Packing for a weekend trip can be stressful, and when it comes to preparing for an entire semester at college, managing your college wardrobe becomes even more crucial!
As an over-packer, it can be hard not to pack your whole wardrobe. At the same time, under-packers that I know totally regretted not bringing enough of certain items that they ended up needing during the school year.
Don’t make either mistake—that’s where our ultimate college wardrobe packing guide comes in, which breaks down the closet essentials you’ll actually need for college.
The Ultimate (Free!) College Packing List
Wondering what to bring to college? Check out our complete guide to everything — and we mean EVERYTHING — you need to bring to college.
Whether you’re starting your first or final year of college, always remember: less is more when you’re living in a dorm or apartment!
You should have enough clean clothes and underwear for at least a week in each season. Otherwise, you’ll end up doing laundry multiple times a week, something you won’t have time or the willpower for.
You don’t want to run out of clothes either, though—the goal is to pack just the ✨right✨ amount.
RELATED READING: Cute College Outfits: 10 Looks to Get You Back-to-School Ready
So, without further ado, here is what I believe to be the definitive guide to what every college girl should have in her wardrobe: the staples you’re actually going to want to be wearing for your four years of college life.
Table of Contents
Everyday/Class:
4 Tees
Get a few basic tees or tank tops of varying lengths (cropped tees count, too) in different basic colors like black, white, gray, and navy blue.
Also, throw in at least one fun tee in your favorite color for variety or a graphic print tee that features a band, a cute saying, or your University’s logo.
These can be worn alone in summer or layered under cardigans, jackets, and long-sleeved tops in the fall and winter. (See our guide to casual college outfits for examples of how we wear these.)
3 Cute Tops (Blouses, Bodysuits, and/or Basic Crop Tops)
These would be your trendy pieces that rotate from year to year; they can include crop tops, plaid/flannel shirts, cute cami tanks, and button-down shirts (which are also great for layering over camis!).
4 Sweaters
Oversized, cozy sweaters are my favorite thing to wear during the winter, and no one can convince me otherwise.
Just be sure that the vast majority of your sweaters are not dry clean-only options; for example, try to avoid fabrics like wool and cashmere. Trust me, going to the dry cleaners will probably be the last thing on your mind when trying to balance school and your social life!
(Check out our guide to the best sweaters for college to see the types of sweaters you need to pack.)
3-4 pairs of Casual Shorts
I have a pair of flowy shorts, some athletic shorts, and jean shorts in three colors: vintage wash, white, and black.
The Agolde shorts above are a splurge, but they have honestly changed my life! They fit better than any other pair I’ve tried, and I wear mine multiple times a week.
Levi’s and Abercrombie & Fitch also have great options.
2 Casual Skirts/Dresses
If you can’t picture yourself being able to sit comfortably in your cute dress or skirt of choice, reconsider packing it.
I love wearing tennis-inspired skirts and dresses that have hidden shorts underneath (a.k.a. skorts)—not only do they look adorable, but their athletic vibe makes them practical for running around campus. (Especially since you can wear them with sneakers, and they are often made with sweat-wicking fabrics.)
Also, opt for t-shirt and tank dresses—since these are considered basics, you can style them a bunch of different ways throughout the year and depending on the weather. They look cute on their own but are also easy to layer things over (like sweaters and jackets), and are *almost* as comfy as your favorite tee or tank.
Denim skirts, tiered maxi skirts, and cargo skirts have become big trends this year, which also make for stylish yet casual options.
(For more, see our guide to the types of skirts and dresses you need for college!)
2-3 pairs of quality jeans
No college wardrobe essentials list would be complete without jeans!
Pay attention to the inseam length, quality, and price when buying a pair of jeans. I’d suggest bringing a straight-leg (or slim-ish fitting) pair and a looser pair, that way you have a more “polished” option and a more casual option.
Levi’s Low Pro jeans are one of my personal favorites: they are budget-friendly and come in a bunch of washes to choose from, with a baggy fit throughout the legs and a lower waistline that looks great with crop tops and baggy tees alike.
1-2 Pairs of “Fun” Pants
You’ll want some “fun” pants in your wardrobe when you get tired of wearing jeans or leggings (more on those, below).
Cargo pants have become practically as essential as denim, so bring a pair or two with you; wear them with a long-sleeved tee and sneakers to class or a crop top when going out with friends.
Faux leather pants are another must-have, especially on weekends when you’re hitting the bars or party scene. They work well with booties, sneakers, and heels so that you can wear them for a good portion of the school year with various going-out tops.
