Fashion Essentials: Must-Haves for Classes and Exams
I just finished re-reading The One Hundred by the amazing Nina Garcia. The One Hundred is basically composed of 100 (imagine that) items that Nina believes every woman should own. And while the book is full of inspiration (can anyone say illustrations by Ruben Toledo?), some of the items she considers essentials are just not necessary or practical for college students.
Over the next few weeks, I will be creating my own list of essential items for the stylish college girl. I’ll break the list down into different areas of college life: lounging, night out, big interview, gym, weather survival, on-trend essentials for the upcoming season, and starting today: essentials for going to class and exams.
These lists won’t include everything you need for college, just items that I think are stylish basics to help build a wardrobe that fits your personal style. These are the classics of the college fashion world, if you will: items in addition to your basic jeans and tank tops. If you are looking for a list of all the necessities for college (things you must bring) check out Wardrobe Essentials for College Girls, which gives excellent ideas and covers the basics.
Throw On and Go: Must-Haves for Every Day
I sometimes find myself pulling on sweats and a t-shirt before class in the morning because it’s so easy–but definitely not stylish. To make it easier to be fashion-forward AND comfortable, I think every college student should have a closet full of basic, throw-on-and-go essentials for mornings when you just don’t feel like getting dressed up.
Here are some must-have items and outfits that are easy enough to rock even the morning after an all-nighter:
1. Shirtdress
Product Information: Long-sleeved shirt dress- A.P.C., Plaid shirt dress- Fred Flare, Black shirt Dress- Athleta
Whether you prefer preppy long sleeves, trendy plaid, or demure black, a shirtdress is a wardrobe essential. It’s not as casual as a tee and jeans, but gives you more freedom than a sundress (no pressure to wear heels). I like to pair mine with leggings or tights, but if you pick a shirt dress that doesn’t completely cover you, always go for skinny jeans underneath. You want to avoid the pant-less look at all costs, for obvious reasons. Then just slip on flats or boots, and you’re ready to go.
2. Cardigans, Cardigans, Cardigans
Product Information: Outfit #1: cardigan – Delias, yellow boat-neck – Old Navy, destroyed jeans – Charlotte Russe, striped sneakers – Urban Outfitters, hobo bag – Forever 21, flower hair pins – Old Soul New Heart Outfit #2: pink tunic – Forever 21, animal print leggings – Arden B., black boyfriend cardigan – Alloy, mixed-metal bangles – Urban Outfitters, bow flats – Payless
I can’t say enough about cardigans. They are the foundation of my wardrobe. No matter what you pair them with, you look laid-back chic. They can look dressy with a LBD and heels, or completely casual, with a vintage tee and booties. Outfit #1 is a more classic look with a fitted cardigan. Outfit #2 has a tougher vibe, with a loose and trendy boyfriend cardigan.
3. Sneakers
Whether you prefer Converse or slip-ons like those pictured above, you are going to want something besides flats and heels for trekking to class. Some days, your feet just need a break (take note, Victoria Beckham). Pick a pair that fits your style. Here are a few of my favorites:
Product Information: Puma Mid-Factory Shoes – Piperlime, Pink Slip-Ons – Urban Outfitters, Lace lace-ups – Urban Outfitters
4. Large Tote
You need something of decent size to carry your books (and everything else) in, but no one wants to lug around a basic JanSport. I like the rich color of the Forever 21 bag in Outfit #1, but here are a couple other options:
Product Information: Blue Pocket Tote – ModCloth, Black Chain-Strap Tote – Aldo
5. Plain White Tee
This is definitely a basic. I love a men’s Hanes tee because it’s comfortable, obviously, but also because it offers me creative freedom. There are so many ways to dress up a white shirt, making it a must in any wardrobe. Here are some simple ideas on how to make a white tee more than a white tee:
Product Information: White T-shirt – La Garconne, Denim Vest – American Eagle, Flower Necklace – Accessorize, Pink Thermal – Delias, Printed Scarf - Accessorize
Adding layers to a simple outfit can make it unique. I love the look of a vest over a plain tee, and denim was all over the Spring runways, so I’ve been shopping for a cute denim vest to wear this season. Accessories like statement necklaces and scarves always come in handy when dressing up a plain tee: they add a little extra something to an otherwise boring outfit. Don’t be afraid to add your own special touch – just be creative!
