The Ultimate College Closet
Written by: Laura Prajzner
The all-inclusive guide to becoming “that girl” with a college capsule.
Nothing’s worse than over-packing for your first year of college. Leave your high school tees, your “promise to wear, but never actually wear” clothes, and insanely uncomfortable blister-prone shoes back at your childhood home. College is a time of self-discovery and growth, but no matter how much you change… those tops you never wear, you still won’t get around to wearing them. I pinky promise. Start with these twenty essentials, and you will never have your Cher from Clueless moment ever again.
1. Jean Jacket
A classic staple piece. Jean jackets transcend any specific season and can be customized to your personal style. Simply put, a must. Whether it’s oversized (my personal favorite), cropped, distressed, black, dark wash, light wash, or anything in between, pick the denim jacket that best shows off your aesthetic. Perfect for class, errands, and grabbing some Saxby’s with your roommates.
2. Leather Jacket
Want a bit of edge? A leather jacket is the perfect touch of mature independence. Consider it the fancier, older sister to your beloved jean jacket. Equally important, but more fitting for those occasions when you want to dress up just a bit more.
3. Baggy Jeans
Now, back to the oversized concept, nothing beats a pair of jeans you can lounge around in comfortably but still look like you still got it all together. Baggy jeans, better known as “mom jeans,” go with literally every top you can think of.
4. The “Perfect” Pair of Jeans
A perfect pair of jeans is nearly impossible to find and my personal most dreaded shopping experience. But once you find that pair… one word: WOW. Those jeans will love you and hug you in all the right places.
5. Leggings
Does anything beat comfort? Nope. Literally nothing! Leggings are the laidback equivalent of jeans, and they can take you to the DAC, class, and everywhere else. A good pair of black leggings will get you through every season and every lecture.
6. Leather Pants
When you’re out for the night for your weekly GNO, you may be sick of wearing your trusty jeans all week long. This is where your leather pants come strutting in to save the day. These pants may not be the comfiest, but the style is entirely worth it.
7. Bike Shorts
Last, but certainly not least, in the pants department: bike shorts. If you’re anything like me, you will live in these, paired with a sweatshirt, an oversized graphic tee, literally anything. Bike shorts are the comfy way to stay cool.
8. White Tee
We’ve covered the bottom half with all of the perfect pants, but no wardrobe is complete without a perfect, plain white tee to go with them. A white tee complements any pair of pants and can be worn long after the fall quarter has ended.
9. Graphic Tees
For all you thrift lovers out there, listen up: this is your time to shine! Any funky graphic tee you can find that screams your personality will do.
10. Sweat Sets
How do you a.) survive Philly winters and b.) look fabulous no matter the weather? Sweat sets, of course! Sweat sets are #1 no-brainer and the co-ord that makes getting ready for class feel like a breeze. And, a set is the icing on the cake for those lazy Sundays.
11. Funky Tops
I fully encourage you to stand out from the crowd. Find those fun tops and wear them with your perfect basics. These tops are the moment to let your creativity shine through. As a rule of thumb, have at least three fun tops that are not your basic “going-out tops" that you can wear to dinner and then out with your besties. Look for the details: bold sleeves, graphic patterns, extra colors, or whatever your thrifting heart can find.
12. Puffer Jacket
Sometimes, Philly winters can be unreal, especially once we make it to January. Brave the chill in a puffer jacket. A puffer can conceal your bleach-stained sweatshirt or your tears from staying up all night to finish your projects. Throw on your puffer, a sleek bun, gold hoops and a matching sweat set and BOOM! You’re done and out the door in no time.
13. Blazer
College means lots and lots and lots of presentations, so it’s often encouraged to dress “business casual.” But outside of the classroom, pairing your blazer with a graphic tee and some bike shorts screams “cool-girl style.”
14. Versatile Tote Bag
Your hands will always be full when walking around the city. If you’re a fellow Westphal major, you will be carrying a million and one art supplies. Do yourself a favor and get yourself the perfect and most oversized bag you can find, like your reusable Trader Joe’s bag, or even a bag you picked up from a networking event. Functionality is the key to success.
15. Claw Clips
Not enough time to do your hair because you were up too late watching Netflix? Cue the drumroll: claw clips are here to save the day. Nothing screams effortless vibes more than a claw clip.
16. Everyday Hoops
Hoops are essential. The perfect chunky gold hoop can take your outfit from that just-woke-up look to, “OMG, who is she?!” in about 5 seconds.
17. Going-Out Bag
Choose a bag you do not care about whatsoever. This bag will travel with you to every party you attend. It may get lost, someone may take it, you may even forget to grab it at the end of the night. Make it cute, but don’t bring your mom’s vintage hand-me-down, got it?
18. White Sneakers
Need I elaborate? Bring this staple along for the ride, whether it be the Air Force 1s that everyone and their mother has, or something a little more out there.
19. Shoes You Don’t Care to Ruin
Let’s face it: frat houses are not the place to step out in your newest white sneakers. Make sure you have a pair that you won’t cry about if they get a little, or a lot, banged up.
20. Heels
Dundundaduuuun! #20… heels! Heels that you can wear just about anywhere, and you won’t get sick of them in 15 minutes. Pick a well-loved and well-worn-in pair that you can pair with every favorite.
And since you made it this far (sound the applause), I’ll provide you with a bonus #21… One ruched solid-colored dress, because why the heck not.
Happy college shopping! XO