I also love trouser pants, because you can wear them to class presentations or an internship, but also casually around campus with sneakers and a t-shirt.
3-4 Pairs of Leggings
Let’s be real: you’re going to be living in leggings a good portion of the time. There’s just no beating their comfort and ease, especially when you’re trekking across campus day in and day out.
Straight, flared, and bootcut styles are all great silhouettes to choose from.
I also suggest buying running or workout leggings since they last longer, lower the chance of panty lines, and can be used for actually working out, too.
Although Lululemon Align leggings are incredibly popular on campus (see our Lululemon shopping tips to save money there), look to other major sports brands, Amazon, and even Old Navy; their leggings hold up surprisingly well even during a workout.
2 Loungewear Sets (Hoodies and Sweatpants)
Another thing you’ll likely be living in at college? Hoodies and sweatpants.
Whether you’re chilling with friends, studying, or heading to an early-morning class, you need reliable sweats in your college wardrobe.
They don’t necessarily have to be a matching set, though coordinated sweat sets do make you look a bit more put-together. But ultimately, so long as they aren’t completely mismatched, you should be fine!
You also can’t go wrong with repping your school by wearing a sweatshirt with your university’s logo or mascot.
2 Pairs of good walking shoes
Popular shoes for college include white Adidas Sambas and Gazelles, Nike Dunks, Air Force 1s, any type of Converse, Vans, or New Balance sneakers, classic footbed sandals, and slides.
Good walking shoes are especially important if your campus is large—you may be surprised at how much walking you’ll have to do to get around!
(See our article on the best casual shoes for college for an in-depth guide to these!)
2 Spring/Fall Jackets:
In the spring and fall, you’ll want a lightweight jacket that is versatile enough to wear with different outfits and has a casual vibe.
Go for a neutral-colored utility jacket or shacket (a cross between a shirt and a jacket) that can be worn with jeans, leggings, skirts/dresses, and more.
The same goes for a classic denim jacket; opt for an oversized fit for a modern look.
Other light jacket options include bomber jackets, faux leather jackets, windbreakers, oversized blazers, and trench coats.
(For more, see our list of the coats and jackets you need for college.)
1 Winter Coat
Make sure your coat is warm and appropriate for the chilly months at your school.
I recommend picking one that has a hood and if possible, that is made with water-resistant material (like the option above, which comes in eight different colors) — you never know when a sudden rain or snow storm might hit while you’re trekking across campus!
Jewelry of choice
Avoid bringing jewelry that is sentimental or expensive to college, especially if you know you’re prone to losing things (like me, oops).
Luckily, there are so many affordable jewelry options that will enhance your outfits without breaking the bank, like a gold-colored chain necklace. Layer a few (these come in a three-pack) for an even cooler look.
A pair of gold hoop earrings go with just about any outfit—even sweats—and will make you look instantly put-together. This super affordable pack of six hoop earrings will definitely keep you covered for the whole year (or maybe even all four years!).
(See our list of the best jewelry for college to learn exactly what you need to bring.)
1 Backpack or Tote Bag
Make sure your bag is large enough for your school supplies, secure enough to carry your laptop, and comfortable to carry.
The sturdy backpack above is a really popular choice on campus, but we have even more recs in our articles on cute backpacks for 2023, the best college backpacks, and bags for college.
A week’s worth of Bralettes/Bras/Socks/Underwear
Bring extras for all of these essential items; you never want to be wearing dirty socks! I’ve found a two-week supply of the above works best for me.
You’ll likely need a basic, everyday bra, like the Victoria’s Secret Pink “Wear Everywhere T-Shirt Bra,” which is lightly lined and made from smooth jersey material and has multi-way straps. Opt for a neutral color that matches your skin tone so that you can wear it under light-colored tops without it showing through.
Skims Fits Everybody underwear is made of the stretchiest, most breathable fabric on the planet. I also like to buy value packs of socks on Amazon.
Working Out
1 Pair of Good Sneakers for Exercise
It is essential that the shoes you are wearing are designed for the workout of your choice and are supportive. Injuries are not fun or cute!
I usually prefer black or gray sneakers because they can be worn with non-workout outfits as well (white ones tend to get dirty quickly!), but colorful workout shoes are always a fun choice, too.
(See our guide to the best workout shoes for detailed help finding your perfect pair.)