More tips on dressing for class:
When you are rushing to class, fueled only by a cup of coffee, you need clothing that is easy to throw on but still expresses who you are. Here are some more things to keep in mind when building a wardrobe of class essentials:
- Don’t be afraid to have a personal uniform. So you like blazers? Don’t be afraid to wear them often, just mix up the rest of your outfit. A signature item (think Blair Waldorf’s headbands from GG season 1) makes a statement, setting you apart from the rest. There is definitely nothing wrong with that.
- Fashion doesn’t have to mean discomfort. Walking to class every day in heels and body-shaping undergarments is just not necessary. Just be yourself and have fun.
- Pick versatile items, like the white tee. You want items you can mix and match with the rest of your closet, not items that can only be worn once.
So… what do you think?
Would you wear any of the items on this list to class? What do you usually wear for exams and classes? What do you guys find yourselves pulling out of the closet again and again?
I’d love to hear what your wardrobe essentials are! Next week, I’ll have essentials for going out. See you then!
Posted on on January 13, 2010 / Filed Under: Fashion Tips / Tags: Class, college wardrobe, Essentials, Exams, must-haves, Outfits, Shopping
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Meagan
Thanks for this post! I agree, cardigans are a complete must-have, because they go with absolutely everything.
I don’t actually use a large tote bag to carry my books around, I carry around a backpack, which is kind of weird and sometimes makes me feel like I’m in high school, but I can’t find a tote bag large enough to carry around the number of books and school related paraphenalia that I routinely lug around.
Isabel
I was waiting for someone to mention that book on here. It’s probably like the Bible of all Fashion Bibles. It’s one of my goals to own all 100 of those things. I finally got Chanel No. 5 for Christmas. There’s another thing to cross off the list! I’m looking forward to see your own list. Love the site! :D
Paula
Very nice article! I love the outfits with the cardigans :)
Audrey - Ohio State University
I feel the same way about the book Isabel! It just takes SO long to save up for some of the items when you are on a college budget (but my next thing to cross off the list is a pair driving mocs! So classy!) .
And I envy your Chanel No. 5! I wish I could pull off that glamourous scent!
Kath
Very much agree, I couldn’t have survived college without my collection of big totes. Now that I’ve graduated, most of these pieces are on my list of weekend must-haves.
kat
totally agree with all of these! i love cardigans – staple in my wardrobe. and i totally agree with having a personal uniform. i live in cardigans, knee length skirts, flats and boots. i’m still looking for that perfect tote though – i’m asking for a leather one for my birthday !
Miss Tofu
A big tote is a definite must! I always look for a good-quality black leather bag with eye-catching details, one that can go with anything you wear. It certainly makes life easier on those hectic weekday mornings!
As for the others… I don’t think I can even recall the last time I wore sneakers or t-shirts. >_< (During compulsory high school PE class, most likely. —Thank God those days of horror are over. XD)
Call it an Asian thing (or simply a 'me' thing, being all of 5'1), but I'm almost never seen out of high heels and quite 'dressy' outfits. In fact, most of my wardrobe consists of short skirts, dresses, ruffled blouses and an array of pretty coats and blazers. (Of course, in law school most of my peers tend to be dressier than the norm, so I don't look COMPLETELY alien.)
What can I say? Life's just that much better when every day is dress-up day. ^_^
Stephanie
Another great sneaker that I’ve tried, and fallen in love with, is the Daisy Skimmer from Zoe and Zac. They are this really great “green” fashion brand, and the shoes are seriously comfortable, and cute!
I love to wear them in the spring and summer with cute dresses and skirts, and in the winter, pairing them with anything from skinny jeans to wide-legged trouser jeans brings a cute element to your style.
The production of these shoes leaves a smaller footprint, so it’s perfect for all the eco-conscious people out there, AND they’re under $30…making them totally affordable!
http://www.zoeandzac.com/
PS I am in no way affiliated with Zoe and Zac. I just bought their shoes from Payless, and found them to be extremely comfortable and fashionable…so for those of you out there who don’t think sneakers can be cute…check these out :)
Caity
I appreciate the point of this post, but I definitely don’t agree with wearing animal print leggings to class. That outfit is cute, but to me that just doesn’t feel class-appropriate.
Bizzy
I just bought the last of that blue bag from ModCloth, it’s gorgeous!
