If you’ve ever stood in front of a closet overflowing with clothes and still felt like you had nothing to wear, I can totally relate. I spent years giving in to micro-trends and purchasing clothing that only worked with a few different looks, clothing that I didn’t love but bought because it was trendy, and even clothing that I knew I would never wear more than once. After constantly struggling to style an outfit for myself despite having more than enough options, I made the switch to a capsule wardrobe, and it is one of the best decisions I could have ever made as a college student.
A capsule wardrobe is a collection of clothing that is made up of basic, interchangeable pieces of clothing that are easy to mix and match. As a college student, I don’t always have the time, patience, or energy to put together a cute outfit. Also, with so many different situations to dress for (class, social events, professional settings, etc.), it’s hard to find pieces that can fit all of them. Having a capsule wardrobe makes it easy to always have a closet full of pieces that you love, and you can never go wrong wearing something that makes you feel like your best self.
To help you get started, I’ve put together a small list of some of my must-haves for a capsule wardrobe as a college student. You might find that you already have a lot of these, but it’s easy to find them on any budget if you don’t!
t-shirts
It’s hard to go wrong with a classic t-shirt — they can be dressed up or down, they’re easy to find, and there are so many different styles to choose from. I tend to opt for basic colors like black, gray, and white that are easiest to style, but you can also consider finding your color season and picking out some statement colors based on your results.
Some of my favorite basic t-shirts are from Aritzia (so many colors and styles), SKIMS (so flattering), and Brandy Melville (a classic).
LOUNGEWEAR
Finding sweatshirts and sweatpants that are both comfortable and cute is essential for a college student. I highly recommend Aritzia’s loungewear; it’s raved about all over the internet for a reason, and I can’t get enough of the light gray set that I currently own.
You can also find similar styles at lower price points from Aerie, Brandy Melville, and even Target.
JEANS
As someone who spent years searching for the perfect pair of jeans, I understand the value of having a cute, go-to pair. Jeans are the perfect essential since they can be dressed up or down depending on how you style them. It’s also easy and fun to experiment with different styles, rises, and washes to find the perfect fit for your personal style.
My favorite jeans are by Aritzia’s Denim Forum brand and Abercrombie. Although they are on the pricey side, they are some of the most comfortable pairs I own, and the quality is unmatched. If you’re going to invest in a piece of clothing, I’d always recommend jeans, nothing beats having a flattering pair.
SNEAKERS
A versatile pair of sneakers that are both stylish and comfy is a key addition to your college wardrobe. I prefer neutral-colored sneakers since I know they go with everything, and there are tons of comfy and trendy options to choose from right now.
My current favorite pair of sneakers are either New Balance 574s or Adidas Sambas — they can be styled in so many different ways and they look good with all kinds of outfits.
ACCESSORIES
I’ve recently become obsessed with accessorizing. When I first switched to a capsule wardrobe, I always felt like my outfit was lacking something. Finding cute jewelry, bags, and even hair accessories to go with my looks has really elevated my style.
Target has some really cute, dainty jewelry that doesn’t tarnish for low costs (look for 14-karat gold-plated pieces), and I’ve found a few vintage handbags to complement my outfits at thrift stores. I’ve also been trying to bring back Blair Waldorf’s iconic headband since rewatching Gossip Girl last spring, I promise it’s cute.
For more information about capsule wardrobes, you can find plenty of information with a quick TikTok, YouTube, or Pinterest search. If you’re looking to simplify your wardrobe and avoid the “I have nothing to wear!” spiral, building a capsule wardrobe might be the perfect choice for you!