Tote I Sunglasses I Skirt I Boots I Rain Boots I Rain Coat I Jacket I Skinny Jeans I Blazer I Scarf I Clutch

1. Tote Bag
Backpacks are so high school. For your day-to-day bag for classes, a tote bag is a definite must-have. Feel free to splurge a little on this item since you’ll be using it almost every day for hopefully, four years. Look for simple patterns or colors so you can pair your bag with just about any outfit.

2. Sunglasses
Sunglasses are absolutely essential. They’re perfect for hiding those Friday morning under-eye circles and for stealthily checking out the hottie walking past you on the sidewalk. I recommend investing in a few pairs—some for going to class and other, wilder styles for Saturday afternoon festivities.

3. Black High-Waist Skirt
When in doubt, wear your black high-waist skirt for a night out. This must-have can be paired with just about anything, thus making it a versatile wardrobe piece. For a bohemian look, combine it with an oversized, un-tucked top. If you’re going for sleek and sexy, the skirt looks great with heels and a tank.

4. Riding Boots
Great boots will make picking your fall and winter outfits a cinch. Every college girl should have a pair of both brown and black riding boots in her closet. Pair these babies with a sweater and skinny jeans (see tip #7) or leggings and you’re ready for class, dinner with friends…or dare I say it, a date.

5. Rain Boots and Jacket
Now, I suppose this tip doesn’t apply to everyone, but for those of us going to school where it rains and snows, rain boots and a rain jacket are essential. Don’t let yourself be fooled by thinking your boat shoes will keep the precipitation out, rain boots are nonnegotiable. For the winter months when it’s slushy and cold, add inserts to your boots for added warmth.

6. Appropriate Outerwear
Speaking of Mother Nature, whether it’s 20° in December or 60°, appropriate outerwear is key. For colder climates, a long, down jacket is a gift from the winter gods because your typical jacket just won’t do when walking to class in the cold and wind. For warmer temperatures, opt for pea coats and bomber jackets. Hint: look for cute jackets during the spring and summer to score great deals.
7. Go-to Skinny Jeans
Hands down, the legwear of choice in college is skinny jeans. While I recommend creating a stash of these gems, every girl needs that one pair of go-to skinny jeans. These jeans are often of a darker wash, so that they can be worn from class to the bars, and fit like a glove. Make sure you’re absolutely comfortable in this pair, because when you feel comfortable and stylish, you’re confidence shoots through the roof!

8. Blazer
Another essential piece of the college girl’s wardrobe is a casual blazer. Note the “casual” bit—I’m not talking about interview attire here. Roll the sleeves up on the blazer and pair with your skinny jeans and a tank for going out, or wear it as a jacket for class. You can’t go wrong with this stylish piece.

9. Scarves
Most of us college-kids can’t afford an extensive wardrobe so the perfect way to mix things up and create more unique outfits is by accessorizing with scarves. You can combine scarves with basic tees and tanks for an easy, chic look or use them to dress-up sweaters, jackets, simple dresses, and so forth. Bonus: Scarves are inexpensive, easy to care for, and compact so they don’t take up tons of closet space.

10. Cardigans
Another wardrobe must-have is a wide selection of cardigans. Cardis have evolved from the traditional, waist length, no frills, button-up style to the more modern, longer, boyfriend style cardigans. Wear these sweaters with a simple white tank and jeans for class and add a scarf for a dressier option. Have a variety of these sweater options as they make picking out an outfit super easy!

11. Clutch Bags
No college closet is complete without a variety of clutch bags. These handbags are perfect for holding your going-out essentials—keys, money, phone, lip gloss, etc—and come in tons of styles. I recommend beginning your clutch collection with essential brown and black styles. Cross-body types are especially nice for a night-out since they keep your hands free and your bag on your body (no misplacing your valuables, missy).

And, a final tip from an old college grad: be open to sharing your closet with friends because they’ll then do the same for you. Be sure to create some boundary rules for borrowing though, like asking before taking, dry cleaning if necessary and so forth. Sharing closets will guarantee you never have to wear the same thing twice and is a fun way to bond with new friends!

Author’s Bio

Maggie Voelker is a recent college graduate living and working in Indianapolis, IN (and seriously missing college). She loves fashion, concerts, fitness, cooking and traveling.