Last year GQ dubbed Boston the worst dressed city, but that hasn’t stopped the most fashionable of Bostonians from flaunting their wares. As a case in point, Boston Fashion Week officially began on Thursday, bringing together top designers and fashionistas for a series of fashion-related lectures, presentations and film screenings. We asked senior Emily Plourde, a combined major in graphic design and creative industries and the president of the Northeastern student group Haute Fashion, to explain why the Boston fashion scene doesn’t get the credit it deserves.

When you think of fashion, your mind instantly gravitates toward cities such as New York and London. Boston, on the other hand, is known more as a growing technological hub than a fashion hotspot. Why bring Fashion Week here?

Boston is underrated in the fashion world. When I arrived in Boston to attend Northeastern, I didn’t think I would ever feel like I was walking down a mini runway on my way to class. The opposite couldn’t have been truer: More often than not, there are so many beautiful creations surrounding me. Have you strolled through the South End, Beacon Hill or Newbury Street at dusk? Fashion lives in Boston — you just need to know where to look.

Boston Fashion Week has been growing exponentially ever since it began in 1995. In the past few years, Boston has really been making its mark and holding its ground among the other big fashion cities.

How would you describe the fashion scene in Boston?

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what the fashion scene in Boston is like, but I’d classify it as a perfect mix of classic, daring elegance. I’d describe it as a bit more conservative than New York, but very experimental, especially when you consider the boots, jackets and scarves that we’ll see on display this fall. They’re out of control!

How can a college student in Boston go about reviving his or her closet without breaking the bank?

It’s hard to build your wardrobe on a tight budget, but my advice would be to take it slow. Choose one item every few months that would enhance your closet, a classic piece like a little black dress, nude pumps or a handbag. Save up for that item and slowly but surely you’ll have new stylish pieces that you can mix and match with other items.

Boston has some great stores like Second Time Around, which allow you to sell your old clothes, giving you money for new ones. Moreover, one of the best things about shopping as a Northeastern student is your Husky Card, which rewards you with great discounts at stores such as J. Crew, Club Monaco and Banana Republic. These are especially nice if you need a new closet for co-op.