Back To The Basics: A Capsule Wardrobe for a College Student
Creating a closet that highlights your personal style while also being comfortable and appropriate for classes can be difficult. Between classes, extracurricular activities, jobs, and other college related commitments, finding a stylish outfit can often add stress to your every day. Finding pieces that are timeless, easy to style, and reliable is crucial to creating your ideal wardrobe. Quality is always preferred over quantity, as these pieces will last longer and declutter your space. I have found that the best way to simplify your daily routine is to build a versatile closet that is centered around the basics.
Basics are the cornerstone of a capsule wardrobe. A capsule wardrobe is a collection of pieces that can be easily mixed and matched to create a variety of classic outfits. Essentials are important whether you're transitioning from high school to college, navigating your college years, or preparing to graduate and start a new life in a different city as a post-grad. Nursing student, Molly Huff said “Coming from a school that had a uniform, I found it challenging to find trendy and comfortable outfits that didn't focus entirely on athletic wear. I like athletic wear but I also want to look put together during classes and on the weekends!” When shopping for basics, it's important to go in with a plan to create your new wardrobe. Black, white, and gray are staple colors for basics; however, don't be shy to try bright colors if it captures your personal aesthetic more! Tanks and cropped t-shirts are perfect for layering with a sweater or cardigan during fall and winter or paired with shorts or a skirt in the summer. When it comes to jeans, finding what you feel most comfortable in is vital. Everyone needs at least one pair of good, high-quality jeans that they feel their best in. Once you find that, get them in a couple of different colors or materials to dress up or dress down!
How many times have you found yourself thinking, “I have nothing to wear,” when your closet is packed to the brim? This issue is a common struggle for college students, and focusing on quality over quantity is a good way to remedy this. Of course, you should still strive to include fun and trendy garments that reflect your own personal style, however well-made and simple pieces allow for casual outfits that fit in your daily schedule. Higher quality basics ensure comfort, durability, and style that will outlast cheap “trendy” pieces that will only last you a season. Shopping off-price retailers such as Nordstrom Rack and Last Call guarantee a premium garment that won't break the bank.
With our busy schedules, selecting an outfit that you feel your best in can become a burden. Having access to a variety of basic pieces allows for limitless styling options and will achieve that “put-together look” even when you're running late to class. By ensuring that pieces are good quality, you can rely on them through multiple seasons. The best way to streamline your daily life is to create a curated capsule wardrobe to get you through every season.
