I will not forget hosting a recruit last weekend and hearing her say “wow I’ve been going to private school my whole life, I’m so excited to go somewhere where there’s no uniform!” Oh young one, you have much to learn. Here are different versions (and price points!) of some of our fellow collegiettes’ favorite wardrobe essentials.
Waxed Jacket: This is the perfect essential for wearing to Super Saturdays or over a dress to add some polish to class. If you are not down for dropping $400 dollars on a Barbour, I highly recommend the J.Crew Field Jacket. Not only is it a quarter of the price, but I found it to be just as warm and durable as the Barbour. Although I do not personally own H&M’s version of the waxed jacket, my friend has a very similar one from the store and loves it!
Barbour Waxed Jacket//J.Crew Downtown Field Jacket (on sale!)//H&M Padded Jacket
Riding Boots: I’m pretty sure this is an essential regardless of where you go to school. Though everyone I know who has Tory Burch riding boots swear by them, I love my Steve Madden ones – the light brown leather goes with everything. I think that shoes are something that you get what you pay for, and with something as classic as riding boots, I would say a splurge is justifiable here (most of the people I know who have the Tory Burch boots have had them for five or more years and are still wearing them!). However, I have also found that my Steve Madden boots have lasted for three years and are a great option if you aren’t sure about making such a financial commitment. I buy the inexpensive item first, and then if I wear it until it’s worn, I go back for the investment piece.
Tory Burch Marlene Riding Boot//Frye Phillip Harness//Steve Madden Women’s Albany
Leggings: I remember when wearing leggings as pants was unacceptable, but for anyone who hates jeans out there, these leggings are more structured and presentable than most (I live in my Pixie Pants from fall to early spring). There is not a huge price range between the different pairs, and Pixie Pants are a good price for quality pants and will get more wear than your jeans, guaranteed.
J.Crew Pixie Pants//LoveSurf Nux Skinny Ribbed Legging//Topshop Ankle Leggings
Tote Bags: If you are as bag obsessed as me (seriously, why are they always coming out with new cute things to carry your junk around in?), consider splurging on a tote bag because they are so trendy right now. I love my Longchamp and find that it’s perfect for anything.
Madewell Transport Tote//Longchamp Le Pilage//Erraid Reversible Tote
Sunglasses: There is something about investing in a nice pair of sunglasses that forces you to take care of them. This is the one item that I say is definitely worth the splurge. I bought my Ray Bans a few years ago and at the time, my mother thought it was a waste of money. However, three years later and my whole family, including my mother, is wearing them. Though I have tons of friends who constantly lose their cheap sunglasses, I have never had a friend lose their Ray Bans. Not only are they timeless and go with everything, the company’s customer service is really great. If you are still hesitant about the shape, try them out with this Sheriff and Cherry pair.
Ray Ban Aviator Gradient//Sheriff and Cherry Metal Aviator Sunglasses (super sale)
And there you have it- whether you decide to splurge or save, everything you need for fall at the right price. Thanks for reading!