Back-to-school season is finally here, and chances are, you’re ready to embrace that feeling of freedom and new beginnings again. And for every unforgettable memory you’re about to make, you’ll need a wardrobe that’ll keep you comfy and help you feel confident returning to campus. The next time you get together with your besties or go on a date with the cutie you met at orientation, make sure you have these closet essentials prepped and ready. Here are nine items you need to build your college wardrobe.
Little Black Dress
If you’re ever worried about finding the perfect “going out” outfit, look no further than the little black dress. You can never go wrong! Elora Clifford, a recent graduate of Boston University, tells Her Campus, “The perfect little black dress can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.” Honestly, I couldn’t agree more. Depending on the style, you can wear your LBD to just about any event, from a casual lunch date to a rooftop bar with friends. Pick an LBD that you feel amazing in, and it’ll become your go-to throughout college.
Classic White Tee
Whether you’re going to a glow paint party (IYKYK) or looking for a simple wardrobe staple to layer with every outfit, having a few classic white tees on hand in college is always a good idea. You can easily reinvent a plain white t-shirt into a cute crop top, or even make a cute bow style if you want to get creative. Not only is the white tee comfy for any time of year, but it’s also perfect for themed parties, and once you find a couple that fit well, you’ll never have to worry about a last-minute outfit before class again.
Comfy Shoes
Some might say that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but honestly, no student’s life is complete without a pair of comfy shoes. During your first year of college especially, you’ll be doing a lot of trekking around campus, exploring town, and being on your feet all day as you meet new people. Opt for at least one pair of flats, heels, sneakers, and a shoe you can casually wear around your dorm, and you’ll never have to worry about being unprepared again.
Jessica Brook, a student at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas (UNLV), reminds students to always keep temperature and climate in mind when shopping for shoes. “Some essentials vary depending on where you are going to college,” she tells Her Campus. “In Las Vegas (where I am), the heat is out of control, so cute sandals are an essential way to stay cool, but also look cute. In a cold winter state, like New York, you want some nice warm boots that can do for cold, snow and rain.”
Pro tip for all students: if you’re going out, have a pair of shoes you can throw in a tote bag so that you have a backup option if your feet end up killing you on the walk home. They always say “beauty is pain,” but it doesn’t have to be.
Cross-Body Bag
If you don’t already have one, buy a cross-body bag ASAP. You’ll want a reliable purse for the busy days running from the coffee shop or library to dinner with your roomies. Plus, with everything you already have to carry around campus (seriously, why are we still carrying textbooks?!), you don’t want to stress about keeping track of a small wristlet or wallet all day and night. Look for a cute cross-body bag that can hold your phone, keys, license, and other essentials, and it’ll become your go-to accessory for staying on-the-go.
Spandex Shorts
Similar to your go-to white tee, spandex shorts are a college wardrobe staple that everyone needs. They’re comfy, stretchy, versatile, and you can buy them in as many colors as you want, making them the perfect item to throw on whether you’re heading to class, the gym, or a weekend Target run. When it comes to spandex shorts, you can pair them with a cozy, oversized tee, or, you can grab a pair to rock under a dress – no wardrobe malfunctions here!
Fun Accessories
College is the perfect time to start showing off your personality, and curating your look with accessories can be a great way to start. Channel your inner Y2K with neon colors and beaded jewelry or dress up an all-black outfit with a colorful scarf. Whether it’s a bucket hat, butterfly clips, a bright headband, or your favorite bracelet stack, the possibilities are endless when it comes to making a look your own.
Jessica recommends adding a pair of gold hoops to your repertoire. “You can accessorize any outfit with gold hoop earrings,” she tells Her Campus. “They look good on everyone and are both elegant and casual.” If earrings aren’t your thing or you don’t have piercings, try a cute ear cuff or a simple accessory that can add a bit of creativity to your look without the commitment.
Costume Options
Although wearing nothing but a bedsheet to a toga party is perfectly acceptable — and often encouraged — most college theme parties will require a bit more effort. There are lots of simple items you can wear, from a basic green top for St. Patrick’s Day to colorful beads for Mardis Gras, or a green-yellow-red combo for one of those infamous college “stoplight parties” (green means “single,” yellow means “it’s complicated,” and red says “I’m taken!”).
Apart from holiday-specific items (think: ugly Christmas sweater party), Cassie says you should always have something animal print-themed. She tells Her Campus, “Some kind of animal print is a must for a jungle party, or a costume party, if you can get a pair of ears!” You also should bring old Halloween costumes you might have and repurpose things you already own — you never know when they might come in handy! For example, see if you can borrow your brother’s old athletic jersey for a sports-themed party. Thinking ahead about items that you have at the back of your closet will help ensure that you won’t have to scramble to buy a last-minute outfit on your night out.
Bralette
While going braless is low-key the greatest, having a soft bralette is honestly a necessity for any college student who wears one. You can wear a bralette under shirts, tank tops, or dresses if you need a little extra coverage, but still want the “barely-there” feeling. It’s also less fabric, so you won’t get as hot when you’re spending the night on the dance floor. Try to buy at least one or two that can go with multiple items in your closet.
“A black bralette is essential,” Cassie tells Her Campus. “You can wear it under almost anything.” The same goes for colorful bralettes, which can be a fun way to add a pop of color to your outfit while still getting the coverage you need for a busy day on-the-go.
Casual Sweater or Jacket
Whether you’re at a house party, a night on the town, or attending your team’s ice cream social on campus, searching through a mountain of jackets at the end of a college event can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack. Since there are rarely places to stash your jacket at college gatherings (I know, not the most ideal), it’s possible someone else will mistake your jacket for theirs — and you don’t want to lose it during your first semester! I recommend opting for a few coats, jackets, or zip-up hoodies that you can take anywhere, in any season — and maybe save the expensive leather for a night where you know you can have it on you at all times.
If you’re heading to college this fall, these staples can help you start building a wardrobe that’ll last all four years and beyond. “You have limited space in a college dorm, so wardrobe flexibility is key,” Jessica tells Her Campus. So, use the above items as a basis, and build it up over time!
Remember, college is all about taking in new experiences and stretching your comfort zone, so don’t be afraid to experiment and try a look you may not have tried in the past. With a little advanced planning, you’ll be prepared for whatever comes your way — from class and late-night study sessions to house parties and more.
Sources Elora Clifford, Boston University Jessica Brook, University of Nevada – Las Vegas (UNLV)