Going to college but unsure of what to wear for college?
This is a guide that I set up and wished I had when I started college. These are the top wardrobe essentials that you should get to prepare for any occasion in college.
I took into account outfits for different seasons and weather, so they will be suitable for students anywhere!
If you want to pick out your outfits quickly and still look like you put in an effort, then you should definitely get these closet essentials for college.
I love to dress comfortably while still looking put together, so if you are in the same boat, then these are some of the must-have wardrobe essentials that you need.
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What to Wear for College (Top Essentials)
1. Lounge Pants
Whenever I am in study mode or go to the library, I like to wear my comfiest pants or sweatpants since it gets me in the mood.
Besides, I usually stay in those places for hours, so of course I like to dress comfortably.
These jogger pants look super stretchy, include pockets, and are machine washable! If you like to go to the gym, these can also double as your workout outfit.
Pair with some sneakers or sports shoes and you’ve got yourself an athletic or leisurely look.
And in most colleges, if you are in the US almost everyone wears either sweatpants or jeans to classes, clubs, and lectures.
2. Blazer
Even though you won’t be wearing a blazer 24/7 on campus, it is still a good idea to have one handy.
I can’t count the number of times that I was saved by my blazer for formal events and class presentations.
You can definitely style blazers to make them blend into your everyday style. Just throw on a pair of jeans and a tee, then top it off with a blazer. It automatically upgrades your causal outfit into something more put together.
Blazers also go really well with dresses or skirts, so try pairing them together.
You can dress blazers up or down based on your other pieces of clothing. For a more formal style, opt for trousers and blouses. If you are aiming for a casual style, wear your everyday tees and jeans or shorts.
It’s also a great idea to pick colors that are either dark blue or light beige or even colors of your campus. Don’t go with strong or pastel colors that might be difficult to match with your other clothing.
3. Hoodies
Need I say more?
Hoodies are like a staple in college. You can never go wrong with a hoodie and I live in one almost every single day.
I wear it when I go to sleep, when I need to run an errand, or grab food. You can see me lounging in my hoodie during midterms and finals because that’s when I feel the most comfortable studying and taking exams.
I don’t think the color matters for hoodies because I have a ton of them. Just opt for ones that you feel comfortable wearing out on different occasions.
The best choices are your university colors, khaki, black, or pastels. Never mind, I can’t make up my mind. I just don’t think you can go wrong with any color hoodie.
If you have a preference for large pockets or oversized hoods, then opt for those features when you are shopping for a hoodie.
4. Flannels
If you are in for a casual look, then flannels are your best friend.
You can literally pair flannels with any shorts, jeans, or skirts. If you have any sports night, college games, or event, you can wear a flannel along with a simple outfit.
Flannels go extremely well with baseball caps, sneakers, and jeans. You can opt for colors that match well with your other outfits or colors that you would wear often.
I think flannels are a great fall and summer type of outfit and a nice staple to have in your wardrobe. If you are packing for college, remember to stuff a flannel in your luggage for casual wear.
It is great for early morning classes where there may be a breeze or evenings where it might be slightly windy or the temperature has gone down.
5. Blouse
Blouses are always welcome in my closet. For college, you want to have at least two or a few blouses that you like to wear.
These are great for career fairs, classes, or weekend adventures.
You can be more adventurous with blouses and pick either floral, neutral, or bold colors. They can go well with any bottoms and match with a lot of different sweaters.
There are so many styles ranging from bell sleeves, elastic materials, cool or warm fabrics, necklines, and sizes. You can try out different styles and pick the ones that you like the most.
If you dislike tightness, don’t pick elastic material and if you dislike showing too much skin, don’t pick low necklines and cropped blouses.
I recommend checking the reviews or looking at more pictures before you decide on what blouse you like.
6. Jeans
You can’t go wrong with jeans. This is a must-have and a key essential for any college wardrobe.
Bring your skinny jeans, mom jeans, low-rise jeans, high-waisted jeans, or any jeans and pack them for college.
I say jeans and sweatpants are the two most worn bottoms in college.
Opt for lighter shades of blue for a more casual look and opt for a darker shade of blue for a more formal look.
They go well with tops tucked in, loose, or cropped. Jeans are so versatile that it is a must-have in the closet.
You can also get a belt to go with your jeans. It can make you look more pulled together and spend an effort to look good.
Aim for colors like black or dark shades since it goes well with jeans and outfits.
You can experiment with the designs on the belt loop, material, or colors to make each of your outfits unique.
7. Trousers
College is the time that you should be applying and working on internships or part-time jobs.
If you work in a business setting or an office, it is ideal that you dress more business-causal.
