Ready to step out of your fashion comfort zone this school year? College gives you a chance to change your entire image. Ruffling through boxes of unpacked clothes, you’re probably flustered and have no clue what you should wear come Monday. Luckily, you’re about to check out 10 different outfits that will look perfect on your first day of school. Just pick a persona.
1. Girly
Nothing says girly like a pale pink pair of lace-up ballerina flats. Pair a flowy tank with a long cardigan to keep warm on a chilly morning, then edge up the look with distressed skinny jeans. Add a statement necklace with some Alex and Ani bangles (a college accessory staple) to complete the look.
American Bazi High Rise Destroyed Skinny Fit Jeans: $29.99
Pimkie Double Layer Cami Top: $22.56
Women Oversized Casual Long Sleeve Shawl Cardigan: $9.99
Chinese Laundry Women’s Endless Summer MI Ballet Flat: $59.95
Gold Chunky Bib Necklace Statement: $16.99
2. Sporty Chic
No time between a workout and class? Keep things simple with cute leggings and an oversized sweatshirt. The beauty of the sporty chic look is its simplicity. Sarah Bauer said, “You don’t have to do a full face of makeup and heat the crap out of your hair.” Let your face breathe and keep your beauty routine natural and fresh.
Adidas Double Logo Crew Neck Sweatshirt: $59
Manstore® Women’s Tights Active Yoga Running Pants Workout Leggings: $10.99-12.99
Puma Women’s Evader XT Graphic Sneaker: $33.26
FPT Womens Basic Ribbed Racerback Tank Top: $2.50-10.50
Jansport Superbreak Backpack: $24.13
3. Preppy
You can’t go wrong with a preppy look. With countless preppy brands becoming so popular among students, it’s hard not to find Vineyard Vines or Sperry’s on campus. Take a smart button up and pair it with some fun printed shorts, then add a bold watch for the preppy student’s dream outfit.
Lee Uniforms Juniors’ Long-Sleeve Oxford Blouse: $12.37-21.99
Lilly Pulitzer Women’s Buttercup Short: $68
Women’s Firefish Boat Shoes: $90
London Fog Kensington Work Tote Bag: $105
Invicta Women’s 21654 Specialty Analog Display Swiss Quartz Gold-Plated Watch: $91.82
4. Casual
Want to look relaxed without wearing sweatpants? Get obsessed with these distressed boyfriend jeans because you can dress them up or down, depending on what you choose to pair with it to complete the look. Penn State sophomore Celeste Tañega said, “Basics are essential and accessorizing is key.” You heard Tañega—keep it simple.
Haola Women’s Casual Tops Summer Street Printed T-Shirt: $11.96
7 For All Mankind Women’s Josefina Boyfriend Jean: $51.70-215
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Black Textile Trainers: $40.92-132
Jansport Superbreak Backpack: $24.13
Alex and Ani Bracelet: $26.29
5. Edgy
You don’t need to ride in on a motorcycle to get the edgy look. Layer this racerback tank with a strappy bralette and black skinnies, adding subtle metallics in your accessories to incorporate some shine and lighten up the look.
Icyzone Low Cut Racerback Loose Tank Top: $19.99
Mango Skinny Elektra Jeans: $29.99
FPT Womens Stretchy Seamless Geometric Peek-a-Boo Cut-Out Bralette: $10.50
Nine West Women’s Aquino Synthetic Pointed Toe Flat: $99
SOCIETY NEW YORK Women’s Casual Backpack: $8.01
6. Boho
Who doesn’t love a romper? Don’t be afraid to stack your favorite rings and layer necklaces for an effortless vibe. Plus these Steve Madden lace-up sandals are suede, a fabric that’s all over the runways recently.
Flying Tomato Women’s Print Romper: $35
Steve Madden Women’s Rizzaa Heeled Sandal: $79.95
Joint Knuckle Nail Midi Rings with Bracelet: $1.29
Alloy Chain Choker Necklace Set: $12.99
7. 90s Grunge
Remember back when chokers and mid-riff tees rocked the scene? Well, it’s back to haunt us all because 90s grunge has a huge influence on fashion today. Keep your accessories simple. Tie the flannel around your waist or layer it over your tee for added shape.
Olive & Oak Women’s Flannel Button-Front Shirt: $46.85-68
M&Z Loose Style Short Sleeve Modal T-Shirts: $13.99-15.99
Buankoxy Women’s Distressed Cut off Ripped Jeans Denim Shorts: $19.99
Kenneth Cole Reaction Knot For Nothing Fashion Backpack: $34.99
Dr. Martens 1460 Originals Eight-Eye Lace-Up Boot: $$49.99-197.14
8. Comfy
Let’s be honest—sooner or later you will wear your sweatpants to class. Why not just start now? In college you can wear whatever you want, so if you wake up on that first day and you want to stay comfy, slip on a pair of joggers and a graphic tank. No one will judge you.
Champion Women’s Jersey Pocket Pant: $11.15-23.95
Womens Sun and Moon Yoga Black Loose Fit Tank Top Muscle Tee: $19.90
Nike WMNS Roshe One Print: $85
Jansport Superbreak Backpack: $24.13
9. 70s Revival
Just like the 90s, the 70s have come back full-force into the fashion world. Button up denim skirts have become an essential in every college girl’s closet. Stick to earthy tones and don’t be afraid to add some suede or tassels. Make your first day back a #throwback.
Awesome21 Women’s Basic Scoop Neck Slim Fit Short Sleeve Crop Top: $4.98.17.74
Friendshop Womens Classic High Waist Denim Bodycon Wrapped Mini Short Skirt: $21.57
Steve Madden Women’s Rizzaa Heeled Sandal: $79.95
Lucky Brand Jordan Leather Fashion Backpack: $119.99
SUNNOW Women Grils Bohemian Jewelry Alloy Pendant Multilayer Short Necklace: $5.95
10. Spirit
When in doubt, wear your school gear. The most common style I see on campus, you can’t go wrong with a good mascot tee. Penn State sophomore Jen Berman recommended this style. “College logo long sleeves are my obsession because I don’t think about what I wear to class.” Don’t be afraid to show your school pride (just don’t go overboard).
Women’s Penn State Nittany Lions Navy Blue Aztec Sweeper Long Sleeve Oversized Top: $39.99
American Apparel Cotton-Spandex Jersey Legging: $8.87-31.05
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Black Textile Trainers: $40.92-132
New Nike Brasilia 6 XL Backpack: n/a
More Back to School Tees
*Updated on October 6, 2017 by Louise Nessralla to include original video, “10 Back to School Essentials for College.”
