What to Wear: The College Edition

This is easily one of my most requested “what to wear” articles, a question I attempted addressing last year on La Couturier as a mere high schooler, and one I will attempt to re-answer. Disclaimer: I’m still unqualified to answer this as I am but a soon-to-be freshman in less than a week (!). I have yet to test my own advice…

Shall we?

Ah. The venerable question of what to wear in college (or university, I think, for you UK-ers!) to avoid the uniform garb of college sweats, UGG boots, and velour Juicy Couture tracksuits with “J-U-I-C-Y” printed rather glaringly in hot pink across the bum on even the good days. Entire guides and websites have been dedicated in solving this one question, and incoming freshman have pored relentless hours into have the best I’m-a-college-girl-now wardrobe, only to forsake it after Day 2. So a round of applause (or a standing ovation, perhaps?) for those who make the effort to resist a descent in abandoning individuality and style for comfort and/or laziness from a combination of all-nighters and parties.

I kid. It really isn’t that dramatic; dressing down isn’t that bad, per se. The usual college student’s sweat-something wardrobe is one of practicality, which deserves equal recognition. But letting your collection of boots and dresses lay to the wayside is a bit disappointing; dress up (once in a while, if everyday isn’t tangible). Tell the campus who you are (or were, pre-college). Steal the spotlight; the professor is sure to notice you among the sea of ubiquitous college tee-shirts in variations of the school colors. A bit of acknowledgement is always appreciated in classes of hundreds, non?

Look to these following looks, by The Blonde Salad, for inspiration. Dressing down can still be chic, as evident in her outfits!

The Foundation

• V-neck tees, preferably boyfriend style. There’s something about the v-neck tee that makes it incredibly je-ne-sais-quoi sexy. Whether basic or with some vintage band’s graphic/logo, these tees are an easy way to feign casual, effortless chic thrown over shorts, a bodycon skirt (or tucked in!), and jeans. And they can hide the burgeoning college 15. But none of you will get that. Right? Right. Let’s be positive darlings!
• Slouchy sweaters, cardigans, blazers, and a leather jacket. A chic-er alternative to sweatshirts, hoodies, or potential frumpiness from layering that look fantastic thrown over anything.
• Off-the-shoulder tops. À la dance films like Flashdance. Somehow off-the-shoulder sweaters and tees always, always look good.
• A few pairs of your favorite denim jeans. Because they’re an undeniably crucial basic not only in any wardrobe, but especially in a college girl’s closet. Dark wash skinnies and high-waisted shorts/cut-offs are my favorite for their ability look polished without actually having to dress up. Not to mention: they give you a reality check when it comes to how much you’ve gained. Not convinced yet? Yves Saint Laurent had said he wished he had “invented blue jeans. They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, simplicity – all [he hoped] for in [his] clothes.”
• Leggings. Comfortable, slimming, and reminiscent of Parisian women when worn with black ballerinas and a boyfriend/manfriend’s crisp white button down. Think Brigitte Bardot and Audrey Hepburn, ladies!
• Black ballerinas & flat boots. I wear heels at every possible chance I get because I do, strangely so, find the right pair to be surpassable in comfort to flats. But, with excessive walking/running/jumping on and off buses, flat shoes are far more practical. Leather is your best option in terms of durability and sophistication. And for those who are heel-wearers like myself: all that walking will wear down your favorite heels quickly. Keep them in tip-top shape by saving them for nights out. But if you really can’t forsake the extra height…
• Chunky heels and wedges. Boots, sandals, pumps, the likes. Wedges and chunkier and/or stacked heels are your safest bets. By far comfier than your average stiletto, and more durable too.
• A statement pea coat or trench. Even if you’re just running to check the mailbox or grab a quick meal at the dining hall, both options will instantly draw attention to itself, and not your just-rolled-out-of-bed pajamas and hair.

The Cherries on Top

• A crocheted or slouchy knit hat. One of those boho-chic hats that aren’t as grungy as the Alexander Wang beanies of F/W 2008 or as conservative as a beret. They do a brilliant job of hiding a bad hair day.
• Cocktail rings. A glance down at your hand whilst scrawling notes furiously will serve as a pick-me-up: hand cramps are so worth it, especially since they show off your ring(s) well under the fluorescent glare of classrooms.
• Statement earrings. For those tee-shirt + jeans/skirt days and when your hair’s pulled back into a pony (damn uncooperative hair days!). Even if your pony or haphazard updo is messy, a chandelier earring of sorts instantly elevates the entire look.
• Scarves. They’re essentials for practical and vanity reasons. An accessory that adds dimension and color and doubles as a source of warmth is always a good thing to have around.
• Tights. Black opaque ones are the staples, perfect under dresses, shorts, and skirts alike. It’s incredible to see how such simple an item can sophisticate an ensemble.

What to Wear

Or what I’d wear, rather. My (somewhat) signature of denim cuffed shorts over black opaque tights, black ankle boots, and a tee/top of some sort. Still modest and so simple, but the final product is incredibly different and put together. Little jackets (leather in particular), sunnies, skinnies, layered tees/loose tanks, boots, a great pair of earrings.  Loose graphic tees (or college tees) tucked into high waisted skirts (knit bandage minis are my preference) worn with/without tights and flats. Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera.

… and if worst comes to worst:

Invest in a wardrobe of dance/yoga wear. They’re just as comfortable as sweats and lime green velour tracksuits, but look good. It’s never a bad thing to look well-versed in the exotic things du jour of today’s cosmopolitan world. Yoga do-ers and dancers are always a favorite of the boys…

… but really, if worst comes to worst:

… then wear that oversized camp tee and college sweats one size too big. There’s nothing wrong with sacrificing personal appearance to make a class on time, so long as personal hygiene is taken care of first. Education first! Always! You(r parents) are paying good money for your degree.

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