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At college, it is important to be comfortable and confident in the clothes you wear! This post is to share some of the best wardrobe basics for college.
Of course we all wish we had the space to take our whole closet, but in reality, you only need the basics. Everything linked below is affordable and can be worn in many different ways.
I linked below the pieces that I have in my own closet and LOVE them. I get consistent use out of the products and like I always say, “quality over quantity.”
If you are having trouble with colors, I highly suggest the basics: white, black, grey, and tan!

You can find more of my FAV clothing pieces linked on the Menu Bar of Simplified Jane – Shop My Favorites!
1. Oversized T-Shirts
Of course the trends at different colleges vary, but the best things to wear to class are the most comfortable. The beauty of an oversized t-shirt is that there is ENDLESS ways to style them!
You can dress them down with athletic shorts or dress them up with ripped mom jeans. Your school is going to offer/giveaway so many t-shirts, and if you are in a sorority, you will get even more!
Purchase the simple but versatile t-shirts for your wardrobe!
2. Crop Tops
A simple but layer-able piece is crop tops! They can be affordable and are very stylish. You are going to be wearing them more than you realize, and if you are at a school where it is hot most of the year, you will be thankful you packed them!
These I have linked below are my “GO-TOs.” I have seriously worn these EVERYDAY this summer, and plan on doing it while as school too!
3. Going Out Tops
Of course you’re going to be. going out and hanging out with friends while you’re at college. My tip for you is to purchase tops specifically. for going out that can look goof with jeans, shorts, or skirts!
These I. have recently purchased myself and LOVE them! My personal fav for a going out look is of course, a black top and jeans!
Another easy piece to layer and wear year round is bodysuits!
4. Lounge Wear
Cute and comfy loungewear sets are perfect for hanging around the dorms! With not knowing how college will look this semester, I have a feeling we will be hanging around our dorms a lot!
Having a simple set like these I have linked are just what you need! I am in love. with Target’s because they are soft and affordable!
5. Athletic Clothes
If you’re into working out, these are a necessity. But they are also great to just throw on to class! You can get that “I just got back from the gym” look when you didn’t really go. And athleisure is so IN right now!
Athletic sets are easy to style and SUPER comfy! Some cheaper sets are great form target! They are a good quality and have even better support!
6. Loose Athletic Shorts
Trust me… purchase you several good pairs and thank me later. I live in athletic shorts EVERYDAY. Perfect for throwing on with a bog tee for class or the gym!
My favs are Nike at the moment! I’ve linked them below! Another popular brand is the obvious Lululemon!
7. Jeans
Of course the basic pair to have is some skinnies! I also recommend a pair or two of mom jeans! I seriously can’t stop wearing mine, and they go with everything!
My fav places for jeans are Pacsun, Levi’s, and Buckle! The pairs I actually have in my closet are linked below! I highly suggest purchasing a classic dark denim color, light washed, as well as black or white!
8. Shorts/Skirts
These are in the same category because they tend to be more seasonal, but they are still a necessity while it is still summer weather!
On trends styles for shorts are the classic mom fit. When it comes to skirt trends, it all depends on your style. Silk and florals are totally in.
9. Sneakers
Get yourself a pair of sneakers that are comfortable. You are more than likely going to be having to walk all over campus, so a good pair of cute walking shoes are just what you need!
A continuing on trend style for sneakers is obviously the Nike AF1s. I have linked those below if that is your style, but if not there are other options below too! And of course they do. not have to be white, but white happens to match almost everything!
10. Going Out Shoes
As any other college girl would say, their “go-to” shoes is booties!
You can dress them up or down, and get away with wearing them every season. You can’t go wrong with a classic black pair, and you can always mix it up with textured black.
I suggest getting a cheaper pair just in case they get ruined while you’re out! Boohoo and NastyGal are my FAV places.
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