Dressing Authentically as a Low-Income Fashion Girl
We hear authenticity thrown around all the time, but what does it really mean when it comes to fashion? Is it about having a signature look? Avoiding trends? Or is it simply about feeling like yourself?
For me, it’s a little bit of everything. But let’s be real—when you’re low-income, finding your style isn’t just about creativity; it’s about survival. Fashion isn’t always accessible, and sustainable fashion? Even less so. So how do you stay true to your style when money is tight? Let’s talk about it.
What Even Is Dressing authentically?
Buzzword alert! Authenticity is everywhere, but what does it really mean? To me, being authentic means being real with yourself and others. But for a lifelong people-pleaser like me, that’s a constant work in progress.
When it comes to fashion, authenticity gets tricky—especially in sustainable fashion, where brands push an aesthetic that often feels like another box to fit into.
And I’ll be real: sometimes I don’t even know what I like. My consciousness around style is always shifting. Fashion isn’t just about logic; it’s feeling, it’s intuition, it’s art. Some days, dressing authentically means leaning into softness—pink tones, lace, and bows. On other days, it’s oversized denim and structured silhouettes that make me feel powerful. And that’s okay!
The Struggle of Low-Income Authentic style
Let’s be honest—being low-income makes this whole process way harder. I grew up in Chicago, went to college (hello, $40k in student loans), and always valued education. But money was tight, so shopping was never just about what I wanted—it was about what I could afford and needed.
So when you don’t have disposable income, you don’t get the luxury of choosing the perfect item that represents your soul. You get what’s cheap, practical, and available. This has made thrifting a lifesaver, but let’s not pretend it’s a flawless solution. Not everyone has access to good thrift stores, and let’s be real—the cool finds are getting more expensive. There have been more boutiques and resellers popping up everywhere. Meanwhile, fast fashion is marketed as democratic access to brands through its cheap prices.
Yet fast fashion has filled our closets with things that fall apart and make us look like carbon copies of each other. And maybe that’s the point. Maybe dressing like everyone else feels safe. I do think blending in can be used as a survival mechanism, especially in a world that criminalizes and hatefully targets low-income people for what is wrong in the world.
Can You Really Dress Authentically When You’re Broke?
Yes—I think we can really dress authentically when you are broke. However, we do need to be more creative with what we already own. Also, remember this is ok because authentic dressing isn’t about buying the right brands or owning the perfect curated wardrobe. It’s about awareness. It’s about knowing what makes you feel good and figuring out how to get that feeling with what you have.
Also, someone once said to me that authentic dressing is about being aware of your choices and acting on them. I truly love that and want to live by that! So I hope I keep dressing in a way that aligns with my values, expressing myself, and being intentional—even when my budget is tight.
Tips for Dressing Authentically on a Budget
Reflect Before You Select: Take time to think about what empowers you. What colors, textures, and silhouettes make you feel like you?
Ditch the Rulebook: Fashion rules? Overrated. Trends? Optional. You don’t need to fit into a box to find your style.
Work with What You Have: Remix your wardrobe. Layer, accessorize, and experiment with new pairings instead of buying more.
Ease Into It: If something feels out of your comfort zone, don’t force it. Let yourself warm up to new styles in your own time.
Trust Your Intuition: Style is personal. If something feels right to you, that’s all that matters.
At the end of the day, I see authentic dressing as an art form. Our bodies are the canvas, and our clothes are the paint. It’s a daily opportunity to connect with our emotions, our intuition, and the way we want to show up in the world. And just like art, it evolves.
Dressing authentically while being low-income is hard, but it’s not impossible. It’s about making intentional choices, embracing your creativity, and knowing that your style—like your journey—is always growing.
What does authentic dressing mean to you? Let’s talk in the comments!
xx Elle