The Ultimate List Of Wardrobe Essentials For College Students, Whether You’re A Freshman Or A Senior
As the new semester is rapidly approaching, the rush of packing and planning a dorm is on the horizon for most of us. Whether this is your first semester or your last, packing (or buying!) for college can be exciting but also overwhelming.
College dorm room essentials include cute bedding, a shower caddy, and a rolling cart. A favorite coffee mug, pictures from home, and school supplies. But wardrobe essentials are a little more complicated. Other than making sure you have a week's worth of undies (laundry is expensive!) and functional bras, packing lists are often outdated and not relevant for college students today. Don’t feel pressured to purchase an entirely new wardrobe, but instead revisit your current wardrobe and see what gaps are present. This step will help you build a college-ready wardrobe that won’t break the bank!
The fun part about college fashion is that you will be immediately introduced to an entire campus of different personalities and styles, and you can pick up on new ideas or pieces you may not have seen before! But finding the right essentials and pieces for an adorable college wardrobe, especially one that fits in a small dorm closet, can be difficult.
And when it comes to choosing outfits for class, it’s important to have pieces that are feminine and on-trend, while also comfortable for long lectures. While society will argue for oversized sweatshirts and comfy sweatpants as the college girl uniform, you should dress up (at least a little bit) for class. Not including the overall confidence boost of a little makeup and cute outfit, dressing up for class has many benefits that are worth waking up earlier for.
Here are the best wardrobe essentials for college students!
Tops
The best way to maximize outfit potential and closet space is to bring purposeful essentials. Similar to the rules of a capsule wardrobe, basic tanks and t-shirts can be dressed up or down and will match with most of the bottoms in your closet. Bring or buy neutral colored tops like black, white, and beige, and then slowly add in the colors you reach for most. The ‘90s era white tank is a particularly trendy piece this year, so your basics will serve a dual purpose as essential and on-trend items. These basic tops can be worn with denim, skirts, and as a base layer for professional wear, so stock up if your stash is lacking.
Abercrombie & Fitch Essential Scoopneck Tank, $29
Abercrombie & Fitch ’90s Essential Cami Tank, $25
Once the basics are packed, the fun begins. Pack at least one going out top, one business appropriate top, and one top for a date. You never know what occasions may arise, and you’ll want to be prepared!
Going Out: Reformation Cosima Top, $128
Business: RedDress Delicate Features White Top, $62
Date Night: Abercrombie & Fitch Puff Sleeve Corset Sweetheart Top, $60
While it may be difficult to see now, the summer heat will eventually transition to cooler fall and then winter weather. If you have the option of going home for Thanksgiving break, you may also have the luxury of swapping out your shorts for jackets before you head back to school. Whether you’re packing sweaters now or grabbing them later in the semester, a few neutral layers can make the most of all the pieces in your closet.
Free People Dolman Quilted Knit Jacket, $198
Banana Republic Tie-Back Sweater, $24
A few crewneck sweaters or cropped hoodies have their place for late nights at the library or movie dates in your dorm. Great for added layers for colder evenings or girls' nights in, just remember to balance the comfortable with the cute!
Free People Beach Happy Pullover, $68
Lovers and Friends Gia Cropped Hoodie, $63
And some advice for freshmen: Don’t go overboard at the student store. The easiest way to identify a freshman on campus is to look for the girl wearing the school logo from head to toe! Hopefully, your college offers cute and subtle items to show some school spirit, and if not, there are tons of Etsy shops and small businesses that specialize in just that!
Pants
The general rule of thumb is at least three pairs of jeans, but that depends on your comfort level and how often you wear denim. I’d recommend bringing a few different styles and washes of denim to extend the versatility of your clothes, like a mom jean, a straight leg style, and a different wash.
Abercrombie & Fitch High Rise Mom Jean, $99
Everlane The Original Cheeky Jean, $88
Everlane The ’90s Cheeky Jean, $108
It’s also important to bring at least one pair of work appropriate pants. Class presentations, unexpected internships, or job interviews will require a business casual outfit (at minimum!). To avoid being caught off guard and shopping when stores close, bring a pair of neutral slacks that are easily maintained and easy to grab for a professional look!
Loft Riviera Slim Pants, $80
Abercrombie & Fitch Tailored Wide Leg Pants, $90
Although not appropriate for all occasions, leggings and sweatpants are super comfortable and have their place on the college campus. A few pairs of black leggings will go far and be worn for everything, whether that’s an early morning gym session or a study break.
lululemon Align™ High-Rise Pant, $98-$118
Simple Vera Vera Wang High Rise Legging, $13
Dresses and Skirts
One of the easiest ways to quickly dress up for class is a dress. An outfit in one simple item, dresses are easy to throw on before class for an effortless look. Some campus events like banquets or formals may require a dress, so having a few loved dresses in your closet is a good idea. Dresses are also a fun way to get your crush's attention, and add a feminine touch to a study group or dinner date!
RedDress Peaceful Blooms White Floral Print Midi Dress, $62
Urban Outfitters Tessie Smocked Puff Sleeve Midi Dress, $69
Skirts are also a great use of space in your closet, as they can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Skirts, especially of a midi length, make great transition pieces from summer to fall, adding versatility to a small closet space.
RedDress Marjo Indigo Denim Mini Skirt, $80
Reformation Bea Skirt, $148
Shoes
Shoes take up valuable space, so it’s best to have a few pairs that are versatile and comfortable for long days of classes and walking around campus. A white pair of sneakers can be worn with dresses, jeans, skirts, or even business casual wear, so it’s important to find a pair that are comfortable and cute. If white sneakers are not your deal, find a neutral sneaker that will work with a majority of pieces in your closet.
Chuck Taylor All Star Hi Top Converse Sneakers, $65
Madewell Court Sneakers in White Leather, $98
Veja V-10 Sneaker, $165
A pair of heels will serve you well throughout your college years, so bring (or buy) a pair you love. Sorority events, formals, and parties will likely require a heeled shoe at some point!
Steve Madden Lilah White Heels, $70
Lulus Alta Orchid Suede Lace-Up Heels, $42
Another essential pair is a close-toed shoe. Whether your preference is flats or mules, these are great for class presentations, student teaching, or internships, and will be worn more than you expect, especially as an upperclassman.
ASOS Slingback Block Heeled Shoes, $42
Madewell The Gemma Mule in Leather, $118
Everlane The Italian Leather Day Glove, $115
Accessories
Jewelry should be simple and for everyday wear, as late night study sessions or early morning classes don’t provide a ton of time to contemplate jewelry options. I’d recommend a classy pair of huggie earrings or small hoops, as well as a stack of rings and a simple necklace.
Gorjana Reed Huggies Earrings, $45
Gorjana Sloane Hoops, $50
Madewell Simple Stacking Ring Set, $34
Another college essential I would recommend is a pair of blue light glasses. Staring at a computer screen for the majority of the day can take a serious toll on your eyes and mental health, so a pair of blue light glasses can reduce some of the eye strain, leaving you headache free while you study! These glasses come in a variety of shapes and colors (and prices!), and are an adorable addition to your studying accessories. If you wear glasses already, ask your optometrist about adding a blue light filter to your lenses.
Quay Blueprint Standard Blue Light Glasses, $35
Warby Parker Felix Blue Light Glasses, $95
And finally, bags. Depending on your class schedule and the size of your campus, you can opt for a backpack or a tote bag style for carrying around your laptop and other daily essentials.
Béis The Backpack in Beige, $78
Urban Outfitters BDG Seamed Tote Bag, $39
Closing Thoughts
College is the perfect time to define your personal style and your study habits! Have a great semester!
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