As tempting as it may be to take your entire wardrobe with you to college, it’s not a very practical idea. So we’ve put together a packing list to get you on the right track.
Overall, we suggest that you prioritize all of your fall and winter clothing over summer items as we head into fall as you check off items on the list. And if you need or want a few new items before the start of the quarter, we’ve got you covered with some of our top picks for solid wardrobe essentials.
We recommend that you go for high quality wardrobe basics over budget trendy pieces. We’re not saying never invest in a trend, but just evaluate your purchase before committing to something that you once wear and then forget altogether.
Recommended reading: The essentials of laundry that every freshness needs
Essential clothes you need for college
It doesn’t matter who you are or where you call home during college, here are the top things that should be on your packing list:
- jeans
- T-shirts
- Beautiful tops
- Shirts
- Sweaters
- Dress pants
- Dresses
- Trainers
- Heels
- Relaxation clothing
- Slippers
- Athletic wear
- Raincoat
Don’t forget your essential university basics
Daily basics to remember:
- Socks
- Underwear
- Arm
- Tights
With these items in mind, we’re going to dive into some of our favorite essentials that are perfect for college students.
blue jean
Women’s jeans and men’s jacket Urban Outfitters
Not only will blue denim never go out of style, but wearing it is a great way to add a pop of color to a dull look.
This pair of women’s jeans features a slim fit and a high waist to help create a flattering shape when you wear them. The men’s jacket comes in darker denim, perfect for fall weather.
Women’s jeans – on sale now for just £ 20
Men’s jacket – on sale now for just £ 24
Versatile T-shirts
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Gap t-shirts
A t-shirt that goes with everything is a wardrobe staple. Both are made from 100% cotton and are durable garments.
The women’s t-shirt is slightly cropped and available in a range of neutral and bright tones. You can purchase the men’s t-shirt in black or white, as well as the navy blue pictured above.
Shop the women’s t-shirt from just £ 4.99
Shop the men’s t-shirt for just £ 9.95
Crop tops
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H&M Open Back Cropped Top
A nice crop top can go with jeans, pants or a pretty skirt. This one can be dressed up with glam gold jewelry or worn with high waisted jeans for a cute daytime look. It is also open in the back and can be tied with tight ties placed at the back of the top.
Buy now for £ 12.99
Sweatshirts
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New Look Sweatshirts
Heading into the fall term without something to keep you warm wouldn’t make much sense. These New Look sweatshirts are warm, cozy and comfortable. They’re great to throw over your head when you’re rushing to class and don’t really need a jacket.
Women’s sweatshirt only £ 19.99
Men’s sweatshirt only £ 22.99
Elegant shirt
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Superdry Lumberjack Shirt
Having a stylish shirt in your wardrobe can come in handy in unexpected situations. You might need something cool to go to a semi-formal night out, on a date, or just to feel good for a day! The green and black checks on this shirt are a great way to add understated patterns to your cuts. In addition, organic cotton is pleasant on the skin.
Grab yours now for £ 44.99
Dress pants
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ASOS DESIGN Women’s and men’s pants
Like a stylish shirt, stylish pants can come in handy for things like job interviews or any event that might call for something a little more formal than jeans.
The pants for women have a high waist slim fit while the men are super skinny, especially around the legs.
Women’s pants available for £ 20
Men’s pants available for £ 25
Little black dress
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boohoo black mini dress
An LBD is always in fashion. It’s a wardrobe staple that you can pop out for a last-minute nightclub or have a drink with friends. This one from boohoo has cute bow details along the bust and a gathered skirt for an ultra flattering fit.
On sale for just £ 12 at boohoo
Trainers
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White Reebok sneakers
Investing in a stylish, high-quality pair of sneakers before the start of the school year is a great idea. You can wear them to conferences, while exploring your new campus, and most college clubs will allow you to wear sneakers at night as well.
This pair of Reebok is timeless. They’re comfy, easy to put on and dress up, and will last you for years of late-night library sessions and hours on the dance floor.
Buy now for £ 65 from Reebok
Heels
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Cream block heels New Look
While you won’t get overwhelmed by chic college occasions, there are some weird formal parties and chic club nights where a pair of heels is needed.
This cream pair goes with just about any outfit. Plus, the loose fit and four-inch heel mean your feet shouldn’t kill you at the end of a long night out.
Only £ 19.99 at New Look
Relaxation clothing
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boohoo loungewear sets
We’ve said it before by covering the plain supplies you need and we’ll say it again, loungewear is a must. A comfy ensemble is a must-have for those chilly Sundays when all you can think of is how hungover you are, or when embarking on a new streak with roommates. These boohoo sets are very trendy; we love the oatmeal color on the ladies set and the panels on the men.
Shop for women’s loungewear for £ 24
Shop for men’s loungewear for £ 28
Sliders
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Schuh sliders for women and Champion sliders for men
Having a pair of slippers or slippers ready for the colder months is a good idea as you probably won’t feel like walking barefoot on the cold kitchen floor early in the morning. These sliders are easy to put on and take off, are affordable, and will keep your feet clean as you walk through your residences.
Women’s slides just £ 20
Men’s slides at just £ 14
Athletic wear
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Nike t-shirt and leggings
College is often full of late night drinking and too much junk food. So even if you are not the athletic type, we recommend that you balance all the alcohol and pizza with some exercise. Although Nike does not sell the cheapest sportswear, it is among the most durable. The leggings are stretchy but thick while the men’s t-shirt is comfortable thanks to the 75% organic cotton that makes up the fabric.
Leggings on sale now for £ 38.47
T-shirt available for £ 49.95
Rain jackets
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ASOS DESIGN and Brave Soul rain jackets
Going to college in the UK? You will need to add a rain jacket to your list of essentials. Preferably with a hood!
Both of these jacket options will provide much-needed shelter on rainy days and protect you from any annoying wind. They also have zippers and pockets.
Ladies stay dry for £ 18
Men stay dry for £ 20
Treat yourself to something yellow
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H&M yellow cardigan and sweater
Why yellow you might be wondering? Well, wearing yellow is considered a way to make yourself happier. And while college is full of good times, there will definitely be days when you miss home or just feel a little down.
This yellow cardigan is perfect for wrapping up while the hoodie will keep you warm and comfy when you need it most.
Buy the cardigan now for £ 17.99
Buy the hoodie now for £ 29.99
Prices updated on 07/09/2021. We are not responsible for price changes mentioned above.
