College may only last four years, but a lot can change from the time you step on campus as a clueless freshman to when you leave and enter the “real world.” Every year of college is a different experience, and you don’t want to be unprepared for the new challenges of each year, whether it be frat houses or job interviews. We’ve got you covered with some staples so that you can look the part every year.
Freshman Year
Frat flats
Fraternity houses are notoriously disgusting, however they are a necessary evil for the freshman (and beyond) party scene. You really don’t want to wear your Tory Burch sandals or club heels there, so a cheap pair of ballet flats normally does the trick.
Mossimo Black Ona Flats, $16.99
A practical backpack
Backpacks kind of seem like a nerdy thing to care about, but honestly they’re super necessary in order to be a functioning college student. You can always go with something trendier, but honestly a nice, sturdy backpack will be more comfortable and more practical for day-to-day classes.
Dakine Jewel 26L Backpack in Wallflower, $75
Sophomore Year
Sweatpants
Let’s face it, the sophomore slump is very real. You’ve already been in school for a year, so you’re kind of over trying to impress everyone. No shame in being comfy though. For this year of laziness, a nice oversized pair of sweatpants is essential.
Victoria’s Secret PINK Campus Pant, $46.95
Cross-body bag
Sophomore year is also when you’re confident enough to step up your going-out game. That means you’ll need a cross-body to keep all your items secure and close by.
AEO Tassel Mini Crossbody Bag, $14.99
Junior Year
Pencil skirt
Time to become an actual adult and get an internship, which means you’ll need to buy some uncomfortable but necessary work attire, i.e. a pencil skirt. After all, nothing says “I’m a young career-oriented adult” like shopping at Banana Republic.
Banana Republic Crossover Canvas Pencil Skirt, $78.00
Going-out heels
Junior year is also usually the year you turn 21, which means more bars and clubs for you. While you might already have some heels for going out, you’re going to need a new pair that tells the world you’re a legal adult.
Steve Madden Roebella Pump in Black Nubuck, $109.95
Senior Year
A mature LBD
Skin-tight bandage dresses are a no-go if you’re trying to be taken seriously in the world, but you have to have some kind of an LBD. As an up-and-coming young professional, you’ll need a little black dress that can transition from interviews to going-out effortlessly. Throw a blazer over it and you can meet with companies, but wear some funky heels and you’ll blend in at a bar.
A work bag
Despite your best efforts, you can’t stay in college forever and eventually you’ll need to invest in a career bag. You may want to go ahead and buy the classic briefcase, but there are a lot of briefcase-esque bags that can also serve the same purpose, but look way trendier.
ZARA City Bag with Charm, $49.90