Back to School Outfits for College Students

It’s almost the end of summer. (Yes, I said it!) The good news is that it’s time to go shopping for back to school outfits for college. If you’re a college student you will need several essentials to add to your closet. You already have enough to think about trying to decide what to major in. What to wear to class should be easy and effortless.

Are you ready for back to school shopping?

Here’s a few things to consider when buying back to school clothes for college:

Versatility

For your back to school outfits, you want pieces that are versatile so they can be mixed and matched. First, you won’t have much closet space in your dorm room so you’ll need to keep your clothes to a minimum without looking like you’re wearing the same thing everyday. You’re also most likely on a budget so you want to get the most outfits from a few key pieces.

Comfort

Comfort is also key when it comes to back to school outfits for college student. As a student, you wake up early, stay out all day and end up walking miles around campus going from class to class. You will be sitting for hours in classrooms with extreme temperatures whether it’s due to air conditioning or spending time in stuffy buildings. Light layers that can carry you through the entire day and night are also a must.

Casual

I like to call it casual chic. Sure you want a few casual outfits for the weekend, but you also want to look put together with little effort. You want some key basics in your closets. Crop tees, distressed jeans, and light cardigans are essential additions to include on your list for back to school shopping.

Cute

An important part of college is socializing and meeting new people. You’ll be dating cute boys, going to sporting events, and hanging out with friends. You will definitely need a few cute and sexy looks for impressing the boy in the dorm room across from yours or for going bar hopping with your girls.

I picked a few different looks that will be perfect for campus for every occasion that encompass all the considerations I just talked about.

Back to School Outfits for College: Comfortable and Casual for Class

Being a college student isn’t easy. You have classes, tests, group projects, and clubs. You’re busy and you’re tired. Sometimes the last thing you want to think about is what you’re wearing to class. You would rather grab the closest thing in your closet, throw it on in five minutes, and run to class. However, that doesn’t mean you need to look like you just rolled out of bed. A pair of jeans and a t-shirt can be comfortable and casual for class, but still look put together and stylish.

Back to School Outfits for College: Weekend Chic

You might be a college student, but on the weekends, you want to make the most of your free time. You want to spend your time exploring the city you’re in, hanging out with friends, or hitting the beach to work on your much needed tan. You’re going to need a fun outfit that is perfect for spending a day running around, whether its errands, meeting up with friends, or drinking mimosas at the coolest brunch spot. A simple crop top with some trendy distressed jeans and an unbuttoned blouse is perfect for a weekend chic look.

Or try a denim skirt instead.

Back to School Outfits for College: Going From Day to Night

As a college student, you start your days early, beginning with your morning classes. You might then spend some time in the library studying or doing research. Then quickly grab something to eat with some friends, and finally meet up with your boyfriend for a late night drink before heading back to your dorm to do it all over again the next day. You’re going to need an outfit that can go all day, casual enough for class, but dressy enough for a restaurant and bar. In addition, as you go from day to night, an extra layer is essential. Try a casual wrap dress and a boyfriend knit cardigan, paired with some sneakers for a comfortable but fun back to school outfit that can go from day to night.

Back to School Outfits for College: A Night Out

Work hard, play hard! After a long week of tests, you just want to go out and have some fun. An effortless but sexy look is exactly what you need. Try a lacy camisole with some suede leggings for a date with that guy in your class that has finally asked your out. Or try a chunky sweater with a leather skirt for an edgier look for drinks with your girls at the local whole in the wall. Either way, you have the perfect outfit for a night out that says you are ready for that next drink! You can also check out my post on My Go-To for Creating a Date Night Look for more ideas.

Back to School Outfits for College: The Essential Hoodie

Every college student owns at least one sweatshirt or hoodie. They are warm and cozy. However that doesn’t mean you need to look like a Silicon Valley techie. Thank goodness, cargo jackets and olive-colored hoodies are on-trend this season. They are warm, comfy, stylish, and best of all, easy to throw over a pair of jeans and sneakers.

Just because you will be spending a lot of your time in class all day or in the library studying, doesn’t mean you have to give up your style. Remember when shopping for back to school outfits for college to consider that the looks are versatile, comfortable, casual and cute. With these thing in mind you are sure to buy pieces that will take you from class, to a date night, to a weekend hanging out with friends without breaking your budget.

Let me know where you do your back to school shopping in the comments!