College is a weird time for fashion, to put it in the mildest way. One minute you could be in a collared shirt and khakis on your way to an internship interview and the next you could be “hair-tied chilling with no make-up on” (thank you, Drake). Gone are the days of you being told what to wear and how to wear it. Rejoice to the heavens! Now you can ultimately decide on a style that works for you and lets you express yourself to your true potential. But with great freedom… comes great indecision. It can be hard to know what to pack for college, but with a few signature pieces and some timeless classics, you’ll be Instagramming your OOTD (outfit of the day, for the lost) in no time!
1. Business jacket and slacks combination
At some point during your college career you will attend a job fair, business dinner, or hopefully- a job interview! You’re going to want to dress the part. This is the part of your wardrobe that you want to invest in. Splurge on nicely-fitting dress pants and a good blazer that will last you a while. They pay for themselves in no time. Being 18, 19, or even 22 years old, people still see you as a kid, but they’re more likely to take you seriously if you are dressed like you mean business! When in doubt for any event, dress up and dress professionally. In the words of Oscar Wilde, “You can never be overdressed or overeducated.”
2. Dark colored jeans that fit really well
Another piece that you probably want to spend a little bit more on! Dark wash jeans can be dressed up or down and can be paired (and look amazing) with almost any top. Make sure they fit perfectly and hug you in all the right places. Treasure these. They will be your go-to in the “I-literally-have-nothing-to-wear” times that are bound to plague you!
3. Little black dress
If you don’t already own one, you know what to put on your birthday list. Fashion trends come and go and what looks good this year will probably not necessarily work for the rest of your life or even college career (Sperry’s were still “in” my freshman year…. Change is a good thing people). A good-fitting, flattering black dress is timeless and will literally never go out of style. Pair it with pearl earrings and it’s perfect for those fancy dinners where you just need something a little more sophisticated. I’m also a big advocate for the “fake it until you make it” life motto and this piece will help you along there!
4. White shirt
Once again… timeless. Much like the jeans, a plain white shirt can be dressed up or down and a lot of the time, is just the contrast that you need to make your outfit work. Find one with a good material that is a little looser on your frame for that relaxed feel. But not too big! You don’t want to look like you just raided your father’s undershirts.
5. Sweat pants
I couldn’t make a “college wardrobe” article without including these bad boys. Of course we wear sweats! I am NOT the one who’s wearing heels to an 8 am (let’s be honest, I’m not the one who’s even wearing a bra to an 8 am half the time. TMI? Probs.) I strive for balance in every aspect of my life and there are times where you just NEED sweats to make it through the day. I’d suggest a pair that are strictly to be worn in the dorm aka THE COZIEST and a pair that you can be seen in public in. You’ll be glad you packed this one!
6. A good pair of tennis shoes
Whether you’re trekking across campus or getting a little exercise in on the treadmill, these will be become your best friend. Even the most supportive of shoes can be trendy these days. Take an extra 5 minutes at the store and get sized to find some that fit you perfectly because then you will be that much more motivated to hit the gym! (See ya, bye freshman fifteen)
7. Sweatshirts
It seems like the library is 10 degrees colder at night. I have no idea why (probably because lukewarm coffee and procrastination-induced depression fills the air) but you’re going to want to stay warm! Find one that shows off you school spirit but will hold strong in the washing machine. Trust me, this will also be your go-to protection for those late night runs to Taco Bell.
Those are just a few staple pieces that I have found from experience to be necessary in my collegiate wardrobe. But having all the clothes in the world is pointless without a little swagger! Be proud of the person you are and your style and you can make $15 pumps look like Christian Louboutin’s or a $10 sweater from Old Navy look as stylish as Ralph Lauren. Confidence is key, you guys! Now go out there and ~slay~.
