Wardrobe Essentials For College Girls
I received the following email recently:
“Hey i love your site and find it really helpful. I’m a senior in high school and will be in college next fall. I want to start with a fresh wardrobe. Do you have any suggestions on what is needed in everyone’s wardrobe?”
Photo by TeeRish
This is a question I get a lot and I’m pretty sure most girls have trouble with this. When you’re in college, you’re really just starting to develop a wardrobe, a closet full of clothes that will last you not only your 4 years of university, but on into “the real world.”
You want to keep up with trends, but at the same time, you want clothes that won’t be unwearable next season. I hear you.
Here is what I believe to be the definitive guide to what every college girl should have in her wardrobe. No, I’m not going to tell you to buy diamond studs or a trench coat, firstly because we’ve all heard those before, and secondly because college girls just don’t dress that way in real life. I’m gonna tell you about what you’re actually going to want to be wearing for your four years of college life.
Absolute Musts
-
4-5 Pairs of Jeans That Fit Well
Jeans (not sweatpants!) are the basics of a college girl’s closet. Find a brand of denim that fits you well, and then stock up on different basic washes and styles. Rotate these through the week (no one will notice if you wear the same pair twice in one week, I promise.)
One of these pairs can be a trendy style, like skinny jeans. Just don’t buy all trendy denim, because you’ll have to buy new jeans next season or risk looking really out of date.
Brands to check out: American Eagle, Abercrombie & Fitch, Gap.com
-
A Classic Dress
This is my favorite because it’s pretty much an entire outfit in one easy piece. A lot of fashion experts say that you need a “little black dress”, and of course I agree that black dresses are chic and classic. However, I think if a dress fits you well and isn’t trashy looking, it doesn’t need to be black.
Let’s face it: most college girls aren’t going to cocktail parties that require LBD’s. If you are, by all means, buy a little black dress. If you’re the typical college girl, just get a dress that fits you well in a color that flatters your skin tone.
-
4-6 Basic Long Tank Tops
Get a few long tank tops in different basic colors like black, white, grey and navy blue. These can be worn alone in summer or layered under cardigans, jackets and long-sleeved tops in winter.
Also, look for tanks that are 100% cotton to avoid the weird clinging that some blend fabrics can cause. No one wants to see the outline of your bra under your tank top!
Brands I like: H&M, Abercrombie & Fitch, Gap Body
.
-
1-3 Chic Cardigans
You don’t have to go 100% cashmere, although that’s certainly nice and everything. Most college girls don’t have the time or money to get things dry cleaned on the regular so don’t think that cashmere is a must!
Pick up some basic cotton cardigans at H&M, J Crew or GAP and layer them over your tank tops for a look that’s chic and trendy at the same time. Get one basic black and at least one in a color like purple, hot pink or chocolate brown.
-
Great Bras & Panties
These will take you SO far. Underwear is the foundation of your look. If you don’t have a bra that fits well, the rest of your outfit is not going to look right. Same goes for panties.
Spend the time and the money shopping for good well-fitting bras and panties that don’t pinch, bulge or show under your clothes.
Brands I like: Victoria’s Secret bras and Hanky Panky
thongs.
-
A Bag That Holds Everything
You want a bag that’s good quality (canvas, leather, or strong fake-leather are good bets), goes with most of your wardrobe, and still looks chic. The right bag can also go from day to night, so look for classic details like metal accents.
Also, bonus points if you can find a bag that has lots of pockets and zippered compartments to keep you organized!
Brands I love: Marc by Marc Jacobs, Nine West, Coach
-
1-2 Dressy Tops
Look for satin, lace, bright colors and cute prints. Wear a dressy top under a fall/spring jacket or by itself with jeans and heels to a party. Don’t go see-through, uber low-cut or too-tight.
-
1 Pair Nice Dress Pants
Get a well-fitting trouser in black or dark grey with a wide leg to wear on job interviews and recruiting sessions. Your dress pants should be long enough to wear with heels, but not so long that they drag on the ground.
-
1 White Button-Down Shirt
Again, this is most likely going to be used for job interviews and/or internships.
Look for a button-down with a little stretch and a cut that’s flattering to your body shape. You don’t want one that’s too tight of course, but you also don’t want to look like a box.
Spending a little more money here will be well worth it because you can wear this shirt to work when you get a big girl job later.
Brands to consider: Banana Republic, Gap
-
1 Well-Cut Spring/Fall Jacket
This can be as casual or as formal as you like. It just needs to match most of your clothes and has to fit well!
