5 Back to School Basics for the College Girl Closet

Because I’m an early bird, the madness began in July.

I started the back-to-school rush by compiling a list of textbooks I’d need and scouring the discount and online stores for matching ISBNs. Then I took a look at my binder collection and decided, miracle of miracles, I might squeak by this fall without purchasing a new one to carry around campus (this might be the first time in almost four years that a binder has survived more than one semester). Paper, pens, and other paraphenalia rattled around in the back of my brain, in the yet-unwritten back-to-school checklist.

What is on my back-to-school list, the closet edition, you ask?

Well…

1. Scarves… of All Shapes and Sizes

I love scarves. They’ve become a recent smile-bringer of mine lately, actually. I have quite the collection draping a repurposed towel rack on the back of my bedroom door–one that urged a friend to ask if I had a problem (I quickly assured her they were mostly Christmas and birthday presents!).

One thing that I love about scarves is that they can dress up a simple black tee by adding a pop of color or dash of polka dots. They’re simple enough to toss on in the morning and yet make me feel all fashionable.

Look for scarves of different weights. Go for a lighter, almost transparent material for those summer-esque days at the beginning of the semester.

 

And grab a thicker, warmer, weighter one for that evening class bound to become cooler as the months stretch on.

2. Beaded Necklaces…For a Dash of Dangle

Long, beaded necklaces are a recent addition to the necklace rack on my bedroom wall. I finally found a string of faux pearls for dressier outfits. I have an eclectic ball-and-hoop creation in peach. I like to layer different long necklaces with the beads to add interest and swing-factor.

Long necklaces are great for fingering during lectures while you’re taking notes.

3. A Lace Skirt… For Dressier Days

I loved this post by Elizabeth Loverly on how to style and wear a lace skirt. So many different ways! So many sparked ideas! I’m still scouring racks for a nice lace skirt, but even if you don’t yet have this addition to your wardrobe, the outfit inspiration in Elizabeth’s post is pretty fantastic.

That’s one thing I love about going back to school–I can wear jeans and a tee (with a scarf, of course) one day and wear a skirt with a beaded necklace the next! I used to think that I had to fit into some predetermined style guide: I had to be all country rustic and wear jeans every day or I had to be the girly-girl never seen outside a skirt. But my style is mine and yours is yours. Wear what makes you smile…go for the unexpected.

4. Maxi Skirts…So Princess-Esque

This one is slightly tricky for me because I’m not quite five foot. Maxi skirts, therefore, can be either one of two things: a tripping hazard or a dress. However, I have been able to take advantage of longer skirts that just happen to become maxi skirts on me. Plus, hemming works with certain fabrics.

This post by Jennifer provides three different ideas on how to wear maxi skirts–perfect for the college girl who wants to be comfortable, casual, and cool while walking on campus on all day!

 

5. Trench Coat

I still haven’t found a trench coat yet, but Miss Cathie’s post on how to pick one got my attention. Just like with beaded necklaces, trench coats seem incredibly versatile, which is exactly what this college girl needs. In my corner of the South, it can be sweltering until well after September, so classrooms are often freezing. Having something to cover up with that happens to be cute, too, is necessary!

(I especially love the petite-girl tips she provides.)

Are you going back to school in the fall? What are some wardrobe or accessory essentials that you love?