Fall Wardrobe 101: What You Need for the First Semester

Going away to college is a huge deal, especially for girls. We find it necessary to bring every pair of shoes, every pair of jeans and every T-shirt we own. Over-packing must be in our genetic code, and yet we still manage to forget a few key items. To make sure you’re prepared for the first semester of the school year, Her Campus UFL is here to help you out. Check out our picks for what you won’t be able to leave your dorm without this fall.
 
Rain Gear
Let’s face it; we’re going to be rained on pretty much every day (Oh, the joy of Florida summers). But wherever you live, getting caught in the rain while walking to your morning class in sandals will be an uncomfortably soggy start to your day. Beat the rain by being prepared. Make sure you have a rain jacket, a cute umbrella and a pair of rain boots. Yes, people do wear rain boots, and they’re quite the trend across the nation on college campuses. 

The North Face rain jacket, altrec.com, $50
Floral umbrella, topshop.com, $40
Rubber rain boots, zappos.com, $63
 
Heels
No, you won’t be using heels to walk to across campus to class  (at least we hope not), but you’ll definitely want to snag a cute pair of heels when you and your girls are ready to hit the clubs downtown. A good pair of pumps will always be useful for a professional touch to your outfits for career fairs and job interviews. Make sure to have a range of heel heights and a pair of flats to change into when your feet need a break.

 
Blue platform pumps, Aldo Shoes, $80
Multi-metallic peep-toe pumps, Aldo Shoes, $59.98
Gold wedges with bow, Steve Madden, $89.95
Patent strappy stilettos, Forever21, $25
 
Business Clothes
College campuses usually host a career fair each semester where business attire is mandatory. Business-wear is essential for the interviews you’ll go through, whether for a potential job or an internship. Keep it simple by investing in a nice pencil skirt and a button-down shirt for your closet.

 
Skirt, Banana Republic, $80
Shirt, Banana Republic, $25
 
Accessories
Show your style and personality through your outfits by adding accessories. You can keep it classy with a pearl necklace, make it trendy with a nice boyfriend watch or make it pop with a unique ring. Accessorizing can help turn an ordinary outfit to an extraordinary one and better yet, will keep you from blending in with the crowd.

 
Watch, Michael Kors, $240
Pearl necklace, Banana Republic, $80
Rose ring, Betsey Johnson, $45
 
Gator Wear
Finally, don’t forget your Orange and Blue. UF football season starts in two weeks and you’ll definitely need your Gator gear. The bookstore has plenty of orange and blue tees marked with alligator mascots and UF logos, but it’s trendier to strut cute orange and blue separates or one of the cute spirit dresses that can be found in boutiques all over Gainesville. Whether you wear a neutral outfit with a few key pieces of Gator-themed jewelry and hair accessories or opt for a completely orange and blue ensemble, remember it’s all to support the Gator Nation. Go Gators!

Blue draped dress, Forever 21, $28
Orange double knit dress, Forever 21, $20