2 Sports Bras
Sports bras come in three types: low-impact, medium-impact, and high-impact. Think about what category you’ll need! If you’re an A or B cup, you can also typically get away with medium-impact sports bras for high-impact activities.
My favorite brands for sports bras include Nike and Under Armour.
I really like listening to music while running, so I included my favorite sports bra with a pocket that can fit my iPhone, ID, and house key!
3-4 Workout tops
Definitely invest in a couple of workout tops that are comfortable and cute; you can wear them to class, which will motivate you to run straight to the gym afterward!
The key is to pick ones with moisture-wicking fabric, to help you avoid looking and feeling sweaty.
3-4 Workout bottoms
If you don’t plan on working out or being super active, you can obviously bring fewer athletic bottoms, but keep in mind that these can be worn outside of the gym to class, study sessions, and for lounging around, making them multi-functional.
Amazon has some insanely good running shorts these days—these ones are my newest favorites and they’re amazing quality.
Also, be sure to bring some joggers or sweatpants to throw over your leggings or shorts for the winter time, too; no one wants to walk to the gym with freezing legs.
And at least one pair of black leggings from the section above can totally count for workouts.
Social/Going Out
1-2 Casual Statement pieces (Ex: dress, matching set, romper, jumpsuit)
Find something comfortable and cute that you would want to wear for a night out with your friends. Bonus points if it’s a matching set you can break up as needed!
I’d also argue that everyone needs an LBD in their wardrobe: it’s one of the most versatile clothing items that can be styled a ton of different ways with different shoes and accessories.
1+ pair of cute heels
If you could only pick one type of heels to bring with you, let them be a shade similar to your skin tone. That way, they’ll match everything, and they’ll make your legs look longer. Trust me on this one!
And, of course, classic black heels would be my #2 pick.
I’d suggest choosing an inexpensive pair with a block or wedge heel since they may very well get ruined eventually (the dirty, sticky floors are no joke), and they’ll be more comfortable than impractical stilettos.
1+ Clubbing Dresses
Bring at least one body-con or mini dress for any formals you might be going to. Lulus, Windsor, and Forever21 have great, inexpensive options!
Avoid wearing expensive pieces; you will sweat while dancing, and you might be spilled on. Swap with friends to expand options!
3 sets of Tailgate/Darty Clothes
Dressing up is fun, but depending on your college social life, it’s not always going to be realistic.
If you plan on attending frat parties, tailgates, and “darties” (day parties), you’re going to need clothing that is less fancy (and less expensive). Also, shoes that can handle spills, sticky floors, muddy grass… and hopefully not puke.
Think of sneakers that can get beat up, sturdy black combat boots, machine-washable bodysuits, crop tops, and your hardiest pair of jean shorts. (The Agolde ones above in the shorts section should survive, but I’d also get some cheaper ones for parties — Abercrombie makes a great affordable pair.)
Add an inexpensive jacket that you would be okay with losing for the colder months, like a faux leather moto jacket or a shacket.
Other College Clothing Essentials
1 Pair of Rain boots or Snow boots
This is mostly dependent on where you go to school. Check with current students (or Instagram location tags) to find out if your campus handles rain well and if the snow will be a concern.
If rain is the main concern, I love ankle boots like the pair above. Also, these don’t look like rain boots but are waterproof! Their fashion-forward design makes them way more versatile than traditional rain boots. (But of course, rubber boots are your best bet if you’ll be dealing with higher-than-average rainfall).
Ugg, Sorel, and The North Face are all great brands for snow boots, with sturdy yet stylish designs.
1 Umbrella
Trust me; you’ll be stuck walking in the rain to class at least once.
I prefer a compact-sized umbrella that will fit in my bag and is lightweight. Like this one, which comes in a bunch of colors.
Be sure to check out our list of can’t-forget college accessories for even more items you need to pack.
1 Pair of Shower Shoes
Please don’t think about setting foot in a communal shower without shower shoes. You can’t be sure what you’re stepping in.
I’m a big fan of my Adidas slides, but clean flip-flops work too!
1 Bathrobe & 1 Set of Really Cozy PJs
For my freshman girls using communal bathrooms, a bathrobe will save you the trouble of worrying about a nip slip as you walk down the halls in a towel.
Bring your favorite cozy pjs to remind you of home and to reward yourself after all that studying!
What are your college wardrobe must-haves?
So there you have it, the top items that should be in every college girl’s closet. Of course, these are just my opinions, and you might have your own ideas about this, too. (For more on packing for college, see our guide to the college essentials you didn’t know you needed.)
