The College Wardrobe
Your appearance doesn't matter as much as your academic performance, but your professors and fellow classmates will immediately get a sense of your attitude toward college by seeing how you're dressed for class. If you wear pajamas or sweats all the time, it gives off the impression that you don't care about school; if you walk in looking like you're going to the club, it says "Hi, I'm only here for the dating opportunities." Neither impression is favorable!
So, if you're serious about college, here's how to appear professional and still be comfortable. You don't have to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe--just think about your current wardrobe in a new way!
Visual Examples
(Note: Though these sets feature women's clothing, the same concepts work for men's attire as well.)
Basic Concepts
- Select pieces that mix and match well together, possibly using the same color palette.
- Choose items with good stitching and durable fabric.
- Pack only clothes that are easy to wash and dry. (You will thank yourself later!)
- Include neutral colors (tan, brown, gray, white, black, navy blue) more than brights.
- More solid color items, less patterned items (easier to match on sleepy mornings).
- Invest in a durable school bag that also looks professional.
- Strike a balance between "too tight to breathe in" and "so baggy it falls off."
- Pick comfortable shoes, even for dressy occasions. Better to be confident in flats than miserable in heels.
- Don't bring expensive jewelry (more susceptible to loss or theft).
30 for the (College) Fashionista
A Modest Clothing Checklist
More Pro Tips
- Trousers can be worn on alternating days to save on laundry and packing space. Just make sure to spritz them with a little fabric refresher and air them out between wearings. (Do wash them every week, though!)
- You can spritz most wrinkled clothing with water and hang it up to air out overnight--no ironing in the morning!
- The idea of a capsule wardrobe can help you select your college wardrobe, too!