In these recessive times, whilst the lure of haute couture and the Parisian runway remains, it seems sensible to hunt for a creative and cheap alternative to the High Street trends. Digging through flea markets and local charity shops for vintage wear seems to be the most cost effective way of re-inventing your image, without having to part ways with the newly arrived student loan. Luckily for us students, vintage clothing has become some-what a trend itself; for the likes of supermodels Kate Moss and Agyness Deyn, vintage-wear has become the new way of creatively revitalising your wardrobe.

Most of vintage clothing is distinctly unique and manufactured in small quantities, so makes an ideal investment to add to your collection, and it’s great to be able to wear an individual item that means no embarrassing run-ins with a clothes clone! If you’re not comfortable in wearing a large garment, limit yourself to a scarf or a bag that shows a little exclusivity in your outfit. Keep in mind that vintage is also great value for money; garments generally sell for a cost below those of similar new modern items.

Choosing the right vintage wear for your shape and character is not a feat to be taken lightly. Far from marching into the local charity shop and pulling the first thing off the rail, vintage clothing can be ill-fitted, require high maintenance and can be time consuming - it requires a little more dedication than constructing an outfit from a shop where mannequins already parade the complete look. Vintage needs a creativity that will help you to mix those rare finds with your own personal flair. If you are amongst the shoppers that stay clear of vintage shops and head to West Quay, you will be pleased to know that chain stores such as Topshop and Selfridges have vintage departments that have carefully done the hard work for you, selected great items and repaired them to almost-new.

Finally, if vintage shopping does faze you, remember that one man’s trash is another’s treasure. ‘Vintage’ is not just about finding great clothing and accessories from another era, it’s about the recycling of trends. A hit amongst the fashion elite, including Vogue Editor Alexandra Shulman, are ‘swap’ parties, to which everyone brings their unwanted items in for haggling. Swapping discarded items with your friends can revitalise your wardrobe without having to spend a single penny, and clear out the wardrobe to make room for your new clothes.

1. Spybaby Vintage, Portswood High Street

2. Trash Cocktail at The Art House Café, Bedford Place

3. Beatnik Emporium, London Road