I recommend these trousers since they are appropriate for work but also work well with more casual tops.
The best part is that these trousers are stretchy so they are comfortable to be in for hours on end.
You can pick any pattern or style you like since it comes in a variety of options. Wear sneakers and sports shoes for a causal look and flats or short heels for a more formal feel.
Interested in more college content? Check out The Ultimate Guide to Win Scholarships (From a Full-Ride Recipient).
8. Bootcut Yoga Pants
No matter if you need to work out or go to class, these yoga pants got you covered.
I like how they double as work wear or workout wear. You can save space in your closet by getting multi-functional clothing.
Plus, they have pockets which are super convenient for your phone or cards.
You can wear flats, sneakers, or sports shoes with these pants.
These are also super comfy so if you need to lounge or rest somewhere for hours, pick these up.
I’m all for the comfy and relaxed style while simultaneously still making you look popping.
9. Dress
You want to pack at least one dress for college because you never know if there will be a party, formal event, or special date that comes up.
Be prepared and have a dress ready for those occasions because it will save your bootie.
I recommend getting one with long sleeves for cooler nights out.
A black dress is always a classic, but you can also try other styles and colors.
Lighter and bright colors are great for spring and summer while darker shades are nice for any season of the year.
You can experiment with the sleeves and the cut to find the best dress for you. But usually, this simple black dress would be more than enough for any special occasion.
10. Cropped Puff Jacket
These puffer jackets are so trendy right now and I see a ton of students wearing them.
You can pair these up with high-waisted yoga pants, jeans, or sweats.
They are super warm and great for areas where it is super windy, chilly, or cold.
These puffer jackets come in a bunch of colors and are cropped.
Not only are they comfy, but stylish and trendy!
I catch so many students sporting a puff jacket, so pick up one to include in your college wardrobe.
Interested in more content like what to wear for college? Check out What to Wear for High School (15 Wardrobe Must-Haves) which includes a ton of fashion tips and styling ideas.
11. Zippered Jacket
Yes, jackets, sweaters, and hoodies are ALL welcome in my wardrobe.
Zippered sweaters are a staple in your closet and especially for college.
If you ever feel like getting up early for that morning run, going to grab a coffee, or walking to class; you can easily throw on this jacket.
It goes well with a lot of outfits and you can pick the colors that match well with you.
If you have any weekdays that are heavy with walking, going to classes, and meetings, then you can bring this sweater with you. When you get cold, whip it out of your bag and put it on.
12. Shirt
You want at least a handful and probably more shirts in your wardrobe.
Pick neutral colors so they are easy to grab and throw on with any outfit. Some of the best colors are black, white, gray, and any solid colors.
You can style it with bolder-colored sweaters and hoodies to provide a contrast with your outfit.
Shirts are wearable with any bottoms from jeans to shorts to sweatpants to skirts or anything.
I opt for these styles of the shirt since there is a puff sleeve design. You can always make your outfits a bit different by picking clothes that have an interesting cut or design.
It also saves you time if you are ever in a rush but still want to look presentable.
13. Shorts
And taking into account the hot weather, I recommend picking up a pair of shorts for sunny days.
These shorts include a bowknot waist tie that highlights your waist. It is also super elastic and includes pockets to hold your phone or id.
Plus, it comes in a bunch of cute designs and styles so there should be at least one that fits your needs.
It’s breathable and comfy which is always welcome in my books.
Be careful with the sizing and make sure you check the chart before purchasing.
Make sure to check out the images and reviews too to see if there is a certain style that catches your eye.
Extra Tips on How to Present Yourself
If you want to look put together and exude a clean image, here are some of the top tips to try.
Keep hygienic habits and make sure you take frequent showers, practice cleanliness, and put in an effort to present yourself in the best possible way.
Remember to iron your shirts or bottoms that have wrinkles or folds. Spend time taking care of your clothes so that they have a long life span.
Plus, you will also look more presentable if your clothes don’t have fuzz balls or strings sticking out.
Try to get rid of fuzz balls with a roller and snip off excess strings popping out.
Put on some jewelry like earrings, necklaces, and bracelets to enhance your outfit.
Before you exit the door, spray a few puffs of body mist. Go for neutral and light scents like an ocean breeze, linens, or fruity smells.
Now it wasn’t that difficult to plan what to wear for college, is it? It’s actually more simple than you think.
If you are still confused about what to wear for college, make sure to check out other posts to get a better idea of fashion tips. Do you need help with organizing your closet? Check out 9 Amazing Closet Organization Tips to Try Right Now.
Hopefully, you got some inspiration from these clothing ideas and are prepared to pack your college wardrobe.
