Looking fabulous on a college budget can sometimes feel more challenging than that Chem lab you've been dreading all semester. Even more challenging? Transitioning your high school wardrobe into that of an adult. Let me break it down for you with 20 pieces you absolutely need in your college wardrobe, complete with inexpensive places to get them.
1. Basic Tees
These are perfect for literally anything. Dress them up with a statement necklace and a pair of dark-wash jeans, or layer it under a flannel for those days when you're running late to class. The options are limitless.
AEO Soft & Sexy Favorite Tee - $19.95
2. Dark, Medium and Light-wash Jeans
Yes, you do need one in every color. Dark wash jeans not only dress up an outfit, but they're infinitely more versatile and they're slimming. The other two add variety to your wardrobe and can easily switch up a potentially "boring" outfit. Wanting to add a little edge to your look? Pick up a pair of distressed jeans too.
Hollister Super Skinny Jeans - $25
3. Statement Necklaces
You should have at least three: silver, gold, and a costume jewelry piece. This way, you'll have both metals covered so that you'll always match the rest of your outfit. The costume jewelry will come in handy to dress up one of those Basic Tees or add some personality to an otherwise simple LBD.
J. Crew Chevron Crystal Pendant Necklace - $21.50
J. Crew Stone Drops Necklace - $32
4. A LBD
No wardrobe list will ever be complete without a LBD. Go for something slightly more conservative because then you'll never have to worry about whether it's "work appropriate". Wear this for a night out, a date night, or a job interview. Endless possibilities.
Abercrombie & Fitch Halter Skater Dress - $58
5. A Blazer
I had to throw this one in for all of you business majors out there. Even if you're not, however, a well-fitting blazer is a smart investment for your next job interview, internship or for the days when you've run out of jackets and need something to throw over a Basic Tee for class.
Apt. 9 Solid Open-Front Blazer - $34.99
6. Nice Leggings
Okay, this one isn't exactly college budget friendly, but a nice pair of leggings will take you a long way. Investing in a high-quality pair will allow you to wear them to more than just your 8 ams because the fabric and fit will look much more like pants than those $15 see-through Forever 21 leggings you most definitely have shoved in a drawer somewhere.
Lululemon Pace Queen Tight - $98
7. Go-to Shoes
Every girl needs a pair of shoes that she can slip on and know that it will go with any outfit she's wearing. Find a pair that are comfortable, versatile and go with your personality. Better yet, find a couple of pairs in at least black and tan, as they will go with anything.
Steve Madden Excel Sneaker - $59.95
8. Statement Watch
No, this isn't entirely necessary, but like the statement necklace it will jazz up your outfit and give you a more classy and polished look. Layer them with bracelets for a more boho effect, or wear it alone for a timeless (pun intended) look.
MK Blair Rose-Gold Chronograph Watch - $275
9. Going Out Tops
This is the only time where cheaper is better. These are the tops you know you'll probably ruin, and that's okay because you only spent about $10 on it. Get a handful of these to keep on rotation for Thursday nights.
Cut-Out V-Neck Crop Top - $18.99 Zip-Up Millenium Crop Top - $18.99
10. A Cute Jacket
Jackets are one of the most underrated pieces of clothing considering the fact that they can make or break an outfit. Get one that reflects your style: black/brown leather, military, another blazer, denim, etc. Again, this is one of those pieces of clothing that are great to throw over something and to bring the outfit together.
11. A Skirt
This is another one with which you can take creative liberties. Circle skirts and wrap skirts are very trendy right now, and they're also very easy to wear. Pair one with a Going Out Top and Statement Necklace for Saturday night, or add a Basic Tee and Blazer for your internship.
12. "Big Girl" Heels
Ah yes, the dreaded heels. The bane of every tall girl's existence. No matter how tall you are, however, heels are a must. Pick something either black or nude, with a heel that's not too high for you to walk well in. These will be a life saver for sorority recruitments, dinner dates and getting coerced into random fancy events on campus.
Single Sole Ankle Strap Heels in Nude - $28.99
13. A Chambray Shirt
This is another extremely versatile piece for your wardrobe. Get one in a light wash so that you can wear it with dark wash jeans without looking like Rosie the Riveter. Pair it with a Statement Necklace and Watch to spice up a plain outfit, or layer it under a Blazer for work.
Denim Pullover Pocket Shirt - $58
14. Strappy Sandals
Get a pair in brown and another in black to match everything in your wardrobe during the spring and summer months. These will carry you through that awkward weather where you don't know if you should wear jeans or shorts, and will make any sundress look infinitely cuter.
Target Lavinia Slide Sandal - $19.99
15. A Sundress
This had to come after the strappy sandals. A casual dress is perfect for days when you can't bring yourself to put pants on but still want to look presentable. Pick one in a more seasonally neutral color so that come fall, you can throw a pair of tights and that Cute Jacket on to transition it to colder weather.
AEO Hi-Neck Fit & Flare Dress - $39.95
16. Quality Boots
It doesn't matter whether they're riding boots or combat boots: get a pair that reflect your personal style. These will be a life-saver when it's cold outside and you simply can't put yourself through the humiliation of wearing your long black parka and Uggs at the same time.
Bandolino Coppa Riding Boot - $99.95
17. Several Sweaters
Sweaters are so important. Not only are they basically blankets that you wear, but they're just so cute. Get at least one neutral cardigan for layering purposes, and a couple more pull-overs in cute cable-knit designs. Sweaters look good with anything. Seriously.
Draped Cardigan - $34.99 Knit Sweater with Zips - $24.99
18. Flannels
This is hardly necessary to add to this list considering that everyone and their mother owns a flannel these days, but they are undeniably a great thing to own. Tie it around your waist to add some trendiness or layer it over a sweater and under a jacket to keep cozy and warm.
19. A Designer Purse (and Wallet)
No, this won't be cheap. Yes, you should still own one. It's time to say good-bye to the worn-out Target purse that you've had since eighth grade, and time to say hello to womanhood. This is one clothing investment you definitely want to make, as a high quality purse will last you a looooong time. Get one that's good for multiple occasions, like a crossbody bag.
Fulton Small Saffiano Leather Crossbody - $131.60
Fulton Leather Carryall Wallet - $148
20. Spirit Wear!
This goes without saying, but you can't be a college student without some cute spirit wear. No, not the free t-shirts you got during welcome week, but some actual school hoodies/shirts/tanks that you'll actually want to wear to games. Not feeling the selection at the school store? Check out the Victoria's Secret college line for super cute spirit wear!
It's easy to just wear a hoodie and leggings to class everyday, but with just a few tweaks to your wardrobe, you'll be killing it in comfort.
