Must haves for any college student’s wardrobe

Summer has come to a close and the time of waking up to alarms and stumbling out of bed has reared its ugly head. School is in session and let’s face it: we need to figure out what to wear.

Some days we all just want to roll out of bed and show up to class in our pajamas. While that sounds so tempting, take this year as a fresh start and a new challenge to dress your best (even if it only lasts for a couple of weeks). These top three staple items for your wardrobe are perfect for the year ahead because they are practical and don’t require much effort.

Black skinny jeans

Black skinny jeans are a MUST — no ifs, ands or buts about it. They can easily transform an outfit with no more effort than a pair of regular blue skinny jeans would. They make it look like you put more effort into your outfit than you actually did. Easy for an on-the-go, “throw it on because I’m late for class” kind of day.

Pairing a T-shirt with a pair of black skinny jeans makes for a more put-together look than pairing it with blue jeans. Not to mention, they look good with any shoe you can imagine: boots, heels, sandals, flats and even tennis shoes. They give your outfit a sleeker, more fashionable look without spending extra time in the mornings. And who wouldn’t like a few extra minutes to actually eat breakfast for once?

Blazers

If you are interested in strutting around campus letting people know that you mean business, then blazers, my friend, are for you. I love keeping at least one blazer in my wardrobe at all times because, like black skinny jeans, they give your outfit a whole different look in mere seconds.

Black or gray blazers do give a more professional look, so if you’re looking for something a bit more casual with a sophisticated side, colorful blazers are a good choice. Colors like mustard yellow, maroon, forest or emerald green or light blues are excellent choices. Even fun colors like pink or purple go great with neutral tones. Pairing a colorful blazer with a plain black, white or gray tee is an effortless outfit that looks well thought out and grown up.

Boots

Boots are the mother of all footwear. Why, you ask? It’s because there are so many different kinds and there are so many different things you can wear them with — jeans, shorts, dresses and skirts. You have your combat boots, ankle boots (the Chelsea-style ankle bootie is really popular right now), heeled boots/booties, your general, lace-up Katniss Everdeen-style boot and even rain boots can be made to look fashionable. Combat boots give you a cool, edgy look, while ankle boots or heeled boots give a more sophisticated look without looking too professional. The lace-up Katniss-style boots (usually only found in black or brown, whereas combat boots you can find in many different colors) are much more casual and easy for everyday use.

Now, we go to school in Ohio, which means if it’s going to rain, we may as well be headed for a flood. Rain boots are an excellent option for a college student walking across campus, and you certainly don’t have to pick between wearing the rain boots and being fashionable. Plain colored rain boots (especially black) or rain boots with simple designs (such as black with small white polka dots or houndstooth-patterned) paired with leggings or skinny jeans and a cute jacket can make for a really great and practical outfit.

Starting the school year can be stressful enough without having to worry about what you’re going to wear. Make it easier on yourself by keeping these three things close at hand and I promise you’ll find putting together outfits much easier.