Nerves and excitement typically characterize the summer before freshman year, but why not tip the scales toward excitement? “How?” you ask. Why, by buying the cutest, coziest, and most flattering college paraphernalia you can find, of course. Don’t just limit yourself to what’s in the campus store. We’ve gathered a list of brands with school spirit in stock. Now step away from the shapeless hoodie…
Fanatics’ cardigan ($39.95) is considered classic college style—and with good reason. You’ll be grateful for this traditional wardrobe piece to add layers when the first chills of autumn set in, or when you take the “cozy but cute” approach to studying in the library. This type of piece looks best over jeans and a tank, but you can play with what you put underneath. One of your lacy summer tees or a white polo would look equally as nice. Don’t forget your glasses!
You may fall into the category of girl that likes to dress up for class, or feel like an upgrade from your casual high school uniform of jeans and a tee; however, there are multiple ways to look both spirited and polished. A college t-shirt ($34) doesn’t have to downgrade your style. Dress it up with a great fitting pair of khakis and ribbon belt, or go for gold with a delicate headband ($22), like this one from Anthropologie.
PINK is known for putting their own twist on basic items, and these shorts ($26.50) are no exception with their leopard print side panels. When you need an extra push to get to the gym in the rain, or roll out of bed for that Pilates class, the thought of donning PINK’s spirited workout shorts can’t help but be a motivator.
These yoga pants ($36.50) are great for curling up with Netflix or, you know, actual yoga. Yoga pants get a bad rap for being an ill-disguised attempt to show off one’s figure, but who could hate on so much campus pride? Besides, if you’ve got it, flaunt it, am I right?
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American Eagle
You know that you can rely on American Eagle for their bootleg jeans, floral sundresses, and those adorable winter hats that they crank out like clockwork. Now imagine all of the brand’s goodness channeled into collegiate gear. This Vintage Raglan Popover ($34.99) is made for lounging—or brunching. Relaxed and already perfectly worn, the pastel piece is a perfect way to show some school spirit.
Jack Rogers
Don’t forget your feet! For head to toe spirit to be truly “head to toe,” consider slipping into Jack Rogers’ beloved leather sandal ($68.00). Jack Rogers’ college line offers a bevy of color combinations almost certain to match those football jerseys. Don’t see your school’s colors? Check their regular collection for a neutral or metallic in your team’s palette (we won’t tell).
Prep Sportswear
If you go to school in New England, the key to surviving the seasons is fleece. Upgrade your Northface by switching to this tailored design ($64.99). Not only are you able to customize it with your school’s mascot, but you can display your class year as well.
Kohl’s
Kohl’s is known for their low prices, so rather than pay top dollar in a campus store, why not score this cute cap ($17.60) by ordering off the company’s website As diligent as you are with your lather, rinse, repeat, blow-dry, straighten routine (in which case, kudos to you) bad hair days are inevitable. Fortunately, a cotton hat like this one is a perfectly acceptable alternative to limp locks or a hasty sidebraid – and look, it even sparkles.
Every collegiette knows that a great bag is the finishing touch to her wardrobe. Don’t drag down the Catwalk to Campus-worthy get-up you proudly put together with a bland old backpack! Vineyard Vines sells the essential canvas tote to fit everything (academic or otherwise) that you need for your day. This LSU version comes with a yellow or purple Tigers ribbon, because who doesn’t like options? The bag isn’t cheap ($95.00), but if you consider it an investment you’ll spend four years fielding compliments.
Her Campus Shop
The Her Campus Shop is stocked with only the cutest collegiette apparel, like this grey and pink tee ($18.00). Not only will you find sweatpants so fluffy they almost make pulling an all-night bearable (almost), but dorm room décor galore, as well. Cute HC ping-pong balls won’t get mixed up if you play beer pong with the guys down your hall, and stylish koozies promise to be a standout at lawn parties.