Just add accessories, shoes, plain tees, and tanks.

You can find lovely CHEAP and well made versions of all of these items. Mix and match for plenty of different outfits.

It shouldn't have to be expensive, colorless, or devoid of sex appeal either.

Random Day as a Grad Student in Cambridge, MA.
P.S. I am *hella* poor.
 
Rodriquez Hat - Purchased on my bday in the Lower East Side circa 2002 for $75. (It keeps things interesting and hides bad finals week hair).
Tan Gap Ballet Flats - $40-$35
Sperry Tote - Goodwill of Boston MA - $15.00
Cheap Monday Jeans - UO - $35
Denim Jacket - Una's Used & Vintage Clothing - $10
Signet Ring - garage sale find, don't remember how much, but dirt cheap.
Earrings - Hootenanny, Boston MA, $5.00
Revlon "Love That Red" Lipstick
Plain Tee - T.J. Maxx - $5.00
iphone cover - modcloth $5.99
Prescription Cat Eye Glasses- Calvin Klein, Costco - $60.00
Badass Dagger Necklace, from Hot Topic - $10- gift, (gives me confidence in those big scary Harvard lecture halls.)
Backpack - borrowed from my grandma.
Cat - borrowed from the owner's of "Cardullo's" specialty food store in Harvard Square. ;)

What I actually wear everyday. I own some of these exact things pictured, and some things that closely resemble what's pictured. :-)

Visual notes to my self

Stuff I've actually warn in real life, while going to see Harry Potter with friends.
 
Purse- Vintage from the 70's, $50.00, Una's Used & Vintage Clothing.
Coat - Threadbare Vintage Victorian Coat from Polly Anna's Antique Mall, Iowa.
Pants - $15.00, T.J. Maxx
Boots - $30.00, from a used & vintage clothing store in Iowa City, IA (I forgot the name).
Boba Tea @ Boston Tea Stop, Harvard Square, MA (forgot how much).

What I've actually worn to a casual coffee date, in Boston, in the wintertime.
 
Grandpa's 70's Ugg-Style gloves, dry cleaned & borrowed.
Brothers Bray Satchel, $35.00 UO on sale
Navy Tunic, Kohl's, $30.00
Faux Tan Leather Moto Jacket , kohl's $20.00
Pleather and Knit Tan leggings, T.J. Maxx, $15.00 on sale
Ugg-Style Boots. MiWoolies (Ecologically Sound New Zealand Company) - about $75-$100, gift from my mom.