She Strengthens

The Realities of Fashion in the Magazine Industry

While the magazine industry is often glamorized, being a writer comes with its fair share of everyday struggles. One aspect of this job that’s often misrepresented is the fashion. From TV shows like The Bold Type to movies like Beauty and the Briefcase, the life of a women’s magazine writer is portrayed as a high-fashion affair. But in reality, designer clothing is often out of reach for writers on a budget.

Separating Fact from Fiction

Take The Bold Type, for example. The show’s three leading ladies, Jane, Kat, and Sutton, are the rising voices at Scarlet, a fictional magazine based on Cosmopolitan. While their plot lines are intriguing and empowering, their fashion sense is often unrealistic for writers on a budget. As a newer writer myself, I’ve had to find ways to have bold fashion on a limited budget.

Real-Life Fashion Inspiration

Hannah Orenstein, Dating Editor at Elite Daily and author of Playing with Matches, offers some valuable advice on how to stay fashionable without breaking the bank. “I think the trick is to focus on what you really want and know you’ll get a lot of use out of, instead of just dropping money on random items,” Orenstein says. She’s no stranger to the world of fashion, having written for and worked at Seventeen, ELLE, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, and more.

Practical Fashion Tips

So, what can new writers do to stay fashionable while still paying rent? Orenstein suggests evaluating the worth of the season’s trends. “If you’re dying for a trend that you know will be big this year but dead by next year, get the cheapest version possible,” she advises. And sometimes, the cheapest version can be found at your local thrift shop.

Thrift Shopping 101

Orenstein is a big fan of vintage, consignment, and thrift shops. “You have to be really focused on looking for wearable pieces at low prices,” she says. Her favorite secondhand pieces include a $10 black leather purse and an outrageous, oversized 1960s mink coat she got for a bargain.

Replicating Runway Looks on a Budget

Many of the outfits from The Bold Type can be replicated with thrift shop finds. A good go-to look is a simple top and pant with a jacket or blazer that adds a touch of glamour. And when in doubt, all black with a pop of flair is the way to go.

The Reality of the Fashion Closet

One thing we must discuss is the fashion closet. In The Bold Type, the starlets of Scarlet often borrow looks and pieces from the closet for personal reasons or outings. But in reality, this doesn’t happen. “The clothes in the fashion closet are there for photo shoots, and after the shoots, they’re returned,” Orenstein explains.

The Perks of Being a Writer

While the media may be flawed in its depiction of writers as hyper-fashionable, there is one perk that Orenstein loves: freebies from publicists. “I mostly get beauty products and books. I haven’t paid for a single beauty product since 2012. And a couple times, I’ve gotten free shoes — sneakers, ankle boots, riding boots. It’s pretty sweet,” she says.

Dressing for Success

Though the media may be flawed, dressing well can still leave a great impression. “Once, when I was interning at ELLE, I was asked to get coffee for one of the higher-up editors,” Orenstein recalls. “I went to the editor’s office to take her Starbucks order, and she did a double-take. I remember I was wearing a knee-length dress with a bouclé jacket, pumps, and pearls. She was like, ‘You’re an intern? You don’t look like an intern. You look like you could be working here.’ I felt like that was a win — you know, dress for the job you want, not the job you have.”

Bold Fashion on a Budget

If The Bold Type has inspired you to up your fashion game, know that it’s possible even on a tight budget. It’s all about great finds and knowing when and where to shop for cheap, fabulous garments. Black jeans and a shirt with a leather jacket can be taken up a notch with gold/glitter jewelry and accessories, adding that extra pop of glamour to a somewhat basic outfit. Bold fashion doesn’t have to mean expensive fashion.