The cut is everything with jackets so spend as long as it takes shopping around for the right jacket. Don’t settle for something that doesn’t fit just right.
-
1 or 2 Winter Coats
Those of you who live in Cali don’t need these, obviously (unless you like to ski). For those of us in areas that actually have winters, warm winter coats are a must. I like classic wool pea coats and cute faux-fur trimmed parkas by brands like J Crew and Juicy Couture.
-
1-2 Pairs Casual Flats
Essential for spring and fall, ballet flats add Kate Moss chicness to any outfit and are usually fairly inexpensive as well! Get one pair in a basic color like black or brown, and one pair in a bright color like Kelly green, red or yellow.
Other cute trends to try with your flats: metal embellishment (think Tory Burch), patent leather, and patterns. The choice is yours!
-
1 Pair Good Winter Shoes/Boots
If you’re living in an area that has a real “winter” season, you need some serious winter footwear if you’re gonna be walking anywhere (and I assume you will be.)
Unfortunately, you might have to sacrifice style for function a little in this category, but it’s better than slipping and falling in the snow or having really cold feet all day!
Or, you could just buy a pair of adorable snow boots like those to the right by Juicy Couture. In that case, you wouldn’t have to sacrifice anything.
-
1 Pair Black Pumps
These are to wear with your dress pants and white shirt for job interviews and professional occasions. Spend a little extra money and get good-quality shoes because if you take care of them, they will last you forever!
-
Dormwear/Sweats
For hanging around the dorm or apartment, get some cute sweats! Note that these are for hanging and lounging only and are NOT to be worn to class, except if you’ve been up all night studying for a final and plan to go back to sleep after you take it.
Even for a final, think hard about wearing sweats in public. The only other exception is if you’re working out, but I’m sure you know that.
I like sweats by Victoria’s Secret PINK, and So Low’s foldover pants are a very popular college choice.
Nice To Have
-
At Least 1 Pair of Super-Flattering Special Jeans
Splurge a little on this item. The right pair of flattering jeans will take you SO far.
You should look for a clean, dark wash jean with a straight or bootcut leg that is long enough to be worn with heels but not so long that it drags on the ground. Spend the time and try on as many pairs as it takes to find the perfect ones.
I like True Religion and Paige Premium Denim.
-
1 or More Pairs of Sexy Heels
For wearing to parties with your super-flattering jeans, get at least one pair of really cute and fun high heels. I like shoes in a bright color or a patent leather with a heel height of 3-4 inches, but get whatever speaks to you!
These can be as outrageous or simple as you want – express your style, these are your party shoes!
-
1-3 Summer Skirts
These are a must for me, but not essential to everyone’s wardrobe. I like knee-length solid colored and floral printed skirts, because they are so easy to pair with flip flops, bohemian-inspired jewelry and a simple tank top in the warmer months.
-
Sandals
Of course these are nonessential, but so much fun. Sandals are a great way to add color to your wardrobe without spending lots of money. My favorite brand is Havaianas – they are so comfortable and look brand new forever.
-
Black Opaque Tights
Tights were huge this winter and will continue to be popular into next winter. Black opaque tights are inexpensive and so basic to a wardrobe. They look so chic with heels, flats and most dresses.
-
Slippers
For walking around in your apartment or dorm. I like really fun slippers – bright colors, fluffy textures or duck prints, for example.
-
Rain Boots
Cute rain boots are nice to have but not essential (I still haven’t found my perfect pair yet!)
-
A Cozy Hoodie
This is another nice-to-have college staple. Hoodies with your college’s logo are great for lounging, studying and being comfortable, but don’t fall into the trap of wearing them everywhere! Use with caution.
-
Spanx
These body-shapers are great for anytime you’re wearing tight-fitting clothing and want to smooth everything out. Say goodbye to “fat days” forever. Jessica Alba swears by them so you know they work!
-
Cozy Bathrobe
So nice to have when you’re walking to and from the bathroom in winter or just hanging around your room. Get one in a bright color and supersoft fabric for the ultimate in adorable luxury.
So there you have it, the top items that should be in every college girl’s closet. Of course, these are just my opinions and you might have your own ideas about this too. Let me know if you agree with me, or if you think something is missing by leaving a comment or sending an email!
What are your closet essentials? Let me know in the comments!
| Related Posts: |
Comments
47 Responses to "Wardrobe Essentials For College Girls"
- Before you post a comment, please read the Comment Policy!
