I remember packing for my first semester at Duke. I was petrified that I wouldn’t be bringing the “right” clothes— do people wear jeans predominantly, or shorts and skirts? Do people wear heels to go out or cute pumps (as you can probably tell, I was a little neurotic)?
Of course, to justify my neuroticism, I did have the added pressure of coming from another country (eh, I’m South African, it’s casual), AND the fact that I didn’t have Her Campus Duke to set me on the right path. Regardless, the first week at Duke is hard enough without having to worry about what to wear. So collegiettes™, to save you the trauma of indecisiveness, Her Campus Duke has picked options that are not only event-appropriate, but Duke-appropriate as well.
Move-in
First thing you should know about Durham in August? It’s hot, like, really hot. As in, the second you walk out the door you will be sweating and you will have frizzy hair. Second thing? There are these little angels walking around in bright coloured t-shirts who will save your life by carrying your boxes up to your room (First Year Advisory Counselors, or FACs). So really all you have to do is unpack. Unfortunately if you’re on the main quad, a/c is not an option—so even unpacking will be rough. For this reason, I’d recommend something light, flexible and practical—you want to be comfortable, cool and be able to move around.
Recommendation: Luckily with the coloured denim trend, you don’t need to look boring to be practical. I’ve paired an airy (yet trendy thanks to the cut out shoulders) white tee with neon shorts (excuse the international in me that thinks A&F is still the best brand ever) and converse sneakers.
White Tee $26.50 Victoria Secret, PINK Collection
Orange Shorts $54.00 Abercrombie and Fitch
Converse Sneakers $50.00 Converse
First Day of Classes
This is a tricky one—it’s hot (yes I know I’ve mentioned it, but it doesn’t hurt to mention it once more), you’re bound to get lost on your way to class (especially if you have one in LSRC or Bio Sci) but you still want to make a good impression on your new professors and classmates, right? Totally doable.
Recommendation: Pair a cute, airy dress and a pair of comfortable flats and you’re good to go. The best accessory for this outfit is a cute, pragmatic bag that will be able to make a statement and carry your books and laptop. I’ve included a Longchamp because it’s basically a Duke staple (for other Duke staples: check back throughout the week!) and it’s roomy enough to hold all of your scholarly needs.
Blue Dress Free People $90.00
Sandals Free People $200.00
Bag Longchamp $146.00
First Night Out
Chances are, your first night out will be a quintessential fraternity party or (my personal favourite) Shooters Saloon II. Either way you’re going to need something that’s durable (AKA something that’s going to survive a couple of spills from some badly mixed ‘crat drinks), cute (upperclassmen are going to be looking at you because you’re shiny, new freshmen, so might as well give them something to look at), and fun.
Recommendation: My answer is rock the heels. Now, not everyone will share my sentiment but a good pair of heels can be the confidence booster that you need to make it all the way to Wagon Wheel at the end of the night (if you don’t know what I’m talking about, wait until you frequent Shooters). If you know you’re going to struggle, stick to a wedge heel—they’re sure to ease you through the night.
P.S Don’t miss the irony of the “New Kids on the Block” earrings.
Black Tank Nasty Gal $38.00
Colorblock Skirt Nasty Gal $14.00
New Kids on the Block Earrings Nasty Gal $15.00
Jeffrey Campbell Shoes Nordstrom $149.95
Okay collegiettes™, the rest is up to you!