Some of us are broke, some of us are bougie, and some of us are both, and that’s why this post exists. Because being a broke student doesn’t mean you can’t serve looks and enjoy soft life energy.
I remember sitting in a lecture hall one time, wearing thrifted Zara jeans and a faux designer bag, sipping water from a fancy-looking bottle I got for free at a campus career fair. I looked good. But I also had just $10 left in my account and a whole week to go before my next allowance.
If this is you too, welcome to the club.
I honestly disagree with people who think being a broke student but bougie is just pretending to be rich. To me, it’s about wanting the best for myself while still being smart with my money. It’s all about saving, styling, and slaying, even if it’s on a tight budget.
Here’s how I learned to manage money and still serve soft life energy on my then student budget.
1. Use “Rich Girl Math” (but be real about it)
You know that little voice in your head that always goes, “If you don’t eat out for 5 days, you’ll save enough for a new perfume”? That’s rich girl math, and when used right, it works.
Instead of guilt-tripping yourself, reframe saving as a way to get something better later.
Skip the $5 Chick-fil-A snack now → save for a full silk press or braids at month-end.
Bring snacks from home → afford your favorite Bath & Body Works mist next week.
Bougie trick: When you skip a spend, transfer the amount into a savings app like Digit or Ally. Watch how fast those “little savings” add up.
2. Thrift, but make it fashion
Listen, if you’re still judging thrift (a.k.a pre-loved), you’re sleeping on the most bougie-on-a-budget hack ever.
I once found a silk blouse at Goodwill for less than $2 that looked like something straight off Pinterest. The key is patience and knowing where to shop.
Tips:
Visit local thrift stores during weekdays when it’s less crowded.
Build relationships with regular sellers or resale shop owners (some even drop sneak peeks on Instagram).
Wash and style your finds immediately. Presentation is everything.
Bougie trick: Mix your thrift with one quality staple (like a sleek handbag from Marshalls or high-quality shoes) to elevate the whole look.
3. DIY beauty is still beauty
You don’t have to go to a $100 salon every two weeks or book luxury facials to look good.
At one point, I created a “beauty ritual” Sunday. Homemade sugar scrubs, press-on nails, and YouTube hair tutorials saved me thousands.
DIY wins:
Clay masks (mix Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay + apple cider vinegar)
Press-on nails or DIY gel kits from Amazon
At-home waxing strips or shaving kits
Bougie trick: Make it a girls’ spa night. Set the vibe with a candle from, wine glasses with sparkling water, and your favorite playlist. It’s a spa night, not a struggle.
4. Unfollow temptation
Yes, I said it.
If you find yourself constantly online shopping after watching influencer hauls or “soft life” vlogs, it might be time to hit mute.
I started unfollowing pages that made me feel behind or made me want things I couldn’t afford yet. Instead, I followed budget queens, thrift influencers, and minimalists who inspired smart luxury.
Bougie trick: Curate your social feed to reflect your broke student goals, not just your dream lifestyle.
5. Split costs with your girls
Why buy that Netflix subscription, Uber ride, or bulk skincare item alone when you can split it?
In college, my roommate and I split everything, from subscriptions to skincare products. We even shared textbooks. You don’t need to own everything to enjoy it.
Ideas:
Buy beauty products in bulk and split.
Share makeup tools (just keep it clean).
Rotate outfits, yes, even shoes.
Bougie trick: Form a “Budget Girls Group Chat” and keep each other accountable with no-spend challenges and discount finds.
6. Carry cash + set daily limits
If you’re an emotional spender like me, this hack will save your life.
Try daily spending caps. Transfer only what you need for the day to your mobile wallet or carry limited cash. No cash = no temptation. You learn to prioritize real fast when you’ve only got $5 for the day.
Apps like Chime or Qapital also let you lock savings for a set time so you don’t dip in impulsively.
Bougie trick: Set a “treat yourself” limit too, so you enjoy life without guilt.
7. Start a tiny side hustle (seriously)
I’m not saying build a tech startup in your dorm room, but even small side gigs can give you breathing room.
For me, I only chose side hustles that didn’t stress me or distract me from school. I started writing and managing social media pages. For you, it could be tutoring, affiliate marketing, voice-overs, or even selling digital prints on Etsy.
Start here: “7 Affordable Online Side Hustles for Students”
Bougie trick: Dedicate all side hustle income to your soft life budget. It feels earned and guilt-free.
8. Treat yourself, but intentionally
Yes, you should enjoy your money. Depriving yourself leads to resentment and impulsive splurges.
I always include a “joy budget” in my finances, maybe for that one nice meal, new Sephora gloss, or a movie night with my girls. Knowing I’ve planned for fun keeps me from overspending spontaneously.
Bougie trick: Make small luxuries a part of your monthly goals. It’s self-love, not selfish.
From one bougie broke student to another)
Being a broke student is not the end of the world. And it sure doesn’t cancel your taste for soft life.
You can live soft, save smart, and still look like a million bucks, without spending it.
So stop thinking you have to choose between glow and goals. You can have both. Just do it your way, thoughtfully, creatively, and confidently.
And if anyone doubts you? Let your radiance speak louder than your receipts.
Stay bougie, stay smart.
