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Have you ever looked into your closet, praying to the fashion gods for that perfect outfit, and then fallen short? With these basic staples, you will always be able to pull out a solid outfit due to their transformative qualities. You can shop the look at the bottom of the page!
A pair of well-fitting jeans: I know, I know, you’re probably thinking, “I have like 20 pairs of jeans,” but most of the time, we only wear one or two pairs at most. Find a pair that fits you perfectly, that accentuates your curves and flatters all the right places. Whether you look better in skinny jeans or flared, that’s up to you. I personally love Gap for jeans. They specifically cater to a variety of different body types. I personally wear a “curvy skinny” fit which is amazing. It compensates for my hips but comes in at my ankles perfectly. Another great place to check out is American Eagle. I’ve had amazing experiences with their salespeople; they are trained in finding the best pair for you. Both of these stores flaunt sales and coupons regularly, so you’re always getting a great deal!
Comfortable flats: The transition from summer to fall, and fall to winter is much easier with the aid of a great pair of flats. The jump from flip-flops and boots is too sudden for me, and flats help me achieve a classy and pulled together look every time. I have a pair in brown leather that I wear on an everyday basis as well as a pair that are a little more jazzed up for nighttime looks. But they have one thing in common: they are comfortable. That’s right! I can actually walk in them and not curse the blisters on my feet later. Lucky Brand has a great selection of flats that don’t leave my ankles bleeding. They also have a lot of choices for color selection.
Black leggings: As basic as it may seem, I can’t tell you how many times I walk around campus and see a girl’s underwear through her leggings, and frankly, I feel sorry for her. The trick is to invest in a thicker legging (think fleece-lined) that won’t thin after the first wash. There is a negative stigma against paying more money for leggings, but based on the amount that I wear them (i.e. every week), it is justifiable to invest in a nicer pair. American Eagle has fun styles for as much as $20 that stay nice, even after a couple washes. Additionally, J.Crew leggings have lasted me years and have never betrayed me. Leggings are a staple because they are quick and easy to throw on, while still accentuating your assets.
A basic white & black t-shirt: T-shirts sound obvious, but often times they are the one item missing in every college girl’s closet. We became so distracted by sparkly things and embellishments that we forget about the trusty, old t-shirt. I live in t-shirts. I pair them with different statement necklaces. I can wear them with jeans or leggings. They can go under sweaters. The possibilities are endless, which makes getting dressed in the morning that much easier. I suggest purchasing 100% cotton in a more thick cotton. However, I don’t suggest spending a ton of money on t-shirts. Based on the amount that you will presumably be wearing them, they can become pilled in the wash or pitted out by sweat. I suggest hitting up Old Navy to stock up. Also, feel free to grab some in other colors!
A little black dress: Nothing makes a girl feel cooler, sleeker, classier, sexier, cuter, smarter, etc. than when she is in her little black dress and I stand by that. A LBD is a must have. You know you have hit the jackpot when the LBD can be dressed up and down. Your little black dress should hit a little above the knee but not too much higher. As far as my material goes, that is your personal preference. I love cotton because it breathes so well, but polyester and silk work as well. Additionally, I like sleeveless LBDs because I think it makes it a little more fun, but that all depends on your style. An LBD can be dressed down in the fall with boots, tights, and a warm sweater, or dressed up for a night out with great jewelry, pumps, and a bold lip. Topshop and Urban Outfitters boast a wide selection of LBDs. Additionally, the site Tobi has some good options (but use caution: the clothes don’t hold up that well over time).
A cute pair of wedges: Wedges are not just for summer anymore. With new styles in suede and leather, this shoe is making a comeback in a major way. Every college girl needs a wedge for a variety of reasons. One being that they are the easier heel; you have a lesser chance of falling over in a wedge than you do in a regular heel. Another reason is that they look awesome with tights. I wear my black suede peep toe wedges with black sheer tights and it looks great. J.Crew has a great selection of wedges if ou have less of a budget. However, I have recently been finding that Forever 21 is stepping up their shoe game so it might help to check out there first!
A statement necklace: I cannot stress enough how important the statement necklace is. It has the capability of changing an outfit completely. As stated above, I like to pair mine with my t-shirts, my LBDs, and many other outfits. The trick to a statement necklace is to leave it at the statement necklace. Other than a pair of simple studs, other jewelery should be left at home. Great places to pick up a statement necklace include Francesca’s Collectibles which often boasts buy one, get one 50% deals as well as Charming Charlies, another jewelry boutique. I have one that matches the color of my eyes, one in cubic zirconium, and many others. Once you buy your first, I promise you won’t be able to stop.
A chunky sweater: I live in my big, comfy sweaters come fall and winter. Sweaters are the type of clothing that you can literally have for years if taken care of properly. I don’t wash my sweaters ever; I dry-clean them after about 3 or 4 wears. Though this is a little extravagant, I don’t skimp on the price of the original sweater. The way I see it is that they deserve to be taken care of. Sweaters are great with any bottoms for the most part. They’re also essential because they give off that not-really-trying-to-look-cute-but-I-actually-am vibe in the best way possible. Some of my favorite sweaters are from Free People and Express. Try and buy some in a material that won’t instantly shed. Also, go a size bigger than usual. They’re comfier, I promise.
A white button down: Something about this crisp, white classic gives an air of confidence and class to anyone who wears it. Button-downs are absolutely timeless. Strong and powerful women have been wearing them for years and as time has continued, they have only become more stylish. Button-downs look polished tucked into jeans, sexy over leggings, and can even be a cute jacket over an LBD. Free People debuted a great button-down this season. Additionally, H&M has some cheap yet fashionable styles. You can never go wrong in a button-down.
Lil booties: Less cumbersome and clunky then full-on boots, booties give off a similar vibe and look with way less effort. I wear my booties almost every day. They have a little heel on them which helps give me stride and are wide enough to allow me to tuck in any pant. Booties are just plain adorable and are on the rise. I would suggest a bootie in leather, preferably brown , with a chunky heel. This is a staple I would also suggest investing in. When treated with product properly, these bad boys can last you seasons upon seasons. Frye Boots are pricey but the best of the best. Their premium leather is unmatched. I’m a huge fan of Sam Edelman, and they brought their A-game in the bootie competition so they’re worth a peak as well.
Consult this list all year long whenever you’re in a style rut. Mix and match and you’ve got plenty of outfits to make it through your most lazy days.
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