I will also have to invest in a shirtdress at some point, it’s going to be nice for spring :)
Coco
Audrey, you’re right that having a pair of cute sneakers is a good way to give your feet a break. When I put them on, I automatically feel more relaxed. But I am so picky about sneakers and finally found some that maybe others would like to: I love those laceless converse, I have them in the natural canvas color. It took me while to get used to that look but I really like them because they seem (to me, at least) a little more chic, grown-up, and put together than plain old black laced converse.
Just a suggestion to add to yours! Great article, I can’t wait for more!!
Coco
http://www.zappos.com/converse-all-star-slip-charcoal-spicy-orange?zlfid=111
Audrey - Ohio State University
Miss Tofu- I think dress up days are awesome too! I’m not a natural at walking in heels though(way too clumsy). Look for sky-high heels and more dressy clothing next week.
* Oh, and I checked out your blog and your outfits are all a-mazing (love the skirts!)! I understand why you dress up all the time–you must have a fantastic closet!
Stephanie – cute! I love the pink skimmers and the lace-up booties! And the fact that they are “green” is a definite plus.
Julie
For some reason, I can’t do sneakers unless I’m going to the gym.
I just hate how sneakers look with everything, especially jeans, and I always feel a comfy pair of ballet flats will look better.
I love the rest of the list though, esp those white tees
Sara
Great article! I look forward to seeing more like this!
Kaleigh
Cool post! I like a lot of your suggestions, except unfortunately the sneakers wouldn’t work here with the amount of snow we get :( but maybe in the spring time :) As for cardigans, they’re cute and I do wear them, but I’m kind of over them too, starting to get played out, don’t you think? Just my opinion. Great post though! xo
Tibby
Haha, Miss Tofu- I am also 5’1 but heels tend to annoy me. I guess I just have to embrace my height cause I love my flats.
I like these outfits you put together. I really love posts like these, my fashion is (used to be) really off, but posts like these give me inspiration to put together some things I have in my closet. Imagine, people have actually told me that I dress well! crazy!
I liked this, please continue!!!!!!
Miss Tofu
@Audrey:
Thanks! I’m sure you have a fantastic wardrobe too! (And certainly a more practical one, for sure. Goodness knows I definitely need some more practicality in my life =P). As for heels, like all things… all you need is practice. ^_^
I look forward to your post next week! (What would I do without sky-high heels? ^_~)
Tamara
I don’t wanna sound like a mum, but watch out with the tote bags; I’ve always been extra careful with the way I carry my stuff around, since I have a preety bad case of scoliosis, and tote bags are definitely unhealthy (when they’re totally full of books and notebooks). Not only are they assimetrical, putting all the weight in one side of your back, but they are not built to uniformly distribute the weight as backpacks are. So if any of you have back problems or frequent back pains, I would advice to choose health over fashion for this one. Kinda the same with the heels: even in platforms, the thing about heels that makes you look hot in them is the bad posture it gives to you (arching your back with your butt out). Although it’s fine for weekends, I wouldn’t wear heels on a daily basis.
And if you absolutely have to wear totes, and have a healthy back, be sure not to overload it and to change on a regular basis the side you wear it; that way you can avoid posture problems in the future.
Emily
I’m glad you posted about the book Nina Garcia wrote, I’ve never heard of it before you posted! I can’t wait to read it. I’m looking forward to your list of must haves!
Bryannah
My dream closet = the closet in the picture. Hehehe. :)
:] i adored this post. I agree with you that cardigans is a definetly a great closet staple! (:
I’ve bought a variety of cardigans in different cuts, styles & colors, and they compliment really well with just a pair of jeans, a white tank under-neath, and maybe a nice pair of sneakers or boots. ^_^
and @Tamara, yes, I’m on with you about the tote-bag thing. I used to carry to a tote bag with ALL of my school binders stuffed inside, and my back hurt SO much every day. :’( I finally had to switch to an actual satchel to keep my belongings in. =]
mara
I love love love this post- this entire site is so inspiring. Makes me want to dress up for any and every occassion! I WILL go buy that book!
Ashley - Flagler College
I agree with all of these!
and I love, love, LOVE the first cardigan outfit =)
Rebecca
Nice article!
I’d love to see more ways to dress up a white t-shirt!
