Remember the good old days when the coolest girls’ closets were stuffed to the brim with colorful Abercrombie polos and tiny jean shorts? And our parents would complain that everything looked the same when we dragged them into Hollister, but it was the epitome of style and we just had to have one of their itsy-bitsy teeny-weeny yellow seagull-print bikinis? Ah, middle school—those were the days. We’re older and wiser now, our fashion choices have (thankfully) matured a bit, and our Aeropostale and American Eagle days seem a thing of the past—but could they still work in our wardrobes today? We found eight items from our favorite stores to shop at in middle school that we want in our college wardrobes now.
Hollister
Hollister jegging, $49.50
What was the biggest fashion trend in middle school? Hollister itself. But now, Hollister is following our “big girl” trends—for example, bright jeggings. So in style now, and so cute!
Newport Peninsula dress, $41.65
Nothing suits summer weather better than a sundress, and this red strapless one is perfect for a SoCal-themed beach bonfire (or just roasting marshmallows in your backyard).
Abercrombie & Fitch
Kendell dress, $61.60
While our old Abercrombie logo tees and ripped jeans were perfectly suitable for social studies class, sometimes we collegiettes need an outfit that’s a little more mature for classier outings. This Abercrombie (!!) dress is ladylike enough for an afternoon tea, dahling.
Olivia top, $40
Just like those lace camis that used to fill your drawers…but all grown up, with a modern twist.
Aeropostale
Canvas pieced sandal, $22.00
This perfect summer sandal can go with almost anything—and looks way more stylish than those bright rubber flip flops we used to live in.
Leopard infinity scarf, $15.00
No signs of that old monkey print here! This infinity scarf is, dare we say it, Euro-chic (ooh la la!).
American Eagle
AE Chambray shirtdress, $49.95
Easy, breezy, beautiful..American Eagle? This chambray dress is the perfect mix of comfort and style for summer.
Mia Pamela sandal, $50.00
Looks like AE took inspiration from Free People with these tribal print sandals. Rock them with shorts, skirts, dresses, you name it—these sandals have the power to spice up any bland outfit.
What do you think, collegiettes? Could these looks still work in your wardrobe today? Sound off in the comments below!