Have you ever looked at fashion magazines for outfit inspiration during a season of weeks cycling between 70 and 40 degrees and saw only designer choices, or things that are just unrealistic to wear to classes, like knee-high boots (if you do wear them, I’m praying for your feet) and designer-brand shoulder bags?
Yeah, I have too.
Well, lucky for you, I’m here to give you college student-friendly options that can be bought anywhere! Let’s begin!
1. A trench coat
A trench coat can elevate whatever you’re wearing, making it look more put-together and chic. I’ve worn sweatshirt and sweatpants under a trench coat, and while I looked immensely casual without it, with it I looked less like I just rolled out of bed and went straight to class.
It’s also light enough that when you’re walking to class in the morning, it’ll keep you warm, and it won’t make you sweat in the afternoon when the temperature is higher.
I know you’re probably thinking “Oh god, this is expensive!” but hear me out. You’re at that age where you most likely won’t be growing anymore, so if you think about it, the price of those coats is going to technically be free if you wear them for the rest of your life, and you’ll get bonus points for passing it down to your future child (or just passing it down to someone in general) as my mom did.
My suggestion is to get a coat that is a fair price, but also excellent quality. Buy something that is going to last you several falls instead of just maybe one or two.
2. Combat boots
Two words: Doc Martens.
While they are a lot of work to break in, they can do so much for an outfit.
They also are good for trudging through fall rain puddles and crunching fall leaves as you walk to class.
You don’t have to get Doc Martens exactly either – there are good brands everywhere that have basically the same thing for less money (hello, Amazon), so get them!
3. Scrunch socks
Comfortable, warm, and fashionable, scrunch socks are perfect for fall weather, and could go perfectly with a pair of boots. I like wearing them folded over the top of my mini Uggs with a pair of leggings!
4. Sweaters
Perfect for layering! Wear a T-shirt underneath, and you’re all set. It’s possible to forget a coat in early fall if you wear one as well.
I love to wear a sweater with a dress shirt underneath, dress shirt sleeves rolled over sweater sleeves, and a dress shirt collar over the sweater. Sweaters are also cute tied and draped over shoulders when it’s a bit warmer outside.
5. Beanies
Beanies are everything. They are the answer to everything.
Frizzy hair day: beanie.
Chilly weather: beanie.
Dirty hair: beanie.
It’s sprinkling out and you have no umbrella or hood to protect your hair: beanie.
Anything: beanie.
Personally, I like a more worn-looking beanie because it looks cozy, but any beanie will do.
They keep your head warm, and if you match the color of it to a color on your outfit, it’ll make you look very cohesive.
I like Carhartt beanies, and I also found some cute Michigan beanies from Amazon!
6. Oversized blazer
Any blazer could do, but an oversized one just adds a little more fun. You could wear it as a coat with sweatshirts underneath, with jeans and a T-shirt, or with leggings and other workout gear. The possibilities are endless.
Pairing something dressy with something casual is a fantastic way to look casual but put together at the same time.
7. Leather jacket
They’re perfect for early fall and can add a slight edge to whatever you’re wearing. Depending on the color, they can go with anything, so it could be your go-to lighter-weight jacket.
All these essentials can be bought, thrifted nearly anywhere, and used season after season because they’re always in style!
Buying a good-quality essential for a fair price can go a long way because it won’t make a huge dent in your bank account, and it can be worn season after season.
I hope to see more people exploring and experimenting with their fall styles this season!