Let me know if you agree with me or if you think something is missing by leaving a comment!
What are your closet essentials? Let me know in the comments!
Excited about your college wardrobe transformation? Check out more of our college outfits and tips below:
Hey, just wanted to make a sugestion for all the sweats lovers out there. Faded Glory makes some jeggings that are amazing, but they have belt loops and pockets. so they are comfy enough to sleep in but nice enough to wear to class.They also come in the regular jean washes and bright colors.
What a great list of wardrobe essentials! This can be considered a “Bible” of college fashion in one post. Great stuff! Thanks for sharing.
what brand of black leggings do you recommend? ones that are not super thin, cheap to high quality brands.
thanks
xoxo
I’m soo happy i saw this post….
This is really all i needed to know…
A huge weight’s been lifted off my shoulder. I’m just so happy 😀
Thanks!
omg this is exactly what i need for college
this is the basic list i might add some to it but thanks for posting this i am going to start college in a few months and is was wondering what to pack :))
This ia very helpf! thank you
So, I love this post.
It really helped me define my wardrobe this past year, which was great because I had an empty closet from my international move. Now it’s filled to the brim and I can safely check off the majority of what’s listed on here.
I just need to get a good fall/spring jacket! I want one that’s both warm and not thick at the same time, so I can carry it around when the weather gets crazy and flip-flops between chilly and humid.
I’m not done yet and will probably keep checking back for now, but this post is gold and will always be relevant to every college girl out there.
Hi! I liked a lot the list you’ve made. I started college this year and I spend about 10 minutes deciding what to wear before going to sleep (Just because I’m so indecisive!). Plus, it really prevents me from stressing and arriving late to class.
I mostly wear jeans and sneakers, added to a cute tank or shirt and a blazer, and when the cold days arrive, I change my Chucks for biker boots or my classic Dr. Martens’ pair. I also throw in a colourful knitted sweater and a parka or a coat.
I tend to dress really classy to college, but not because of my personal taste, I do think that every girl should have not only one, but many button-down diffrent shirts and one or two blazers (apart from the classic jacket). With a blazer, you can wear both a button-down shirt, a tank or a rock band tee and it will still look nice. Button-down shirts with diffrent cuts, patterns and styles make your outfit pretty much interesting.
I just discovered this webpage, it will be really useful. Thanks a lot!
Rainboots and love sleeve tees are essential. No buts. It’s near impossible to walk across a huge campus in the rain without rainboots or at least waterproof sneakers and it gets freezing in the winter and what are you supposed to wear if not long sleeve shirts?
good one………..!!!
I have just found this blog and I love this list!
I have 1 pair of bootcut jeans, 2 skinnys, 1 boyfriend and some skinny flares.
I love skirts I have 4 little short skirts, 1 midlenth, and 2 maxi skirts.
I am going to get a pineapple tracksuit.
I would add a maxi dress to this list- everyone should have a floral maxi dress for the summer, I would also add some leggings or jeggings in a plain colour to wear under long t-shirts, Oh and a crop top for the summer, also a hat, scarf and gloves for the winter and a cute stylish hat and scarf for the summer
:))
For winter boots, amazon is great. You can find a lot of inexpensive (and cute) boots suitable for snow etc. Also, if you’re vegan, they have several animal friendly boots as well. 🙂
Dear Pooja-
I believe selwar is traditional South Asian clothing, which is sooo beautiful. Every culture in the world tends to adopt Western styles except for Indians and Pakistanis- and that is because that clothing is so gorgeous! But if you want to look a bit more like an American college girl, I would suggest you start with clothing with a similar cut to what makes you comfortable. Maybe jeans with a embroidered cotton tunic or a simple T-shirt with a long drapey cardigan over it. If you mix it up with traditional jewelry you could have a very interesting look. Let your hair flow loose too! Big girls are “in” in America, even on TV, so you can take inspiration from others your size as well. Standards of beauty change constantly- its really all about being interesting and projecting a warmth and confidence from accepting yourself that draws people to you.
hi…i m 21 years old…but i m not look like college girl ….i m very fat so i just wear selwar…even my face also not look so good…what to do please can u help me..
Good start, but it’s a little unrealistic to say that people don’t wear sweatpants or never should wear them to class. People honestly don’t care that much about what people wear to class.
California does too have winters… sure, only the higher elevations get snow, but it’s still too cold for me down here!