17 College Wardrobe Essentials Every Girl Must Own!

Going to college is stressful enough. You’re almost ‘adulting’, thanks to career choices and pocket money management, and leaving behind your school uniform only adds to the list of choices you have to make — yes, deciding what to wear to college every morning! *rolls eyes*

Well, it’s back-to-school season, and for those of you who’ve faced the dilemma of standing in front of your wardrobe, thinking ‘I have nothing to wear!’, chances are you do have something to wear, but you just cannot decide what, because you packed, messy or overflowing with things you don’t wear anymore!

So, to make things easier, we present to you college wardrobe staples that you MUST stock up on. They’ll make dressing up every morning a whole lot easier!

Black jeans

While we do agree that comfy leggings and jeggings are the best inventions ever, nothing beats the charm of a solid black pair of jeans. Whether it’s the daily grind, a party or a college presentation, your trusty pair of black jeans will never fail you. They are also hella slimming!

Basic tank tops or tees

Whether you are in college or not, every girl should own either tees or tank tops in basic colours such as black, blue and grey! They are perfect on days when you can’t decide what to wear. Plus, tank tops can also be worn under sheer and see-through blouses.

Skater dress

A skater style dress, a sundress or a fit and flare dress is a no-brainer when it comes to styling. Wear it as is during the summer, or layer it with a denim jacket when the weather gets chilly. A quick update in accessories can also take this dress from college to date night!

Shift dress

While most wardrobe essentials lists claim that the coveted LBD is a must-have, we believe that a shift, straight fit or pencil fit dress that flatters your figure should suffice. It does not need to be black!

Denim jacket

This structured layer is not flimsy like a cardigan, and literally goes with EVERYTHING! It’s casual, it’s cool… need we say more?

A white shirt

From college presentations to a layer over a printed tank top, and even tucked into a chic skirt, the crisp white shirt goes a long way! Trust us, you’ll use it more often than you think!

Chambray shirt

The double denim look is something that has now gone on to become a classic. Hence, a good chambray shirt will always come in handy!

Slip-on sneakers

A lot of the time, I end up not wearing my sneakers just out of sheer laziness. I mean, slipping socks on and tying your shoelace can be too much effort sometimes. Enter slip-ons; they do the job of sneakers without all that effort.

Closed toe footwear

While a pair of sandals is easy-breezy and monsoon-friendly, closed toe shoes are more formal and polished, and you will need them for presentations and night-outs. Anything from pumps to ballerinas work!

Backpack or tote

This one is a no-brainer! If you’re going to college, you need something to carry your textbooks in! If your style is more laidback, go for a backpack, and if your style leans towards chic, then a tote will match most of your outfits. Try picking a durable waterproof fabric that works for all seasons, and one that is roomy enough to accommodate your laptop too!

Sling bag

From brunches to Saturday night parties with friends, a sling bag is a must for carrying around your basic essentials.

Basic blue jeans

Basic blue denims go with everything, from T-shirts to floral blouses and even dressy tops. Pick the fit, style and wash according to your body type.

ALSO READ: How To Pick The Best Jeans For Your Body Type

Cotton kurta

Cotton kurtas are easy-breezy, and a light printed one would look great styled with ripped denims. Wear this kurta to a festive celebration or to ethnic day at college.

ALSO READ: 11 Easy-Breezy Kurtas To Get You Out Of That Summer Style Rut

Wide-legged pants

A pair of wide-legged pants can be paired with a cropped tee, kurtas or even a bodysuit! This is flattering for those with a heavier lower body, and instantly makes you look stylish and put-together.

Skirt

If you are a petite or slender girl, you can go for a mini skirt, a denim skirt or a straighter fit skirt. For those of you who are curvier, can pick a midi skirt, a pencil skirt in a stretchy fabric, an A-line skirt or a circle skirt. Have fun with fashion and give those usual pants a break by pulling out a fun and flirty skirt once in a while.

Hoops

The one accessory that is ruling the college fashion scene right now is a pair of retro hoops. When it comes to accessories, they’re a must-have! Pick the colour and size of your hoops according to your skin tone and face shape! These can instantly make you look chic, and dress any outfit up!

Classic watch

A classic watch will be that little addition that will complete your look.

No go on, master these basics, and build your wardrobe around them!