When it comes to a college wardrobe, so much is possible these days. With all of the fashion trends out there its hard to keep track of everything on your shopping list. That’s where I can help! Obviously, we can’t afford all of the trends that come our way because there are constantly new trends happening throughout the year. It’s totally possible to buy these items and still be on trend without spending money constantly. Great style is doable even as a college student!
Here is a must-have list of the 20 things you’ll need during your college years:
1. A few good pairs of jeans
Jeans are a go-to for any type of day you’re having. You can dress them up or dress them down because they come in so many lengths, cuts, and colors and you can get a variety of different ones! The possibilities really are endless when it comes to jeans. Personally, my favorite types of jeans are any high waisted mom or boyfriend jeans. Mom jeans have an amazing shape that I can wear on any type of day with a cute sneaker, and boyfriend jeans look amazing with a cute crop top!
2. Denim shorts
Denim shorts are fantastic for the days where the weather is nice and you can dress these up or down as well! You can wear them with a simple tee or a flowy off-the-shoulder top.
3. Black leggings
Leggings are perfect for all around, whether you’re hitting the gym after class or you want to be comfy for a day and wear them with a sweater and boots. Definitely get more than one pair! Leggings are stretchy and functional for all sorts of days so you can create lots of awesome outfits with them.
4. A mini skirt
Every girl needs at least one miniskirt for those nights out with friends. You can go simple and get a denim or suede one or you can be more daring and buy one that’s leather, snake print or even cheetah print! There are so many options and any of them are perfect for a night out.
5. Jean or leather jacket (or both!)
A jean or leather jacket is an amazing outerwear piece that you can add to an outfit to give it a completely new look. I personally love to throw on my jean jacket when it's too warm to wear a coat. It ties your outfit together and gives you a lil’ something extra.
6. Basic t-shirts
Basic t-shirts are fantastic if you buy a few in different colors. They can be worn with jeans and sandals with a crossbody, or they can be worn under a cardigan with jeans and booties. When you buy some good quality ones they’ll be sure to last for a while too!
7. Crop tops
Crop tops are my absolute favorite! I'd be lying if I told you that I didn’t have about crop tops in my drawer right now. I have a drawer specifically designated for just crop tops (completely over the top I know but what can I say? I’m OBSESSED). You can literally do ANYTHING with crop tops, whether it’s wearing them with boyfriend jeans and Fila’s (heart eyes) or wearing them under a jean jacket with leggings and some cool kicks. There is no going wrong with having some crop tops in your possession.
8. A flannel
Where do I start with flannels, they’re amazing! You can really wear them so many ways, no matter what kind of day you’re having. They can be worn with leggings or jeans and really any kind of shirt underneath. My personal favorite is wearing a flannel with (you guessed it) a cute crop top under it with mom jeans and my Fila’s. That’s just one of the many ways that those wonderful flannels can be worn.
9. A cute sweatshirt
A cute sweatshirt is a must because it’s another one of those pieces that you can wear with leggings or jeans and a cute pair of sneakers. It’s cute, comfy and great for those days that you just want to lounge. One sweatshirt that I’d love to buy for myself would be one of those cropped sweatshirts from Adidas. They come in so many cute colors and I just want them all.
10. A transition outfit
One outfit that’s a good idea to have is a transition outfit. What is a transition outfit you ask? Well, a transition outfit is one that you can wear during the day and get away with wearing during the night for a different occasion. A great transition outfit could be a comfy dress or romper that you can dress up and down in one day. You might have to switch your shoes from sandals to heels and put on some different jewelry but the point is that there will be no clothes changing involved. It makes it much easier on you because you won’t have to plan out two outfits for that day AND you’ll have less laundry to do.
11. A good quality cardigan
A nice warm and cozy cardigan is just what you need when the weather starts to get cold or when it’s time to stop wearing coats. It’s a great addition to any outfit because it can totally bring the whole outfit together. I prefer nice long ones because those are much warmer.
12. A little black dress and a going out dress
You can never go wrong with a little black dress. It’s perfect for an unexpected event that you have to attend on campus or a professional event that you’re going to. A few going out dresses are important to have too so that you’ll at least have some options before you decide to head to the mall and shop!
13. Spandex
These are perfect to wear with dresses! No more worrying about your dress blowing up in the wind while walking around campus. They’re comfy, cute, and nobody can even tell you’re wearing them!
14. One professional outfit
Having at least one professional outfit is a good idea for starters. Just in case you end up having an interview to go to for a job or an internship. It’s always a good idea to be prepared. A blazer is the best way to start, you can put it on so many different outfits to give off a nice business casual vibe.
15. A few flat shoes
These shoes could be sandals, ballet flats, slip-on sneakers, or espadrilles, but as long as you’re comfortable that’s all that matters. They’re all perfect with jeans, skirts and leggings and dresses which is a plus! All of them can be worn casually and you can dress these up too!
16. Sneakers
Having a few pairs of sneakers has honestly been life changing. I have one pair for fitness purposes only and the rest are for leisure. Some awesome ones that I would recommend are Fila’s of course, and Nike Huarache’s. I love wearing them with all sorts of outfits and they’re both really comfortable!
17. Boots
These are definitely an essential in your closet, and you’re definitely going to need a few pairs. I’d say one pair of good rain boots, one pair for winter, some booties and a bold patterned boot because who doesn’t love a pair of those? All of them will be great for all that comes with college and New England weather!
18. A few statement pieces and statement jewelry
Clothing with a bold pattern or an eye-catching element would be considered a statement piece. Statement pieces are great to wear if you’re trying to get someone’s attention or boost your confidence! Nothing says wow like a party dress with some neon heels or a simple outfit with a pair of big colorful earrings. Statement pieces have the ability to add that wow factor to your wardrobe.
19. Scrunchies
A few colorful scrunchies could never hurt anyone right? They’re much better for your hair than regular hair ties and they come in so many different patterns and textures that you can match with your outfit!
20. A cross-body bag
Cross-body bags have been nothing but worth it to me while in college because they are easy to carry around and can still hold a good amount of things I need. It’s perfect for going out to eat with friends or going to a concert. It goes great with basically anything you’re wearing and you don’t have to worry about anyone taking it once it’s on!
All of these items will be beneficial in your wardrobe and give you that style boost you've been looking for!
Thank you so much for reading! If you enjoyed this post please share or leave a comment below!
xo,
MJ
Comments