Outfits Under $100: Campus Casual – Pt. 1
For this week’s article, I wanted to write about a heavily requested topic– casual outfits to wear in class and around campus.
While writing this, I realized that there are many options for affordable casual looks, so this post will be the first in a two-part series. This week, we will focus on six different and budget-friendly ways to wear denim for under $100.
Denim is a staple in most college girl’s wardrobes. Jeans are easy to wear, can easily be dressed up or down, and come in a variety of styles and washes. Because of that, they can become a sort of uniform, so try to mix up your style a few times a week with non-denim outfits.
Some quick tips:
- If you already have some great pairs of jeans that you love, wear what you already have to save additional money.
- I included skinny jeans in some of these outfits. If skinny jeans aren’t your thing, these outfits would also look great with bootcut, straight or whatever style jean you prefer.
Outfit #1: Classic and Comfortable
Product Information: Plaid Shirt- Delia’s, Boy Fit Jeans- AE, Bag- Forever 21, Ring- Forever 21, Oxfords- Charlotte Russe
Outfit Total: $95
To me, this outfit looks effortlessly put-together. A button-up shirt is classic, but the purple plaid gives it an unexpected twist. These boy fit jeans are slouchy and comfortable, and the cropped leg shows off the adorable oxfords. I love the simplicity of the gold ring, while the bag is big enough to hold notebooks and everything else you need for classes.
Outfit #2: On Trend
Product Information: Skinny Jeans- AE, Top- Forever 21, Blazer- Forever 21, Boots- Alloy, Bag- PacSun
Outfit Total: $98
This is a trendy yet laid back way to wear denim. I love the look of gray jeans, especially when they’re tucked into boots. Wear them with a stylish striped top and military-inspired blazer for extra style points. Also, I love this bag– not only for the great blue color, but also because it can be used as either a shoulder bag or a clutch. Talk about versatility for your money!
Outfit #3: Preppy with a Pop
Product Information: Sweater- Old Navy, White Shirt- Aeropostale, Scarf- Forever 21, Straight Leg Jeans- Forever 21, Bag- Forever 21, Flats- Endless
Outfit Total: $96
Black jeans are super slimming and the straight leg looks good on almost anyone. Pairing them with a white button-up and a gray sweater is a preppy and classic look. I would roll and cuff the sleeves of the cardigan so the white shirt could peek through. Accessorizing with a nude scarf and quilted shoulder bag continues the classic look. Since the rest of the outfit is neutral, adding a bright pair of flats like these turquoise ones add a much needed pop of color.
Outfit #4: Rethinking Jeans and a T-Shirt
Product Information: Band T-Shirt- Mosh-Pitt.com, Cardigan- Forever 21, Necklace- ASOS.com, Skinny Flare Jeans- AE, Flats- Forever 21
Outfit Total: $96
There are some days when you just feel like wearing jeans and a t-shirt– which is understandable, but why not punch up that look with some unexpected accessories? I opted for a band tee in this outfit, but you can wear any type of graphic or solid colored t-shirt for a similar look. Also, instead of wearing a typical zip-up hoodie, put on a draped cardigan. Finally, wearing a bold necklace in a bright color and/or embellished flats makes you stand out.
Outfit #5: Subtle Femininity
Product Information: Earrings- Forever 21, Shirt- ModCloth, Skinny Jeans- Wet Seal, Mary Jane Pumps- Aldo
Outfit Total: $89
This outfit is girly and sweet with a subtle use of color. The top is flowy and casual with an intricate lace detail in a pretty color. The nude Mary Jane pumps will make your legs look great, while the earrings add a delicate touch. This outfit would work for class or for when you’re just hanging out around campus.
Outfit #6: Adding a Bold Scarf to Basics
Product Information: Scarf- ModCloth, Skinny Jeans- Wet Seal, Shirt- Gap, Sunglasses- OCShades.com, Moccasins- Zappos.com
Outfit Total: $98
The best way to add style and color to an otherwise plain outfit is with a bright scarf. This ModCloth one is a pretty color and it can be worn so many different ways. The rest of the outfit is basic in order to let the scarf take center stage. If you don’t already own moccasins, you should consider buying some – they are so comfortable and versatile! Sunglasses are probably my favorite accessory, so I added some Wayfarers to finish the look.
What Do You Think?
What do you think of these outfits? Are they worth the price? Which is your favorite? Do you wear a lot of denim? Where’s your favorite place to buy jeans on a budget? What kind of casual outfits do you like?
