12 BASIC (AND CHIC) PIECES FOR THE NON-BASIC COLLEGE GIRL

Over the past three years as the average broke college student, getting by on FAFSA and gift cards, I’ve learned a thing or two about my own personal style. I also picked up on the personalization and differences of style between my classmates, sisters, and peers.

So rewind to freshman year of college, I left my dorm everyday NOT feeling cute. My leggings gave me camel toe, my sweaters were cheap and shedding, my skin was going through some major changes, and my hair just wasn’t complementing my face. At this point I realized my Vans, Forever 21 graphic tees, and high school hoodies were simply not cool anymore.

I started pinning a ton of “wardrobe necessities.” I have probably read hundreds of “Wardrobe Must-Have” pieces; some I’ve found helpful and others I just couldn’t see myself wearing any of the suggested items.

Since then I’ve made an effort to get some key pieces in my wardrobe, I’ve sorted through the hundred of “Must-Have Wardrobe” pieces and these are the items that I found most essential and diverse. These are pieces that can easily be dressed down for everyday wear in the classroom or can be dressed up since there is suddenly such a thing as "business formal" when you enter early adulthood. These are just a basic outline of key pieces to start a wardrobe. The colors, cuts, and flare added to the items can all be tailored to whatever makes you feel most confident because at the end of the day, confidence is key. These are items you can work into your wardrobe to make those “I have nothing to wear” moments a little easier.

12 Wardrobe Staples & Basics for College:

1. Chambray Shirt

Lightweight, easy, and can be worn so many ways! You can pair this with white shorts in the summer, or leggings and a scarf in the winter for many different looks.

2. Flannel

This is a personal favorite. Being a college student, I look for the easiest route most mornings when I’m throwing on clothes before running to class. A flannel is casual, comfortable, and perfect for those messy bun/ library days, but still cuter than a bulky sweatshirt.

3. Cardigan

Easy layering piece that can be dressed up or worn to class with jeans. This really is a staple for every closet!

4. Blazer

Let’s face it, we’re entering adulthood, and there’s simply no way you can scrape by without a blazer, A) because you are entering more mature workplaces or attending internships and interviews (and this is a great alternative to a blah business suit!) and B) because a blazer is super chic and much like a cardigan, can be a great way to add dimension to even the simplest of jeans and tees.

5. Fleece Jacket

These are lightweight but warm, and super cute when paired with the right outfit!

6. Black Leggings or Jeggings

If you splurge for a dressier material of legging like the Pixie or GiGi Pants from J. Crew, they can very easily be dressed up with the blazer (mentioned earlier), flats, or even just a fancier top. If you want more of an everyday legging, you could pair them with the flannel shirt, chambray shirt, or even sweatshirts for lazy days.

7. A Dark Wash Pair of Denim

A dark was jean is a must. They are instantly stylish, even with a simple white tee and booties.

8. LBD

(…Or two or three LBDs; the more the merrier!) In my opinion you can never have too many Little Black Dresses. A black dress can work for ALMOST any occasion and it can be worn in many different ways, but each dress has a different cut, fabric, and style so keep that in mind when choosing dresses for your special occasions. An LBD that is stunning for one occasion may not be appropriate for another.

9. Summer Dress

Lightweight, fun, and comfortable, a summer dress is an easy go-to when you have really just exhausted your mind of all outfits—luckily for you, this is an all-in-one outfit!

10. Nude Bra

You simply cannot scrape by any longer without a nude bra if you haven’t picked one up yet. Whether it’s a t-shirt bra or a push-up, nude bras are pivotal when wearing light materials (PLEASE retire the black bra under white tees!).

11. Flats

Now, I know flats aren’t always a first choice for footwear but they are so easy so slip in your bag just in case those heels aren’t completely broken in. I opted for a plain black pair from Target. I want to get a nude color too because I feel like the black ones are a bit harsh against my pale skin if I’m wearing them with a skirt. Flats aren’t something you’ll necessarily wear to class everyday, but they come in handy when you have to dress up for a presentation, job interview, or a sorority meeting and really just haven’t gotten used to the idea of heels.

12. Boots

Short, tall, skinny heel, no heel, thick heel, laces, Chelsea, brown, black, beige… the variety of boots are endless. Whatever you settle on, boots or booties are a necessity for any closet to add just a little bit of oomph to any outfit, but still feel comfortable and confident.