- Wardrobe Essentials For College Girls
- Lauren Conrad's Hairstyles & How To Do Them
- Fashion Beyond Abercrombie & Fitch (or How To Develop Your Own Style)
- Get Ready Fast: 7 Quick And Easy Hairstyles
- 6 Tips To Beat Final Exam Stress
- How To Manage Your Wardrobe
- How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?
- Dorm Room Shopping: Bedding
- Dorm Room Shopping: Furnishings
- Dorm Room Shopping: Storage
- Dorm Room Shopping: Decorations
- Fashion Inspiration: How To Find Your Celebrity Fashion Muse
- Coupons & Sales: Week of 6/20/08
- Summer Fashion Trend: Long Dresses
- Coupons & Sales: Week of 6/10/08
- How To Dress Like Jenny Humphrey
- New Apple Back-To-School Promo
- CF’s Top 10 Summer Beauty Must-Have’s
- Coupons & Sales: Week of 5/30/08
- How To Dress Like Georgina Sparks
- How To Splurge
- Beauty & Hair
- College Life
- Coupons & Sales
- Dorm Room
- Fashion News
- Fashion Tips
- Free Stuff
- Hot Websites
- Miscellaneous
- Shopping
- Trends
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
Wow thank you so much for your advise its really helped! Please post other places to buy cute clothes!! I love the tildon cardigan!
A good pair of cute sneakers. I don’t mean superhigh quality workout shoes, I mean just cute little sneaks that you can haul ass to class while wearing, while still looking good. I totally love the little Champion retro-style sneakers from Payless.
I totally agree with this post, I own the majority of whats featured in here! I would also suggest stocking up on cute thermals for the winter and tons of cute flip flops from Abercrombie or Old Navy, they’re good shower shoes and you can match them with your wardrobe!
This is a great post and am planning my wardroe around this as I type! I found a cool website that offers you some great style advice specific to you called istylista.com and is a onlne personal stylist service. There’s a great free trial where you cn get a taster or for only $30 you can buy a 30 page styls guide specific to you - it’s weirdly accurate!
Abby Daniel - No problem! I will see what I can do. And I know, I love that cardigan too!
Cadi - Ah, I forgot sneakers, although I just usually just wear ballet flats in the fall. I only have 2 pairs of sneakers I think - some cute converse ones and a pair for working out. But I might have to check out those Payless ones..
Amber - Ooh, good idea on the thermals. Those are definitely nice to have in winter. And yesss, flip flops. I like Havaianas, but A&F and Old Navy do make cute ones too.
Oh how I love my ballet flats, but alas, I run like a newborn giraffe on ice in them. Since I’m almost constantly late, that’s a problem!
The Payless ones are fab because they’re cheap, but still cute. Not the most supportive footwear on earth, but that’s what insoles are for.
Another suggestion for good-to-have items…good scarves. They’re awesome. I wear one almost daily. You can wrap them any way you please, they help as good transition pieces (you can wear a lighter one with a T-shirt to add a little extra warmth), and with the wider ones, they double as wraps. Love!
I alwas read your site and I love it. This post is really great as a shopping list for clothes. Thank you so much
these are great suggestions!
One i have that is fashion related but not clothes is a cute umbrella! its something you will use suprisingly more than you’d expect and it’s nice to have something beyond basic black..
why not have an umbrella as stylish as you are!
xoxo
Cadi - Haha! I just pictured a baby giraffe trying to run, that’s a really great mental image. And yes, scarves! I forgot that one, even though I just posted about cute scarves the other day…
Alyssa - Thanks! I’m happy this post helped :)
Lauren - I like the idea of a cute umbrella but the problem is I ALWAYS lose umbrellas. Every time I’ve had one I liked, I left it at a party, in a classroom, or put it down somewhere stupid and forgot about it. I can’t be trusted with a cute umbrella!
Cute blog! I’m going to recommend it to my son’s girlfriend who is off to college in the fall. Love your suggestions!
*raises hand* I lose things ALL the time. Totally found something that works. Carabiners. (Google ‘em, you’ll see what I mean). I seriously put them on everything that has a loop on it (keys, camera strap, UMBRELLA). It’s great because once you’re done using whatever it is, you clip it to the handle of your purse, backpack, belt loop, whatever. It works perfectly for umbrellas, because it can stay out to dry, so you’re not soaking your stuff, but you still have it stuck to you so that you can’t leave it behind!
Chic Girl - Thanks so much!
