What Do I Wear There? 3 Tips for Back-to-Class Style Success
A great first day of classes outfit can do a lot — it shows your professors you’re alert and excited for the semester ahead, and it can even help catch the attention of that cute guy sitting behind you in class! After all, knowing you look great is one of the world’s best confidence boosters.
However, it can be tough to toe that line between overdone and too casual when you get dressed for class. To help make this clothing conundrum a bit easier, here are some tips to help you set the tone for a successful (and stylish!) semester.
1. Take Your Time
One awesome thing about the start of classes is that you probably will not be too weighed down with work. This gives you a great opportunity to be able to spend some extra time on yourself, and maybe even try a new style that you’ve been eyeing!
Product Information: Tuxedo Vest and Gladiator Sandal – Wet Seal, Tunic and Necklace – Forever 21, Jeans – TopShop, Tote Bag – Ruche
Since you want to appear not just fashionable but also neatly put-together for your first days, I suggest going for a menswear-inspired look. It’s a super hot trend for fall that is definitely class appropriate.
The men’s-style vest and dark jeans in this outfit are slightly severe, so I balanced it out with a flirty, floral tunic and detailed gold necklace. Simple gladiator sandals and a geometric bag complete this smart, sophisticated look.
2. Play Up Old Favorites
Of course, the start of fall semester does not always mean the start of cooler weather. An usually warm first week or so of classes is especially tough to dress for, as you want an outfit that won’t smother you in the heat but is also not too revealing. This is a great time to pull out one of your tried-and-true summer sundresses that you’ve been dying to wear one last time.
Product Information: Draped Vest – TopShop, Charm Bracelet – Lucky Brand Jeans, Floral Print Dress and Slouchy Boots – Forever 21, Yellow Tote – Target
This 90’s style sundress will keep you cool while covering you up, especially if you add a cute vest. Accentuate the bright, fun pattern with colorful accessories, like this yellow tote for your books and this cute, chunky charm bracelet. To make it a bit more autumn-appropriate, pair it with some low, slouchy boots—these ones have an airy shape that shouldn’t make you overheated!
3. Go Back to Basics
When worse comes to worse and you’re stressed out rummaging through your closet (we’ve all been there!), the best way to go is classic.
Many new trends can be scary to try for the first day of class, and it isn’t necessarily worth the risk. You want to look chic but also comfortable and a completely new, never-before-worn outfit could provide some unpleasant surprises.
Product Information: Striped Tote and Oxford Flats – Aldo, Shirtdress – H&M, Chanel Le Vernis Nail Color Vendetta No. 483 – Saks
For this look I picked a classic, well-tailored shirtdress with a simple, striped tote and oxford flats (which are really huge right now!). To brighten it up, add a cute touch of color with some interesting nail polish or maybe a fun, detailed headband. I chose a deep purple Chanel color, but there are plenty of other ways to make it your own.
What are your thoughts?
Do you have a great back-to-classes outfit planned? Did you have a successful first day already? Share your thoughts on the best way to dress for class.
Also, if you have any “what do I wear there” questions, let me know! I may feature yours in next week’s article.
Posted on on September 4, 2009 / Filed Under: Fashion Tips / Tags: Back to School, Fall 2009, Ideas, Outfits
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Cara
I had a great first day outfit, that made me feel so confident and pulled-together. One girl in the cafeteria asked me if I was a sophomore or a junior? (I’m a rather petite freshman, and it’s rare that I get taken to be older than I am.) I paired a cute, allover-print, almost watercolour-look tank top with very dark, tight denim capris (just under the knee length) and a grey swing jacket with bell sleeves. I added a big, jewelled bracelet, metallic heels, and understated silver earrings, then pinned back my hair on one side with an itty-bitty rhinestone clip. The tank was the prettiest part, but the jacket definitely completed the je ne sais quoi that carried me through the first day of college in triumph.
Luinae
I reallly like this idea- dressing for the moods you want to portray! I just started school, so I wore a fun black knee length skirt with cool embroidery on the hem, black fitted t-shirt, bright fuschia pashmina wrapped around my neck, and black flats. Very chic and sophisticated, but the scarf was so fun!
Valeria
I’m loving this post! :D
I’m diy-ing the tote bag of the first outfit! :) It’s sooo beautiful!
Irene
Ah I love that black tote! I couldn’t find it on Ruche – is it still available? Cute outfits!
Kimberly
Hey Valeria, how would one go about “diy-ing” the Ruche tote bag? I love the bag and the idea of making it at home. Some good pointers would be very much appreciated!
