First semester at school can be insanely busy. From going to class to skipping class, and everything in between, you definitely don’t have time to hop on the city bus to head to the one decent mall in town to go shopping. That means you’ll want the perfect pieces already at hand.
These eight college wardrobe essentials will provide countless mix and match opportunities:
1. Dark jeans: Wear with a white t-shirt for 8am class or a button-up for going out.
2. A pack of white t-shirts: Buy in bulk. Wear. Repeat.
3. Button-up shirt: Yes, a stylish button-up is a great “going out” top for guys, but don’t save ’em just for after dark.
4. Jogger sweatpants: You got into college, so yes, you’ve earned the right to wear sweatpants for another few years. I’m not going to take that away from you.
5. Training sneakers: Work off that late-night dollar slice (or three) ((don’t worry, I get it. When they have those huge dispensers of ranch sauce at the counter? I mean, what are you supposed to do?))
6. Desert boots: Knowing you need a pair of desert boots in your closet is what separates a boy from a man. Almost as good as a diploma. Almost.
7. A stylish watch: I wish I didn’t have to say it, but don’t be that guy pulling out your phone in the middle of class to check the time…and your text messages about tonight’s plans. Besides being practical, a nice watch completes any outfit.
8. A backpack: Yes, it’s a necessity, but it still might as well look good.
College grads: What would you add to this list of essentials?
College students: Have you started shopping / packing yet?
For more of SG’s take on college style, read this, this and check out this.
Do you guys think a Filson is worth it? I need a good bag for college, and am on the fence between a shoulder bag and a backpack.
I loved my backpack in college. You’ve got all the time in the world to throw your shoulders out of alignment with a one-sided bag..take the time now to two-shoulder it
Definitely second SG here. I used a shoulder bag for a year and got a backpack for the next three. TNF, Osprey, and Patagonia are good places to start!
Oh college, the memories…
Forever 21 has the sweatpants/shorts things that are nice and very comfortable to wear during the warmer months (can’t find the link right now).
Also don’t stock up on a ton of stuff before college, your waistline will probably expand a little so prepare for the dreaded freshman 15.
ha, sad but true!
This is was pretty much me when I was in college. I do have to say, I can’t get behind the sweatpants. I may have worn them my freshman year to more classes than I care to admit. I think the problem is they give off the lack of interest and not in the Jeff Winger “I spent 2 hours to make it look like I didn’t try” way. I say just rock some jeans, just as easy and it looks better.
I’m just trying to be realistic. I know how often I dressed down (like, way waaay down) in college, so the least I can do is include a “nicer” pair that looks a little more suitable to hit the streets in
That does make sense, and I’ll admit I did check them out because I need a new pair to lounge around the house in.
It may be taken for granted, but I think a belt would be considered a men’s essential. A real belt (as opposed to one that only goes with one particular outfit), made of good leather, with a muted buckle, so as not to attract attention to it. A good belt completes an outfit just as much as a good watch!
Good addition, Ben!