As always, if you have a suggestion for a future Outfits Under $100, leave a comment and let me know!
Posted on on January 24, 2010 / Filed Under: Shopping / Tags: Budget Fashion, Casual, Class, Denim, Everyday Style, Jeans, Outfits Under $100
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Judy
Aim for a basic wardrobe The Jacket from #2 would look smashing with # 3.
Jazz up the earrings. Valentine Jewelry Sale! save additional 10% off $20+, 1 per customer – Google checkout – bemine2010
Judy
You could also extend your look.. Same everything but change out the jeans for leggings, or the dreaded basic black slack! Save more by using a few vintage pieces!
Ariel
I love this post because it is stuff that most people have in their closet! Almost all this stuff is stuff I already own, except the moccasins and the mary jane heels. I guess I need to invest in some now :)
Ashley
Outfit #4 = awesome. That’s totally what I wear every day. haha. I <3 the Ramones!!
Jessica
Cute! Outfits 3 and 6 are my personal favorites.
And I think you’ve inspired me to finally go buy some moccasins.
aish
great job!!!!
love posts like these….
love outfits 3 and 6
but also looooooveee the plaid shirt and embelished flats and the yellow scarf
i love post which show how to make the casual look to class very chic!!!
thanks
Emily
I love these posts so much! Keep up the awesome work!
Kenna
GREAT POST! I especially like the scarf one and the one with the band tee.
Steph
I love how practical and budget-conscious your posts are!
Nicole
2, 3, 4 and 6 are brilliant!
Now to answer your questions….
I adore this idea and how multiple looks for girls with different styles are presented
I feel like outfit 6 and 3 look FAR more expensive than $100 if pulled off.
Forever 21 has shockingly decent jeans for the price. I got them for $8 the day after Thanksgiving and now I wear them more than I wear my Joe’s Jeans!
The idea of basics with jeans and preppy with jeans is timeless-you can remix these looks with accessories to better reflect your own style.
Nicole
(oh PS-your articles are FANTASTIC-I love the idea of piecing together outfits for girls on a budget-your pieces should be featured more!)
Julie
GREAT GREAT post! i love this series!
Alethea
There is a lot of good inspiration here. I’m loving 1,2 and 3!
S.
Wow I loved this post
i literally wanted every single article you showed… and I cant believe they were so inexpensive!
that ring in outfit 1 is to die for, outfit 6 scarf is beautiful and I love the color.
I especially liked that each of these outfits had a little extra pizazz… a bit rock and roll (which I love)!
I would wear all of these. I want!
Judy
“I especially liked that each of these outfits had a little extra pizazz… a bit rock and roll (which I love)!”
Pizazz is exactly the finishing touch you add. Take each outfit change the jewelry, add a different belt. Swap one blouse out with another.
Aim for a signature color in your wardrobe. But only use one or two pieces of it at a time. They become the spice of your wardrobe.
Notice each outfit has one accent color the rest are basics. This would allow for all of the pieces to be interchangeable.
Susan
I love your website & articles but I have one pet peeve: Forever 21. Their clothes are crappy quality and it just isn’t worth the money in my opinion. I wish the outfits you put together were void of that store.
Patricia
The outfit suggestions are cute, by why is everything jean based? I get that its campus casual, but tights paired with a skirt, shorts, or dress can still be casual. Also, what about leggings?
Patricia
oh ok, forget about it, just re-read the beginning of the article. Sorry
Natalie
I love outfit #5. I’m a totally vintage/girly person and that outfit really gets to me. Speaking of vintage…may I recommend something I found the other day: http://www.etsy.com/shop/pranceandswagger
It’s a mini-shop on etsy.com with a lot of vintage stuff. It’s pretty inspiring.
Megan
Great post!!!!! I’m off to search for a statement scarf and some great button-down shirts! :)
Kristina
I love this post and these outfits. Great job! I have almost twenty pairs of jeans – nice to see all the ways they can be dressed up or down :)
Iris
This post is a really good start for any person who wants to start dressing stylishly, but has a limited wardrobe – good work!
Charlotte
great post! keep it up! love the outfit ideas; these are articles that most of us have in our closet (orneed just a few acessories that we should consider)
kelley
these posts are AWESOME and really give an idea of how to dress =D love the #1 option! keep it up CF!
Ashlyn from Georgia :)
I was wondering how you get the scarf with that wrap around look in outfit 6?