Simone
I LOVE that shirtdress! Any recommendations for similar ones I could find? Unfortunately you can’t shop online with H&M and there are no stores near me here at school :( Thanks!
Jess
I love the first outfit. So trendy I love it
Melanie
On my first day, I wore the last thing I had planned to wear, but ended up loving it. I wore my boyfriends checked Lacoste button down shirt, a white v-neck tee with a peace sign, and my black skinnies! It was comfy, and showed my personality!
My favorite of the outfits is the first one! I want to try that out that soon!
Mary
Colleen, I really love this article! You gave lots of good ideas and your outfit choices are ADORABLE. I look forward to reading more articles like this in the future. Thank you and keep up the awesome work!
Molly
I love that last outfit. My next poor-college-student purchase is going to be oxfords.
Alli
I can’t find the black floral tunic in the first outfit. Any tips?
tory
I love these outfits! You are good. I want the aldo oxford flats!!!
melody
where’s the tote bag in the first outfit?? it’s not on the ruche site… it’s gorgeous!
Angelica
Love this post. I don’t have any specific back-to-school style worries (even though I am concerned about my outfit choices) but this is definitely some great advice! On my first day I wore a very casual colorblock dress (sort of looked like a fitted long shirt) that is white on top/black on the bottom with a pair of blue tights that have some cool (vintage-esque?) black design on them, basic black flats, simple silver jewlery, and a blue bag. =)
Looking forward to reading more. <3
Colleen
Thanks for all the positive feedback everyone! I’ve been a Collegefashion fan forever so I’m really excited to be on here.
I made these outfits on polyvore.com about a week ago, so I unfortunately did not know the Ruche tote would not be available on the site now. Sorry guys! I searched the web and was unable to find a similar bag, but I recommend sites like Lulus and Urban Outfitters to find some great, roomier totes. And I agree, Valeria I’d love to know how to DIY it!
Simone–I hate that you can’t shop on H&M online, they always have the cutest stuff! Typically, I’m able to find merchandise similar to theirs in price and style at stores like Zara and Forever 21. I know Forever 21 has a lot of cute button ups so I bet they have good shirtdresses too!
Alli–Oh no! Hopefully they’ll get it back in stock. If not, urban outfitters always has really tunics. They’re doing a bunch of online sales lately so it’s worth checking out!
Thanks again for all the comments and let me know if there’s any place/event you’d like outfit suggestions for! Hope school is going great for all of you.
Amy
Great post! I love all three of these outfits actually (well not so much the yellow bag but it does go nicely with the dress).
Alicia
I loveeeeeee this article!
All the outfits are so cute! I want them all!! LOL.
Can’t wait to read your next article!
Great job! =]
Kim - Cal State
Oh my goodness, all the outfits you put together are super cute. I really like the blouse from f21 and the flats from aldo, droool.
Daniella Lavian
I love the first outfit choice Colleen! I really love floral tops with leggings, and when it gets cooler, I could totally imagine still wearing it with a boyfriend blazer and heels. It’s a great outfit for both day and night. I definitely want to try that Chanel nail polish for fall too… Looking forward to reading more!!
Lillie
I really love this post!
all the outfits I would definitely wear x238402480.
Grace
Love this post im so glad you are writing for college fashion now I cant wait to see what other tips you have coming…I loved all of your ideas!!!
Leira
Great post. My first day of class is Wednesday, so I’m really glad for the inspiration! Do you have any ideas what to wear for a night out when it’s cold? I just started college up north, and I have no idea how to dress up if I can’t wear my usual short sleeve/sleeveless tops.
flair4all
You can never go wrong with the basics – thanks for the tips Colleen!
Esmerelda, the glamorous
colleen your ideas are so perfect and just what i’ve been looking for. you make it all seem so easy and you really inspired me to try things i’ve been waiting to hear for so long. thank you so much for this amazingggg post i’ll be sure to bookmark this page just to keep up with your upcoming articles!
Reina
i decided i was going shopping for my first big day of classes tomorrow. so i went on this site to get an idea knowing that i already had an outfit picked out in my closet as plan “B”":
A Green/Gold/Brown printed Tunic over brown leggings, with brown gladiator sandals, green and gold bangles, and a gold chain necklace with a beige/brown bag.
And, the first thing i saw when i opened this page with the first outfit that almost resembled what i had in mind!
I’m so excited that my choice was a good “first day of classes” outfit…now, i can go shopping for an everyday outfit in college :D
Maxine
I like the shirtdress since I have that already and I am more of a effortless dresser so I do not really think about what to wear.
Katherine
Love that 3rd outfit!