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Clothes for College! 4 Genius Style Tips for College Students

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Now it’s time to pick up a few pieces to see you through the semester. Don’t focus on name brands — you’ll only end up paying far more than necessary. For example, Abound high-waist leggings will run you just under $12 per pair. If you’re absolutely addicted to them, it’s well worth picking up a couple of pairs.

T-shirt from Target
Buy now at Target

A New Day shirts at Target won’t break the bank, and you can stock up on different hues to add some variety to your wardrobe.

3. Invest in some basics

Every college student should have at least a few basic garments on hand that she can grab and wear in an anytime, anywhere situation.

Easy pajamas

Easy pajamas are a must — you want something that’s soft, comfortable, and great to wear whether you’re hanging alone or with friends, like this match from ASOS DESIGN.

Smart dress

Another essential? A smart dress that you can wear to class, the library, coffee, and date night. This one from Planet Gold looks cute with wedges and chunky kicks alike.

Jeans

You will probably live in these, assuming you change out of the pajamas once in a while. Try Old Navy or Charlotte Russe for low-cost jeans. I bought three pairs of jeans at Charlotte Russe for $20 each, more than 10 years ago and they are still going strong!

Baseball hat

Chances are, you have a baseball hat in your arsenal. If not, try Amazon for lots of low-cost options.

Black suit

You’ll appreciate having a simple suit on hand for internship interviews and academic ceremonies. Try Kohl’s, T.J. Maxx, and ASOS for budget options.

4. Shop the right stores

Odds are you’re going to shop strategically for the foreseeable future while you stick to your budget. That’s not a bad thing, considering the many retailers out there that carry cute clothes at a discount. Take a peek at shops like Forever 21, H&M, and Walmart, along with Marshalls, T.J. Maxx, and Ross. And only shop online retailers with free shipping and returns.

If you’re shopping for a special event, determine in advance how much you can practically afford to spend. Then stay within those parameters so you don’t suffer buyer’s remorse!

5. Get your student discount

Many retailers offer discounts to enrolled college students. Visit Unidays or Student Beans to sign up once, and then get access to dozens of discounts just for you. Our discounts on clothes for college:

College Style Fails to Avoid

  • Hanging out with your parents every weekend. They clash with every outfit.
  • Wearing your high school letterman jacket. It’s just wrong.
  • Using your high school backpack with all the decals and little buttons on it. Get yourself a nice messenger bag instead.
  • Keeping valuable jewelry in your room. It will probably get stolen.
  • Pining over your high school boyfriend. Relax and enjoy yourself. A smile is always your best accessory.

Leonora

Thursday 17th of August 2006

cool article. In my case I wore uniform all the way to high school, so when I started college I wanted to dress up a little, but after the first week I was sufering on what to wear. Now a junior If it’s clean, matches and is confy is fine by me.

francis

Tuesday 15th of August 2006

actually in college girls are still super trendy…i do wear flats way more than the heels i always wore in high school but i still think you should take some (i took them all and wore them all, but that’s just me)....my school is pretty big but i can always go back to my dorm between classes and hang out….i hate sneakers unless i’m going to the gym. as for borrowing if you’re like me i hate when people ask me to borrow stuff, bring your stuff…just be prepared to learn how to organize and make every inch of your dorm count….you’ll probably outgrow some of your stuff once you get used to the school’s culture but that’s more a reason to go shopping…as for my bf he’s still with me i met him as a sophmore and i’m still with him 4 years later….

Latia

Monday 14th of August 2006

And don’t forget the bra!!!! You need a good comfy bra that will upstand beer stains, pizza stains, one night stand stains, and will keep you all tucked in while you do that keg stand!

destiny

Monday 14th of August 2006

ok so i like this guide…it was well written and the ‘dont bring h.s. boyfriend’ yeah i totally agree. I will me a sophomore last year and I walk about 4 miles a day…sometimes in heels! because all of my outfits seem to go so well with brown or black heels! ne good advice on shoes i should use to substitue a simple stiletto that still looks at dressy for the days i feel like fixing up? i’d like to try some type of tennis shoe, but that’s unrealistic!

Jamie

Monday 14th of August 2006

I think you’ll like this article.  I Love You!  Jo

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