What We're Wearing This Semester

We already have a lot to worry about. Let’s not worry about what to wear.

by AMANDA ROSENTHAL ★ AUGUST 20, 2021

Have you ever found yourself staring helplessly into the neverending void that is your wardrobe and thinking, I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR?! Do you wake up before class wondering whether you should go in your PJs or dress up, whether you’ll be wearing the right outfit, or whether you should prioritize style or comfort? Dw, we’re here to answer all of your fall fashion questions with the ultimate college student style guide. Aren’t sure what to wear when going out? We got it covered. We’ve got an outfit for everything from a night with your friends to the Sunday scaries. 

CLASS IS IN SESSION: because you’re smart, hot, and stylish.

Workout sets

Workout sets are a super-easy way to look put together without putting much effort into an outfit. You somehow manage to look sporty, coordinated, and cute without actually taking the time to style an entire fit! Thank god. There are so many set outfits out there. Set Active, for example, has some really cute colors and such flattering silhouettes. Adanola and GymShark are other great brands to get cute sets from! Biker short sets come in every color you could imagine and are always in stock. If you want something a bit cheaper, Amazon has adorable sets too. Buy a simple black or gray set as a staple, and don’t be afraid of a fun color set to ensure your wardrobe is versatile. Pair with a zip-up hoodie and sneakers, and you’re ready for class (bonus: you can even hit the gym later in your outfit). 

Elevated Loungewear

Two-hour lecture on a Monday morning? Snooze. You need to be as comfy as possible, but that doesn’t mean you can’t look your best. Sweatpants are such a go-to for college students, but finding a pair that doesn’t look like PJs, feels like butter, and looks respectful for your teachers can be a bit harder to find. Don’t know where to start? Try Adika, Aritzia, By Samii Ryan, or of course a classic Urban.

The Basics

If you aren’t a fan of workout sets and sweats (totally get it!) and if you want to wear something a bit more professional, I recommend keeping it simple. Find a few pairs of jeans that fit you well and pair them with cute basic baby t-shirts or tanks. Baby tees are all the rage this season (thanks, early 2000s Christina Aguilera!) Realisation Par, Emmiol, O Mighty, and Princess Polly have amazing baby tees and tanks. You can change up your outfit with different shoes, jewelry, and jackets. I’m a firm believer that layered necklaces make any outfit look more put-together. Keeping it easy and sticking to basics ensures that you look effortlessly put together. 

NIGHT OUT: you’re not dressing to impress him, you’re dressing to impress yourself.

Leather Pants

Leather pants have become essential in every college girl’s closet. They immediately make your outfit cooler, edgier, and absolutely perfect for a night out. If you’re looking to splurge, the Aritzia Melina pants are a hot item. If you want the same vibe but without the price tag, then I recommend checking out Princess Polly or H&M. You can dress them up with heels or boots for a fun dinner or if you’re heading to a bar, or dress them down with sneakers and a crop top for fun at a frat. 

Corsets, Tanks, and Bodysuits

Don’t get me wrong, fun pants can make a statement, but in my opinion, it is all about the top. Go for a 90s style top from O Mighty or a cute lace (or leather, if you’re feeling bold!) bodysuit. Corset tops are huge this season, and this flattering essential will turn heads on any night out. 

Blazers

Blazers are BACK this fall! Colorful, patterned, cropped, oversized…I’ve seen it all. Dress up an outfit by throwing on a fun blazer. Or wear a sleek, black blazer with a lace bralette underneath to sexy it up! Zara and Tiger Mist have a great selection of blazers that come in the most flattering silhouettes, colors, and prints.

BRUNCH WITH THE GIRLS: sometimes, we just need that.

Summer dresses

Even though summer is ending (RIP), make it last all year round by investing in some dresses for brunch with your friends. Whether you’re bonding over mimosas, chugging espresso, or stuffing your face with pancakes, make sure to do it in style. Summer dresses are an easy way to look feminine and put together. Pair with a cardigan and you’re ready to hit brunch with your girlies. 

SUNDAY SCARIES: we’ve all been there...

PJ Vibes 

The Sunday scaries affect everyone. After a fun, late-night out, nothing sounds better than to get a toasted bagel and coffee the next morning. At this point comfort is key, but why not do it in style. Do you really want to run into your class crush wearing a stained gray t-shirt? I didn’t think so. Instead, opt for a cute PJ set and fun slippers. UGG has some great slippers that make you feel like you’re walking on a cloud, but of course, you can always find an Amazon dupe for a quarter of the price.

Not to sound like your mother, but you know the drill--the most important thing is to wear something you feel comfortable and confident in. As the weather gets colder, you’ll be surprised by how much loungewear you actually wear. If you’re ever unsure about your ‘fits, just remind yourself to come back and check out this guide.