Top 5 Essential Items For a Stylish and Successful Year

Packing for freshman year is tough for any young woman heading to college, but coming to Michigan from Southern California is even harder! The weather here changes in an instant and deciding what to bring to school is quite a challenge. As I embark on the final stretch of my second semester, I have finally figured out the five most essential items needed for a stylish and successful freshman year. 

1. A great pair of black leggings is a necessity, as most girls wear a variation of leggings everyday. The first pair is just your basic black legging, but the second pair has more of a texture that adds a little edge to an outfit. 

Bloomingdales- HUE Leggings $28.00

http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/hue-leggings-cotton-u2243?ID=461344&CategoryID=17566&LinkType=#fn=PANT_STYLE%3DLeggings%26spp%3D37%26ppp%3D96%26sp%3D1%26rid%3D52

Free People- 5 Pocket Seamed Knit Legging $78.00

http://www.freepeople.com/clot…

2. A LBD (“little black dress” for those of you who don’t know) is  key for parties and other social events. Opt for dresses that are versatile and can be worn for multiple occasions, and with different shoes to either dress-up or dress-down!

Free People- Keyhole Bodycon $78.00

http://www.freepeople.com/clothes-dresses/keyhole-bodycon/_/productOptionIDS/0B6E9CAD-A8F4-4CCF-8A37-466219F4EA95/

Nasty Gal- Lulu Dress- Black Lace $128.00

http://www.nastygal.com/clothe…

3. In order to keep your toes warm in the cold weather, closed toed wedges are an absolute must….especially at night. They will protect your feet from the snow, but also give you a little height.

Nordstrom- Steve Madden ‘Dystinct’ Bootie $129.95

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/st…

            Nordstrom- Topshop ‘Andreas’ Wedge Boot $140.00

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/topshop-andreas-wedge-boot/3401958?origin=related-3401958-0-0-1-2&recommendationAttribute=Rich%20Relevence

4. On that note, a pair of snow boots is definitely needed to face the Michigan winter. Although they are not the most attractive shoe choice, the warmth they provide makes it socially acceptable to wear them. Here are a few “cuter” options.

            Sorel- Women’s Joan of Arctic Boot $111.90

http://www.sorel.com/Women’s-J…

Nordstrom- UGG Australia ‘Adirondack II’ Boot (Women) $239.95

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/ug…

5. Finally, a down jacket will be your go-to article of clothing during the winter. While most girls have the standard black North Face below the knee coat, there are variations of this outerwear that include a little more flare.

            Montebello Parka- Canada Goose $650

            http://www.canada-goose.com/pr…

Don’t worry if you haven’t gotten all of these items before you arrive in Ann Arbor! Stores on State Street like Bivouac, Pitaya, and Urban Outfitters are all places to buy these necessities. My biggest advice when shopping for Michigan is to be fashionable but also practical.