Cadi - Carabiners? Okay, added to my “must-google” list. I definitely need those because I’m always losing stuff! Thanks for the suggestion!
This post is so on point! I couldn’t agree more about what you suggested for the college girl — I have all those things in my wardrobe for the past fall and spring semesters.
Liah - That’s great, glad you liked it! :)
Long time visitor, first time commenter.
Best. Post. Ever. :)
It’s so true that most basics lists and such that you read online are not geared towards the average collge student, in terms of both lifestyle and finances. Thanks for the very practical entry.
I know so many people are absolutely going to disagree with my suggestion, but I highly suggest a pair of UGG boots. So many people around campus wear them (at least here in Arizona). They are super comfy and can be worn with jeans, sweats, and skirts (although I hate the way that looks).
This is a great list. So many times I’ve seen “essential” lists that are way overstocked with unneccessary items. This is realistic, and edited to perfection!
Amy - So happy you found the article useful! It’s true -every list of “essentials” I’ve seen online has always been totally unrealistic! We can’t all be walking around every day in “classic trenches”, little black dresses and diamond studs, come on now!
Brittany - That’s true, I would definitely put uggs in the winter shoes/boots category if they’re your thing. I personally don’t have any but if you love them and that’s your style, they are a really popular and practical choice.
Choo Choo - Haha, you’re so right. I can’t help but laugh when I read some of those “essential” lists. I don’t know who they were written for sometimes but it definitely wasn’t for a college girl! I’m happy you liked this list and thanks for the nice comments :)
Wow, this article is so so so useful! Thanks for writing such a great great guide!
I also got happier cuz i have almost all of those items on my wardrobe and i use them a lot going on college classes, so it showed me i was right on my choices hehe.
thanks again and congrats for this great great magnifiqué article and website, im in love with it!
Lala - I’m so happy you liked the article! Thanks so much for the sweet comment :)
Not that most college girls have the time and space to hand-wash stuff, roll it in a towel to get the excess water out of it, and then lay it out flat to dry… but regardless of what the label may say, hand-washing (preferably in something like Eucalan, or Woolite with a small amount of hair conditioner in the final rinse) is way, way, way better for cashmere and other animal fibers (wool, alpaca, etc) than dry-cleaning.
Washing won’t break down the fibers, but the dry-cleaning chemicals might, so your cashmere will last longer if you hand-wash it!
Also — I have Uggs that I love, but they don’t have suede below the ankle, just smooth leather, the Brooks style. They don’t look “like Uggs” when I wear boot-cut jeans over them, because only the smooth leather part shows, they’re very durable if you take care of them, and I don’t think I’d be able to survive Ohio winters without them. (It’s my theory that the Uggs that fashion people object to are the all-suede ones, especially in light colors that show dirt easily, and worn with inappropriate outfits. They won’t go with that one nice not-necessarily-black dress, yo.)
I would add to this list: several long-sleeve tees in different colors. You can layer them under the cardigans and over the tanks on really cold days, you can wear them with your loungewear, etc. They’re versatile and useful.
I’d also suggest that the spring/fall jacket be water-resistant. ;) (April showers, etc!)
M.E. - That’s good to know! With the few cashmere items I have, I just try not to wear them too often, or at least not spill things on them. I get them dry cleaned if there’s a spot or anything, but for the most part I just keep them really clean. Now that I know I can hand-wash, that will definitely be a time-saver.
This is such an awesome idea for a blog! There is good for girls getting ready to go to college and are worried about what college girls wear so they will fit in. It is so true that college is a time to start developing your wardrobe. This is true especially when you are a junior and senior like me and are going on interviews for internships and jobs. Once you get the basics down, you can start finding whats good for you.
[...] Wardrobe Essentials For College Girls by @collegefashion [...]
[...] Wardrobe Essentials For College Girls by @collegefashion [...]
[...] Wardrobe Essentials For College Girls by @collegefashion [...]
[...] Wardrobe Essentials For College Girls by @collegefashion [...]
[...] Wardrobe Essentials For College Girls by @collegefashion [...]
[...] Build a wardrobe - Think long-term. Will you still love your A&F tops and ripped up jeans when you’re in the “real world”? The next time you go shopping, really think about classics. Invest in good-quality clothes that you’ll have for the future, and take good care of them to make sure they last. [...]
“Go either very cheap or very expensive. It’s the middle ground that is fashion nowhere.”Karl Lagerfield.
I completely agree! I’m purging my closet right now and trying to closely fit with this list–i’m not in college, but it’s still hellpful, right? Yeah, it is. :-). Most of the stuff i’m donating/tossing are items that are middle priced.
