It’s a typical Friday night during your freshman year. This week has been particularly rough and you’re about to dive headfirst into bed when a friend tells you there’s a party tonight! Faith in the universe restored, the first thing you do is head to your closet, open the doors, and grab… what? Tons of questions suddenly rush to mind: how dressy should I be? Is this a casual thing? What kind of shoes should I wear? What should I do to my hair?
Suddenly feeling overwhelmed about a seemingly fun event? Don’t be! For some of you, freshman year of college is your first time being exposed to the “party” scene. It’s okay if you don’t know what to wear the first couple of times! No matter what type of party you’re going to, here are a few staple pieces you need to have in your closet.
Top it Off
The first item on your party-attire shopping list should be a couple of flowy tops. Whether you’re at a house party, at a frat party or just hanging out at your friend’s house, you’ll want to be comfortable. Also, as people start showing up, it can get really hot. Favor lighter materials, like this high-low chevron blouse from Charlotte Russe ($21.99). Pair it with your best skinny jeans and a classic pair of pumps for a casual yet stylish look. This colorblocked shirt from Forever 21 ($15.80) is another great option because it’s very lightweight and will keep you cool in those crowded rooms.
Crop tops have become extremely popular this year, especially at college parties. Rider University junior J’na Jefferson says that crop tops have been all the rage at her school! A plain crop top like this one from Love Culture ($9.95) is great if you’ve got patterned bottoms you’ve been itching to wear. However, if you’re looking for something more vibrant to add to your wardrobe, pick up this floral crop top from Forever 21 ($11.80). The best part about these crop tops? They can be worn with any bottom of your choice! “I really love the bare midriff trend, so I like wearing crop tops with high-waisted bodycon skirts,” Fordham University junior Alyssa Fiorentino says.
Love the way crop tops look but wary of showing too much skin? Check out this Her Campus article for some tips on how to stay chic while wearing crop tops!
[pagebreak]
Bottom Brigade
Once you’ve got all of your tops, it’s time to get some staple bottoms. Gwendolyn Mejia, an HC campus correspondent at NCSU, has some advice for freshmen about something you’ve already got in your closet: jeans! “For parties, I say never underestimate a good pair of dark-wash denim jeans,” she says. The best part about jeans is that they can be dressed down with cute flats or trendy sneakers or they can be dressed up with sexy heels and a fabulous clutch. So pick up a few pairs of dark-wash jeans from American Eagle ($34.99) for a classic look. Throw on a chiffon top like this one from Forever 21 ($22.80) and your favorite sandals and you’ll be ready to head out.
Dark-wash jeans aren’t your only option! “I like to wear white skinny jeans when I’m out. They keep me warm on chilly nights and it looks chic no matter what top I pair with it,” says Alexandra Blessing, a sophomore at Millersville University. These white skinnies from Old Navy ($17.97) are extremely comfortable and look great with just about any top! Corals and bright colors especially look great with white pants; plus, they add a pop of color that makes you stand out in the crowd.
If you’re headed to a dressier party, skirts are definitely the way to go. While bodycon skirts and dresses are still an option, skater dresses will also make for a great going-out look. Allie Sutherland, a senior at Syracuse University, says one of her personal favorite outfits is to pair a tight-fitted crop top with a skater skirt because it’s “cute, comfortable and flattering for a night out!” Charlotte Russe always has tons of skater skirts (all reasonably priced!), such as this one for $11.99.
If you really want to stand out, pick up a printed skirt from Love Culture ($21.90) and top it off with a plain crop top and your favorite booties. Gold accent jewelry and a high ponytail are a great way to complete this outfit!
A Shoe-In
Don’t forget that a great pair of shoes can make a great going-out statement! Collegiettes across the nation agree that comfort is key when picking out your shoes for the night. Be prepared to spend most of the night standing up! Boston University senior Elizabeth Rubel says “a lot of girls will wear very high heels or wedges to parties, but then bring a pair of flats or sandals to walk home in.”
If you’re a fan of high heels, try this spiked pair from Go Jane ($41), but be sure to bring some comfortable flats to walk home in! These scrunch flats from Target ($14.99) can fit in just about any bag and come in different colors and prints so you can still match your original outfit.
Now you’re ready to go out and conquer the party scene on your campus! It doesn’t take a lot to create a great party outfit; just make sure you feel comfortable and confident in whatever you’re wearing.