STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

lacrosseluver04 · BCBG

College Necesities

Kel · Coach

Depends on the vibe of your college. I went to school in FL and everyone wore tanks and flip flops everyday. I would get your basics with a few speciality items to mix it up. I would also use accessories to change the outfit looks.

As for what you need in general not much if you live in a dorm. It all depends on your living situation.

Kelly · Hermes

I think every school is going to be different - and you may find yourself wanting to change your style entirely while you're at college. So you might want to head there with some great basics and plan on picking up more clothes once you're into the vibe of your school. But the basics I think you'll need in any college culture:

-jeans - comfy going-to-class jeans and cooler/tighter going-out jeans
-comfy shoes! Walking across campus all day can really give you sore feet if you're walking around in flip flops or chucks (which I love, but which have no support or cushioning)
-long/thermal underwear. It's definitely not the sexiest thing ever, but if you're walking to class at 8AM and there is snow everywhere and wind howling and it's 10 degrees out, you will be so thankful for it.
-cute, fun, PJs. Basically, something you'd feel comfortable having people to see you in. You'll get people knocking on your dorm door at midnight to share ice cream or help with homework (or if your dorm is like mine was, you'll have 2AM fire drills) and you'll want to feel presentable (so you might want a tank with a shelf bra or some sort of light padding so your boobs aren't totally flying free, too)
-robe (for walking from your dorm to the showers and back)
-t-shirt with your school's logo. Even if you don't like t-shirts, there will be occasions where you'll want to show some school spirit
-cheap shoes you don't mind getting beer spilled on. self-explanatory.

Kelly · Hermes

Oh! and a few hoodies or cardigans. Whatever you like better. I always had one in my bag at school because the classrooms were COLD.

XtinaStyles · Marc Jacobs

I agree with Kelly, it really depends on the college and your own personal style. Colleges aren't really known for fashionable attire - I always think of sweatshirts w hoods, yoga pants and flip flops.

I'd recommend some decent PJs (you dont want to be out on the lawn during your 26th fake fire alarm in pink cupcake pjs), lots of comfy jeans and tee's, hoodies or cardigans, outfits for going out, and a few professional looks for job interviews or class presentations.

Other college neccessities.. lots of pre-packaged foods and water, a desk light for you to study with while your roommate is sleeping, extensive first aid kit (no one wants to run off campus when they're sick), a dry eraseboard so your new friends can write on your door, and also some organizing tubs for under bed storage or general storage of toiletries or things like that.

NCshopper · Hermes

Ditto to the girls who posted above. I'd also add rubber flip flops that are reserved solely for the shower. You really don't want to step in the same shower as 25 other people with bare feet. Gross.

As far as clothing goes, I think you can't really go wrong if you go the preppy route in college, especially since you'll be in DC. Think polo shirts, college tees, jeans, khakis, tanks, cardigans, and some hoodies. Maybe one dressy outfit for dances, sorority rush events, etc. In general, I'd say avoid heels, since you'll be walking a lot. And definitely don't bring any expensive and/or sentimental jewelry--you'll have people coming and going at all hours and a roommate whose guests you won't necessarily know.

Also, slippers and/or Ugg-type boots will serve you well when you have 2 am fire alarms (and you will have them--almost weekly).

Have fun! College is so much fun.

lacrosseluver04 · BCBG

Yes. I really want to go the preppy route! I'm thinking a lot of cardigans, maybe an argyle vest or 2, and some ruffled-esque tops from Jcrew? Etc.

DC is just so expensive, I dont want to have to go buy a lot of clothes there, though I will sure as heck be tempted!

I bet DC has a lot of good vintage/consignment stores, too?

Boots · Gucci

Ditto everything the other girls said. I'd also try to take a microwave and a mini fridge if possible. Dorm food is not the healthiest and the freedom to make your own meals is wonderful (plus, it's an instant icebreaker to make new friends. Invite the kids on your floor over for popcorn one of the first evenings and you'll meet everybody!)

You are going to change (probably a few times!) during the next few years. College is a great place to start figuring out who you are, as opposed to who other people think you are.

Aurora · Marc Jacobs

I think it just depends on what your plans are. I saw everything on my campus from pajama pants (yes I did that a few times) to jeans and tshirts, to dressy stuff on the Sorority girls. So really it is all about what you want to look like and what will make you happy.

I don't know much about DC but I would assume a good coat and boots would be a must. Other than that pick up some cute going out clothes at a place like Forever 21 so that if it gets ruined you won't be out a lot of money.

Suasoria · Chanel

Good responses so far. It's really individual - your style is your style - although the campus culture may be a factor. I went to college in a very casual beach town but I always tried to dress semi-professionally - mostly blazers, skirts/dresses, ballet flats. I didn't even own jeans in college! I honestly think it helped me distinguish myself from other students, psych them out a little, and get noticed and credited by professors and TAs. People just took me more seriously and it helped me get positions at the newspaper, student government, appointments with deans, financial aid people, etc.

If you're going into a dorm they should give you a list of suggestions for your room. If you have a roommate you can coordinate with them in advance so you don't end up with two coffee makers, two fridges, etc.

kenzie · Chanel

lacrosseluver04 wrote:

Yes. I really want to go the preppy route! I'm thinking a lot of cardigans, maybe an argyle vest or 2, and some ruffled-esque tops from Jcrew? Etc.

DC is just so expensive, I dont want to have to go buy a lot of clothes there, though I will sure as heck be tempted!

I bet DC has a lot of good vintage/consignment stores, too?

I'm sure DC has great places to shop!

I agree with what the other girls said, especially the part about really waiting until you get to the school to buy more clothes. I went to a few different colleges (one in a small, college town and the other in an urban area in a big city). The styles were SO different between the two. People dressed up a lot more at the urban school, whereas at the college in the college town, people wore the stereotypical college attire (lots of jeans, hoodies, etc. and clothes from AE and A&F).

greendiamond · Marc Jacobs

You won't need a lot of dressy outfits, but will want to take some versitle pieces for when you do need to dress up. An interview suit, dress black pants and gray pants and a few blouses, a few skirts and black dress and just a dress or two more should serve you well. You will be suprised how quickly your tiny closet will fill up.

But, the good news is you will have the wardrobes of your friends to look to too, so that will be fun and give you a chance to try new looks too.

Leave sentimental jewelry at home and, be thinking about how you will hide your expensive belongings that are a must on campus (ipod, etc). It doesn't have to be fancy or elaborate... you just don't want your roommate to leave the dorm door open while she goes down the hall for a minute and have some passer-by see your ipod sitting out and decide to swipe it.

pinkkitty · BCBG

Rain boots!!