Thank you so much for this (realistic) guide!
this is a great list this is my shopping guide for summer. I your looking for cute rain boots you can get a pair at Victorias Secret they have two really cute pairs.
I would have to say multiple cosy hoodies iare my closet essentials! I live in England and its cold pretty much all the time so i kind of have to live in them, because those nice litle sweaters you see, which are adorable and smart looking, are always sooooooooooooooo thin! I commute at 7.15am in the morning so im all about keeping warm!
Shar - Totally true. And doesn’t it feel sooo good to toss stuff you never wear? It’s like a burden lifted off your shoulders!
Sandra - Oh good! And I will def. have to check those out, I’m still searching for the perfect pair…
Melanie - Ah, hoodies are definitely a winter staple. In fact, my room is freezing so I’m wearing one right now!
[...] actually received quite a few emails about this recently. Ever since the article about Wardrobe Essentials For College Girls went live, I’ve been bombarded with messages from readers wanting to know where to find [...]
I like this list a lot…everything is so true. Only thing I don’t agree with is the not wearing sweats to class thing. Maybe it’s because I go to a huge school spread over 5 different campuses in two different towns and we all have to take our campus buses to get to class (seriously if there’s traffic it could take 45mins to get to your next class) and for such instances I need to be comfy so I can whip out a textbook and highlighter and get to studying/or start writing a paper or w/e…sweats are essential. I mean what if it’s snowing or raining or you just happen to feel like crap. And this is all coming from someone who lovessssss fashion….but some days nothing can beat a great, comfy pair of sweats.
Ok…my rant is over now. Again, great list!
Reni - Hmm, I guess if it works for you then it’s cool. I’m just not a fan - jeans aren’t uncomfortable, and they look so much better. Wearing sweats out of the house once in a while might be okay (I’ve worn sweats to a final once or twice), but I don’t think they’re appropriate for classes on the regular.
Ah i love this. I basically love all of your site. Its amazing because its really practical. I’m only a freshman in high school but I pretty much think that all of these are wardrobe staples and you should have them in high school, and by the time you’re in college you should definitely have all of these. Thanks so much!
i put this post on my site, hope you don’t mind (it’s credited to you of course) :) under my interesting reads
this is quite helpful too…
definitely get some cute t-shirts with little pictures on them :), they will make an outfit look cute and happy!!
this site was just what i was looking for im starting college this fall and i won’t be able to carry my whole closet with me all i need are the basics awesomeness!!!!!!
This is amazing - I didn’t think it was possible to really summarize all this in a nutshell! Job well done…I only wish I had read this myself before entering college last fall! hahaha oh well it’s not too late to change up some stuff!
I actually had a question…I’ve decided to go “bolder” on my usual look. Wear things that stand out, and make a statement. Any suggestions? My style of preference would def. have to be the surfer/preppy/laid back type. haha thanks!
I have one thing to add to the list- i find myself needing a lot of more casual acessories- my favorite go-to are a pair of fabulous earrings that i bought from premium pearl- they are so great to throw on and so classic!
That was definitely the most inclusive, non ridiculous fashion post I’ve ever read. You nailed it! I have just finished my first year of college and I wish I would have known these things before I left last fall! Thanks so much! I already have a list for all my summer shopping of basics I need.
Hi!
Thanks so much for this list. I have to go shopping in a couple days, and honestly I was lost!!
One essential thing I am adding to my personal list is shorts.
Since Im going to study in a tropical country, shorts are a must. And, when its too hot/rainy for jeans, I usually wear 3/4s. They are definitely casual, but formal enough for classes. 3/4s go with all sorts of tops. And, they are super comfy : )
But really, your essentials list did its job.
I now have a shopping list ready, and I am no longer frustrated and totally confused.
Hunter rainboots are GREAT! They come in a million colors and you can buy fleece inserts for them to make them warmer for the winter. Only downside is they are pretty expensive (about $100), but they’re totally worth it.
Wow I can’t thank you enough for this list. I am most definitely printing out this article when I go shopping. Your suggestions were both sensible and fashion forward. Many people forget that college freshmen are not all rich girls made of money. So I thank you so SO much!
I don’t usually post comments on sites like I am, however I was thrilled to see this list of essentials that you put up! Thank you so much! I’m going to be a senior in high school next year and this list wiil be very helpful for me in my quest for college clothes etc. Great tips, exactly what I needed :)