With move-in day approaching, chances are we’re both buried in to-do lists and buying essentials. However, I’ve recently hit a bit of a block when it comes to what clothes to pack. After checking in with my friends, I realized that many of us are in the same boat. So, because I have my priorities “entirely straight”, I took it upon myself to search far and wide for the five most important pieces of clothing you may be forgetting to pack in that suitcase of yours.
The first item is a good pair of walking shoes. Although they’re technically not a piece of clothing, anyone who has stepped foot onto any college campus ever would argue this belongs at the top. No matter the school you’re attending, there’s going to be some kind of on-foot commute. And if you pick those cute ballet flats or Sambas every day, well, I’m sure your feet will let you know how they feel about that. A good pair of walking shoes should prioritize support and comfort, whether for breathability or extra padding. Brands like New Balance and Hoka tend to be the most popular, offering plenty of styles at an affordable price.
Sticking with the theme of stylish comfort, the second item on this list is a pair of baggy jeans. While jeans may not be the comfiest pants in the world, baggier styles typically offer more movability and comfort than their flared or (god forbid) skinny jean counterparts. A well-made pair gives you something comfortable for class and fashionable enough to pair with a cute top if you want to show up to class looking a little nicer than sweatpants and a hoodie.
There’s no shame in a comfortable sweat set, which makes it the third item here. Many people undermine the importance of total comfort when it comes to attending class. Going overdressed to class is a mistake I regret every time and it is not worth sitting through a lecture in discomfort because you didn’t want to look “lazy.” People forget that sweat sets are also extremely versatile. You could wear the hoodie one day, or those sweats another. Either way, they can work separately or together if styled correctly, making them an easy choice when you’re running late to class or are out of options. They match, it’s cute, and you’re comfortable. That’s all that really matters!
The fourth item on this list is a cute top to go out in. Going out is just as much a part of college as lectures! Looking good and feeling good can help you do better when it comes to making friends and balancing everything else that comes with college life. But please, don’t spend a fortune on going-out tops that’ll go out of style by next year. Thrifting and secondhand websites like Depop or Vinted offer some really cute options for cheap, making it easy to save money and find something new for that party next week in a sustainable way.
The fifth and final item is something business casual. While researching, it was the one thing missing from every wardrobe list I found: professional clothing. After asking some of my upperclassmen friends, I’ve found that it is one of the easiest items to miss, but one of the most important ones. Unless you’re going into something like business or law, you don’t need a tailored Aritzia suit that’ll cost a kidney (as stunning as they are). Affordable stores like Burlington or Marshalls carry cute options that will do the job.
Regardless of what you pack this upcoming semester, remember to stay true to your style! Everyone is different, and this list doesn’t have to be a non-negotiable guide. It’s simply a guide for those who, like me, may be stuck on what’s actually needed for college life. And if you’re reading this with absolutely none of these things packed in your suitcase, I’d take that as a sign to go on a shopping spree. Immediately.
