College is a time to express individual style. However, experience has dictated that student budgets – more often than not – are unsupportive of that stylish expression.

In this case, we recommend sticking to rewearable black or denim jeans, skirts, dresses and footwear. Then layer on colour with a vibrant jacket, scarf or backpack.

You’ll feel and look good in these contrasting collections.

Pencil case, Cath Kidston (€10).

Cream, floral satchel, Accessorize (€39.90).

Wool beret, Accessorize (€19.90).

Stripe scarf, Accessorize (€29.90).

Pom gloves, Accessorize (€29.90).

Pink zip hoodie, Superdry (€64.99).

Grey jogger pants, Superdry (€64.99).

White sporty bodysuit, Superdry (€34.99).

Pink fur-hooded jacket, Superdry (€114.99).

Black patent boots, Debenhams (€58).

Mid-year weekly journal, Paperchase (€25).

Backstar trainers, Next (€44).

Black suede trainers, Next (€44).

Rust denim jacket, Next (€40).

Pink and purple hoody, Next (€27).

Rose gold spotted notebook, New Look (€2).

Striped tee, Miss Selfridge (€25).

Polka dot dress, Miss Selfridge (€35).

Dark blue dungarees, Miss Selfridge (€69).

Pink hoodie, Penneys (€13).

Black buttoned skirt, Penneys (€11).

Denim dress, Penneys (€17).

Red jacket, Penneys (€17).

Cord pinafore dress, Penneys (€15).

Earphones, Penneys (€4).

Straight leg jeans, Penneys (€17).

Laptop case, Penneys (€8).

Denim jacket, Penneys (€25).