Nicole
GREAT ARTICLE!!! This is actually what I look for and why I love College Fashion. Thanks for writing something that actually serves my real life and budget. This was the best!
jitushka
I found this site few days ago and I like it :-) It inspires people. Although I live in central Europe, some of the product and shops are here too, but usually they’re not considered cheep.
To this post: I haven’t seen anyone in the shirtdress (ever!) and sneakers aren’t part of my wardrobe (and never will be). But it differs from faculty to faculty, g.e. the economics students (me) dress more business-like… I should find myself some nice cardigan… I was not lucky in my past attempts ;)
Lisa
I just bought my first cardigan this fall, before I was using a graphic zip-up hoodie and it makes me feel so much more grown-up; I’m slowly changing my wardrobe from highschool to university one piece at a time. My must-have for class is definitely my collection of scarves, I have a neutral black and white scarf and a couple of really bright ones in flattering colours for my blonde hair that really make my outfit pop.
Calli - LSU
Great post! I definitely agree with the tote bag. I got one for Christmas and I can’t wait to use it to carry my books and laptop to class this semester!
Madeleine
I would definatley wear all these essentials to class and have because I already have all these items. I mix up what I wear to exams and classes, some days I go for comfort, some days I dress it up, but usually I’m somewhere in the middle. I find myself pulling my black leather jacket out of my closet again and again. It’s pretty much my go-to piece for confidence but I’m trying to be careful not to wear it too much. I like to make an impact with it.
Ruju
Shirtdress: HATE them. Here in the U.K. they are very common :(
Cardigans: I have toooooo many! They are AMAZING!!! :)
Sneakers: I prefer UGG boots rather than sneakers. Sorry.
ToteBags: LOVE LOVE LOVE. I have about millions and they hold everything :)
Plain white Tee: I have 2 and they are comfy and versitile.
Great Post!
XOXO
Kelly
Awesome article! This is the kind of stuff I look to this website for. I’ve found the most recent articles to be a bit lacking, but this is great.
My favorite ‘go to’ item is my leather jacket for sure! It’s perfect when you go to school in a cold place, and I always feel really sexy in it. As for shoes, my I prefer sperry topsiders to give my feet a rest from heels.
Do you think you could do the interview post soon please? I have an school entrance interview coming up and I have no idea what to wear!
Alicia
Sorry just being random, but, Miss Tofu, I checked your blog out and saw the picture you took of yourself in your university library…thought it looked Really Familiar….then I realised it was my old university’s library!!
Miss Tofu
@Alicia:
Good ol’ Otago, right? ^_^ It’s only when I started looking for places to take photos that I realised how many beautiful places there are on campus. <3
Carleigh
TOMS are also cute alternative to sneakers. For every shoe you buy a pair gets sent to a child who doesn’t have any shoes, usually in third world countries and such. They come out with new patterns every season or so here’s what they have now:
http://www.tomsshoes.com/productslist.aspx?CategoryID=7
My fave are the bright red ones.
aish
love this series
thank u so much
btw can u show more ways to dress up t-shirts
not just white t-s but also black, plain solid colours and printed t-shirts etc
thank u
Meghan
For exam days I always try to wear a shirt that isn’t low cut. Maybe it’s just me, but when I’m bent over with my nose almost to my paper trying to concentrate I don’t want to be worrying about if the professor can see down my shirt. I avoid wearing anything that will distract me!
Remember that you can always change into something cuter after your test!
Courtney
I never feel comfortable in sneakers and I am way too clumsy to wear heels allthe time. I love wearing ballet flats. It’s sortof my signature! XD
Bai
I love the pumas!! but I can’t find them on piperlime anymore…what is the name of the shoe? (I couldnt find them under puma mid factory shoe)
Tariro
I LOVE this post::)
I’m heading to college in the Fall and my style’s very girly and I rarely wear pants, so I was getting very frustrated that everything I read was telling me to buy jeans and sweats and I’d be fine! I feel like this gives me room to get the essentials without abandoning my personal style. Thank you!
Lyd
bandage skirts :)
Maxine
I agree with all of the above. I have a shirtdress that I could just put on and go. My signature piece are my adidas shoes.
Sarah
Ahh, I was so excited to see that the article you linked to about leggings NOT being pants was from my university’s newspaper! Taylor Dungjen has written articles about that fact on several occasions and I always loved reading them. Great job on the article by the way, I definitely need to get a shirt dress!