As someone who has overpacked for my entire life, I know the pros and cons of being overprepared. In this post, I just want to give some pointers about what you will probably need and how to feel confident in the clothes you bring.
What I’m NOT going to do is tell you what style you should have in college or what everyone expects you to wear. This is what I’ve found works for me, and it’s a process!
SHOES:
Shoes are the easiest because you can narrow them down the most. You’ll need:
- Comfortable walking shoes (I like my white converse and black Toms)
- Comfortable event shoes (whether it’s a school event or a party, have some shoes you can slip on and don’t mind getting a little dirty)
- Workout shoes
- Sandals (separate from shower shoes)
- Interview shoes (black flats or oxfords work)
- Fancy shoes (wedges or heels, especially if you plan on joining Greek)
- Black ankle boots
SOCKS / UNDERWEAR / BRAS:
Student housing at CSUN only had card-accepting machines and I put off laundry as long as possible for that, so if you can, I’d go for:
- 5-10 pairs of socks (unless you wear shoes with socks every day, then more)
- 14 pairs of underwear (I have more because I wasn’t kidding about laundry)
- 6 bras (I don’t like underwire bras, but it’s good to have some)
- 8 sports / leisure bras (workout bras, bralettes, bandeaus, etc.)
BOTTOMS:
This is obviously going to depend on where you’re going to college, but here are my essentials:
- Black leggings
- Black pants
- Jeans
- Jean shorts
- Plain skirt (a lot of sororities do white)
- Comfy shorts (for pajamas or your dorm)
- Comfy pants / yoga pants (again, pajamas/dorm)
- Preferred workout pants/shorts
- Black spandex (for underneath skirts/dresses)
TOPS:
This is the trickiest to write because this is where even I vary a lot, but my biggest advice is to check the temperature of where you’re going (ex: if you’ll be sweating, bring clothes that don’t show it as much) and keep some basic items. Here are my essentials:
- Plain t-shirt (white/black or both)
- White loose tank top
- Black loose tank top
- Button up shirt (for layering or for interviews)
- Striped long-sleeve
- Comfy long sleeved shirts (pajamas/dorm)
- Fancy top (interviews/events/sorority meetings if you join)
- Pullover sweater
- Pajama t-shirt(s)
- Workout shirt(s)
- Black cardigan
- Cardigan (white/nude/gray or a color that matches your wardrobe)
- Denim jacket
- Raincoat / windbreaker
OPTIONAL:
- Black dress
- Business casual dress
- Blazer
- Tights (black/nude)
The most important advice I can give is COMFORT and FUNCTION.
For example, I walk around 10,000 steps a day, I sweat most of the year, and I like to sleep, so I need reliable slip-ons and dark tank tops.
Now get out and go to class! You look great, I promise.
Leave a comment if I missed something or you have a request for what I post next!
A Quick & Easy Guide for Students 