As summer comes to an end and everyone is preparing to head back to campus, it’s time to start prepping for the upcoming semester. It’s important to have back-to-school clothing essentials that make you feel stylish, comfortable, and ready to take on the semester!
Shoes
One of the most essential back-to-school items is the perfect pair of shoes. Having shoes that match your wardrobe and are easy to walk long distances in, is crucial for a college student. My personal favorite sneakers for college are the Adidas Handball Spezials. They’re very similar to the Adidas Sambas, but it has more of a platform, which I find makes them easier to walk a lot in.
Jeans
Another essential item is a staple pair of jeans. My favorite brand for jeans to shop at is Levi’s. They are really good quality and come in many different styles and washes, so there is something for everyone. My favorite style of Levi jeans is the Low Loose in a light wash that gives you a low-rise and baggy look. If you are looking for a cheaper alternative, thrifting or secondhand clothing websites like Depop and Poshmark are a great way to find high-quality and brand-name clothes for a marked-down price.
Layers
Another thing to keep in mind with back-to-school clothes is making sure your outfits consist of layers. When you go from walking outside to varying temperature classrooms, it’s important to be prepared. If you’re anything like me, you’ll get annoyed and feel distracted when you’re too hot or cold throughout the day. My perfect outfit formula (especially during early fall when the weather is so bipolar) is a tank top or fitted tee, a lightweight sweater, and jeans. I love having an outfit formula where I can swap in and out different clothing items, so I don’t have to think as hard when I’m picking out an outfit for the day. My favorite places to shop for basic tops are Hollister, Old Navy, and Brandy Melville.
Accessories
Finally, it’s time to discuss what ties your entire outfit together: accessories. In my experience, less is always more with accessories, and it’s more about quality than quantity. An accessory like a bag or a headband should not just be cute but should also have utility and be comfortable. If you want to transition from a backpack to a shoulder/tote bag in college, my favorite is the Uselike puffy tote bag that you can find on Amazon. The main thing I always look for in a shoulder bag is being able to carry a lot in it without my shoulder hurting. This bag is so comfortable to carry around and has tons of pockets and sections that make organization easy. It perfectly toes the line between stylish and useful and will make a great addition to your college essentials.
I hope this list makes back-to-school shopping a little less stressful and helps you focus on the non-negotiables when it comes to your wardrobe essentials!