9 Tips for Choosing Your First Day of College Outfit
Have you spent the past year going on campus tours, researching colleges with the best Greek life and writing admission essays? All your hard work has been leading up to this very day - your first day of college! You'll find yourself so wrapped up with unpacking, finding your way around, and getting to know your roommate in the first few days before class that you might not even have time to think about what to wear on the first day of college. With so much on your mind, you may feel like there's no time for anything else.
However, picking out a great first day of college outfit should find its way onto your to-do list sooner rather than later. First impressions matter, and with a great outfit in tow, you'll be able to hit the campus feeling confident for your first day of classes. Do you want to know how to create the perfect first day of college outfits? Keep reading to learn our nine tips and tricks to wow your classmates.
- Go with Something New
It may be time to retire your lucky shirt that you've been wearing every first day of school since 10th grade. Chances are it has stains, discoloration or is ill-fitting. The best way to boost your confidence with your college outfits is to go with something crisp and new. You'll know it fits great, is in style and doesn't have any rips or stains. College is also a great time to reinvent your style, so if you want to break out of old habits, now is the perfect time to do it. Let's face it, there's no better way to face a new school, new students, and new teachers, than with a brand-new outfit. College is your time to get a fresh start - and that begins with your clothes.
- Say No to Skirts
Your first day of school will probably be hot. You may be thinking a skirt would be a great way to look cute and classy. However, the last thing you want to worry about is a wardrobe malfunction on your first day. As tempting as it may be to put on a cute skirt for your first day of classes, resist the urge and go with something a little more functional instead. You're going to spend the day walking across campus from class to class and you might even have to climb a flight or two of stairs. You may even get lost and end up wandering around. If it's a windy day, you'll risk the wind blowing your skirt up. Since buildings and trees can block the wind, you may find that your route on some days is less windy than others. Moving forward you can feel confident wearing skirts, but you should hold off until you learn how windy your campus gets.
- Keep It Classy
So, you finally waved goodbye to mom and dad - freedom! This is the first time in your life you don't have your parents watching your every move. If your parents were strict on what you wore, you may feel tempted to wear a sexy first day of college outfit. However, we suggest keeping it classy. Save the crop tops and teeny tiny booty shorts for the parties. Instead, opt for shorts that cover your butt and a short-sleeve shirt. Cropped pants, jeans and sweaters are also acceptable choices for building a cute outfit.
- Go for Relaxed and Subtle
It's important to remember that college has a relaxed atmosphere. You'll probably see students walking to class in sweats or pajama pants by day two. When deciding how to dress in college, you want to look good without looking like you're trying too hard. If you show up to your first day with heels or a formal shirt, you'll be overdoing it. Try to find a happy medium, like jeans and a basic top. You'll be comfortable and rocking the relaxed college-girl look. But keep those formal outfits in your closet! You'll need them when choosing something to wear to sorority recruitment events. Likewise, don't go too casual on your first day - save the pajamas for day two.
- Accessorize It
Do you have the perfect outfit of basics picked out for your first day of classes? It may look a little too boring for you. After all, you want people to notice you, right? Well, deciding how to accessorize your outfit is an important part in deciding what to wear to college. You'll want to take your relaxed outfit up a notch by pairing it with some jewelry or maybe a hat. Long necklaces or lacy bralettes go great with loose V-neck shirts, while simple bracelets can be a great addition to any outfit. It'll make you look a little nicer without going too fancy.
- Be Trendy
Are you a fashionista who's always up on the latest trends? You can incorporate this into your first day of college outfit. But, remember, college is all about looking relaxed. You don't want to show up looking like you came straight off the runway. Instead, choose one major trend that you love. Find a way to incorporate it into your first day of school outfits in a way that looks great and youthful. There are plenty of ways to mix high fashion into a college girl's outfit. Just be creative! Need a little inspiration? Take a walk around your favorite store and see what's being featured. You can also check out social media for more cute outfit ideas.
- Find the Right Shoes
No outfit is complete without the right shoes! However, your footwear is extra important on your first day of college. You'll be doing a lot of walking on your first day, so stick with something comfortable. Those brand-new flats may be calling your name, but you won't want blisters distracting you while you try to find your way to Algebra 101. Your first day of college is not a great time to put on a brand-new pair of shoes since they won't be broken in yet. Sandals are a great choice. They are casual, comfortable, and stylish. Plus, they go with most cute college outfits. It's the perfect way to bring your outfit together.
- Go Simple with Hair and Makeup
To complete your perfect first day of college outfit, opt for simple hair and makeup. Again, you don't want to look like you're trying too hard. Go for loose curls or beach waves to create a fun, flirty and flawless look that pairs well with college fashion. When it comes to makeup, save the heavy eyeliner and daring eyeshadow for your future girls' night outs. Instead, opt for a warm and subtle everyday makeup routine.
- Don't Forget the Backpack
Lockers aren't a thing on most college campuses, so you'll need to carry everything you need for class with you. Form and function are equally important in your backpack selection. Your backpack will round out your cute college outfits for the next four years, so you'll want to pay attention to which one you buy. If you want to look more sophisticated, consider getting something neutral. It'll let your clothes be the focal point, and it won't clash with your outfits. If you want something fun, go for a bright color or exciting print. Most importantly, look for one that is sturdy and has enough room for your textbooks!
How to Pick Your First Day of College Outfit
If you're starting college soon, you may not know what to expect - or what to wear! But don't worry; just follow our nine tips to pick the perfect first day of college outfit. You'll be able to feel stylish and comfortable as you tackle the first day of your new four-year adventure. Did you like what you read? Check out our blog for your complete guide to college life.