earrings, belt and floral bangle, SM Accessories; blue strappy heels, SM Parisian

ON LA: Light-blue shirt, anchor-print cotton blazer and dark jeans, all from Markus at SM Boys Teens’ Wear

Vintage classics

Nothing beats those ’70s and ’80s Halston and Diane von Furstenberg-inspired dresses you can borrow from your mom, aunts or even your lola’s closet. Modernize the look by cinching it with a skinny belt and putting on statement shoes. For guys, reimagine Danny’s bad boy look from “Grease” with a pair of dark skinny jeans and Chucks.

ON KELSEY: Psychedelic dress, Soiree at SM Girls Teens’ Wear; nude pumps with ribbon, SM Parisian

ON TOLA: Tropical-print halter dress, SM Girls Teens Wear; belt, SM Accessories; shoes, SM Parisian

ON LA: Black blazer, white button-down shirt and dark skinny jeans, all from Markus at SM Boys Teens’ Wear

Photography by Pam Sta. Cruz

Assisted by Manuel Sta. Cruz

Styling by Maureen Manuel and Blanche Guarino

Hair by Jet Babas

Makeup by Justine del Rosario

Modeled by Tola Orendain of PMAP, Kelsey Meritt, and LA Aguinaldo

Shot at SM Mall of Asia’s By The Bay Amusement Park

Special thanks to Madecco Zegway and Zipline and SM MOA Department Store