Who said money can’t buy you style? Well they were right. Being a savvy and stylish student living on a shoestring doesn’t mean you have to look any less fabulous. To prove just how easy fashion on a budget can be, Suit Yourself invited three Bristolians to take the £10 style challenge…

The Rules:
1. Spend no more than £10 on the bulk of the outfit
2. You can accessorise with items you already own
3. The outfit must be something you would wear out in public
4. Be stylish!

Style File #1 - Meera Joshi, 19, undergraduate: psychology, media.

Meera wears: Dress - £10 - Primark, shoes & belt - model’s own.
Style influences: 1960s.
Favourite shops: H&M, BS8 and Make.
What’s your tip for shopping on a budget?
Buy black because you can always accessorise.
How would you describe Bristol style?
Random.

Style File #2 - John Doak, 25, philosophy graduate.

John wears: T-shirt - St Peter’s Hospice, Cotham Hill - 50p, shorts - Oxfam - £6 (originally Gap for £25), cap - charity shop - 25p, glasses - car boot sale - £1, trainers - model’s own.
Style influences: Will Oldham, Neil Young, Americana.
Favourite shops: Charity shops on Cotham Hill, Repsycho, H&M.
What’s your tip for shopping on a budget?
Be persistent, check back regularly in charity shops for new stock, use independent shops, they are cheaper and you meet nicer people!
How would you describe Bristol style?
Relaxed, creative, diverse, anything goes.

Style File #3 - Frankie Wallington, 23, CRM Executive.

Frankie wears: T-shirt - Primark - £3, leggings - Primark - £2, dress - Peacocks - £4, bag & shoes - model’s own.
Style influences: Agnes Deyn, Amy Winehouse (pre-meltdown).
Favourite shops: eBay for vintage finds, Top Shop, Primark, Picton Street in Montpelier for quirky one-off pieces.
What’s your tip for shopping on a budget in Bristol?
Stick to a budget and buy an entire outfit or build around one key piece.
How would you describe Bristol style?
Eclectic.

Verity Gough
Photos: Heidi Gough