STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Sarah · Nine West

back to school shopping...for college

Kitty · Hermes

Whoa, your college sounds exactly like mine..are you in california?

Anyway, I pretty much lived in jeans, fitted hoodies, tank tops, flip-flops, and summer-y skirts

shopgirl82 · Chanel

i actually found a lot of cute things (all tops) that i like from Alloy. they're all really casual. i remember getting a ton of hoodies (but cute) from F21 last year, and i like C&C California tops, James Perse Tops, Splendid Tops, Ella Moss tops for casual. On the bottom I wear Gap active, Anthro lounge (more for pjs), Juicy Velour, lots of denim, and super soft cargos.

HTH.

nikkib222 · BCBG

I would actually caution you from buying too much before you start. I remember when that once I saw what everyone else was wearing during the first few weeks of the year, I wanted slightly different clothing from what I had bought before I went away to school. But I would suggest stocking up on basics like jeans, cute tops, and flip flops. Unless your school is in a rural area, you can always buy more when you get there.

Aurora · Marc Jacobs

A few questions:

1. what school are you going to?

2. will you be going through rush?

I ask because climate changes so quickly in some places and not so much in others. I know with my school it was practically flip flop weather year round but other places actually have seasons so summer clothes might not last you very long.

I ask about rush because once you get into a sorority you might want to go shopping with your sisters and wished you hadn't bought so many clothes also. But if rush isn't something you are going to do then don't worry about that.

kenzie · Chanel

I agree with the idea of waiting until you're there a few weeks until you buy too much. I made the mistake of buying a ton of clothes before I left for college and once I got there, I didn't want to wear them anymore.

That said, you can't go wrong with flip flops, jeans, cargo pants, basic knit shirts, a few hoodies. Other than that, I'd wait on everything else until you settle into the vibe of your school.

Sarah · Nine West

Thanks guys for all the help. I go to school in Kentucky so it's hot until about the middle of October. I am actually already in a sorority (and I asked for your advise during rush and it went great!!!). I never have a problem finding clothes for the fall/winter, but the Spring and Summer always get me. I always just wear jeans and t-shirts and I want to get out of that rut. YUCK!!! I'm gonna take your advice and get some basic tees and tanks, and denim and wait until I get down there to go shopping. THANKS SO MUCH...keep the ideas coming....

Aurora · Marc Jacobs

oh ok. I thought you were starting college in the fall. well then I have problems with finding cute summer clothes too that I can wear on the weekends and to work. The big Nordies sale starts on Friday so I'd recommend checking there for some nice basics that might be on sale. I tend to put stuff on my wish list there and check back every week to see if anything goes on sale and buy things that way. Easy way to stock up.

Not sure if you like denim gauchos but my nordies still has the parker 301 style I think for $99. I have just the parker gaucho style (no number not sure the difference besides half an inch on the inseam) and I really like them and they are a nice alternative to wearing jeans.

Do you have access to an outlet mall? I was at the J Crew outlet in May and they had some nice tshirts there for $10 that could be dressed up or down.

I have been eyeing some Michael Stars tees. They look really nice but I've never tried any. Sometimes I find them at saks outlet or on sale online.

Lilykind · Hermes

I used to go to a school on a huge hill (in Virginia). The best part about it was that by graduation no matter what your dress size was, all the seniors would have the most amazing legs. That said, if you are comfortable with your legs, I would try to wear more knee length-ish light skirts. They're comfy, modest enough for hill-walking, and very flattering. I wear printed skirts with graphic tees/wifebeaters and treat them like they're denim. If your style is more preppy, polo shirts would look really cute too. If you wear sneakers, flats, boots (when it's colder), and flip flops, people shouldn't think that you're overdressed. If they do, that's their problem.

Here are some of the kind of skirts I'd go for. These are all cotton.

Anthro (all on sale)

confitero skirt berry farm skirt bark cloth skirt

The Gap.

I'd also look at Claudia's, Maddie's and theotherjess' past thread style posts. They're college age and have great style.