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Walking onto campus for the first time is your ultimate fashion debut.
This collection features twenty unique looks that balance academic focus with high fashion trends seen on the streets of New York and London.
You want to look approachable yet incredibly polished to ensure you feel confident during those first introductions.
These outfits are designed to be captured in a “Get Ready With Me” video or a perfectly curated Pinterest board.
1. Academic Icon
I styled this for a fashion student who wanted to look both serious and incredibly trendy.
The mixture of a sharp blazer and a sporty jersey creates a very modern campus vibe.
You will feel like the most stylish person in your very first lecture hall.
It is a perfect first impression.
- Top: Red soccer jersey
- Outerwear: Oversized navy blue blazer
- Bottom: Light wash denim jeans
- Shoes: White leather sneakers
- Watch: Silver link strap watch
- Bag: Brown leather laptop backpack
2. Library Luxe
I saw this look on a girl at a prestigious university library last autumn.
The pleated skirt paired with a baggy sweater offers a very intelligent and wealthy aesthetic for you.
You will appreciate how comfortable yet high end this outfit feels during a long study day.
It is a very scholarly style.
- Top: White oversized cable knit sweater
- Bottom: Grey pleated mini skirt
- Shoes: Black chunky loafers
- Accessories: White crew socks
- Earring: Pearl stud earrings
- Bag: Black leather tote bag
3. Creative Campus
I wore a version of this for my own first day of classes years ago.
The colorful vest over a crisp shirt shows off your artistic personality without being too messy.
You will look like a creative leader who is ready to take on new projects.
It is a very vibrant look.
- Top: White cotton button down shirt
- Outerwear: Multi colored knit sweater vest
- Bottom: Baggy tan corduroy trousers
- Shoes: Brown suede boots
- Earring: Gold hoop earrings
- Bag: Green canvas messenger bag
4. Sporty Scholar
I noticed this outfit on a track athlete who always looked like a magazine cover.
Combining a basketball jersey with tailored trousers makes your athletic gear look sophisticated and ready for class.
You will love the ease of movement while maintaining a very sharp silhouette.
It is a winning combination.
- Top: Black basketball jersey
- Bottom: Charcoal pinstripe wide leg pants
- Shoes: Black and white sneakers
- Earring: Silver chunky hoops
- Watch: Black digital watch
- Bag: Black nylon tech backpack
5. Denim Dream
I styled this for a casual campus tour feature in a popular lifestyle magazine.
The long denim skirt is a major trend that looks incredibly polished when paired with a jersey.
You will feel very trendy and cool while walking between different campus buildings.
It is a very effortless choice.
- Top: Pink soccer jersey
- Bottom: Mid wash denim maxi skirt
- Shoes: White platform sneakers
- Necklace: Silver heart pendant necklace
- Earring: Small silver studs
- Bag: Pink denim shoulder bag
6. Preppy Power
I saw this look at an orientation event and it stood out immediately.
Layering a sweater over your shoulders is the ultimate “old money” trick for a collegiate look.
You will look like you belong to an elite social circle on campus.
It is a very classic ensemble.
- Top: Blue striped button down shirt
- Outerwear: White knit sweater draped on shoulders
- Bottom: White tailored shorts
- Shoes: Tan leather loafers
- Earring: Gold knot earrings
- Bag: Navy blue leather satchel
7. Grunge Graduate
I wore this for an evening seminar and felt incredibly edgy and comfortable.
The oversized flannel shirt adds a layer of mystery and coolness to your baggy denim look.
You will look like a relaxed student who has a very deep interest in music.
It is a very authentic style.
- Top: Black jersey camisole
- Outerwear: Red and black plaid flannel shirt
- Bottom: Baggy black ripped jeans
- Shoes: Black leather combat boots
- Earring: Silver safety pin earrings
- Bag: Black canvas backpack
8. Pastel Professor
I saw this outfit on a young teaching assistant who had impeccable taste.
Soft colors make you look very approachable and friendly to your new college classmates.
You will feel bright and energetic throughout your long first day of university life.
It is a very sweet aesthetic.
- Top: Mint green polo shirt
- Bottom: White high waisted trousers
- Shoes: White leather flat sandals
- Earring: White floral earrings
- Watch: Rose gold mesh watch
- Bag: Mint green tote bag
9. Modern Minimalist
I styled this for a minimalist fashion blog focusing on back to school essentials.
The clean lines and neutral colors ensure that you look expensive without trying too hard.
You will appreciate the simplicity of this look when you are rushing to find your class.
It is a very refined style.
- Top: Black tight jersey turtleneck
- Bottom: Beige wide leg trousers
- Shoes: Black pointed toe flats
- Earring: Gold geometric studs
- Necklace: Delicate gold chain
- Bag: Black structured laptop bag
10. Retro Rookie
I noticed this look on a student who loved collecting vintage clothes from markets.
The vintage racing jersey adds a pop of color and a unique story to your outfit.
You will be a total conversation starter when people ask where you found your shirt.
It is a very individualistic look.
- Top: Yellow vintage racing jersey
- Bottom: Dark wash straight leg jeans
- Shoes: White retro sneakers
- Earring: Yellow hoop earrings
- Watch: Silver digital watch
- Bag: Brown leather vintage satchel
11. Safari Study
I wore this for a day spent studying in the campus botanical gardens.
Earth tones and linen fabrics are perfect for those hot first weeks of the semester.
You will feel cool and adventurous while you explore the corners of your new campus.
It is a very functional outfit.
- Top: Khaki linen shirt
- Bottom: Matching khaki linen shorts
- Shoes: Brown leather sandals
- Earring: Gold leaf earrings
- Watch: Brown leather strap watch
- Bag: Tan canvas crossbody bag
12. City Slicker
I saw this outfit on a student at a downtown university in a big city.
The leather jacket adds an urban edge that is perfect for a fast paced campus.
You will feel powerful and ready to take on the world in this cool ensemble.
It is a very bold statement.
- Top: White graphic t shirt
- Outerwear: Black leather biker jacket
- Bottom: Baggy grey trousers
- Shoes: Black chunky boots
- Earring: Silver chunky hoops
- Bag: Black leather messenger bag
13. Floral Freshman
I styled this for a girl who wanted to keep her feminine style alive on campus.
A floral dress paired with sneakers is the perfect mix of cute and practical for walking.
You will feel lovely and comfortable as you navigate your new social life.
It is a very charming look.
- Dress: Blue floral silk midi dress
- Outerwear: White denim jacket
- Shoes: White canvas sneakers
- Earring: Pearl drop earrings
- Necklace: Simple gold pendant
- Bag: Brown woven tote bag
14. Varsity Vibe
I saw this look in a magazine spread about classic American campus style.
The varsity jacket gives you an instant “cool girl” status that works every single year.
You will look like you have been on campus for years in this confident outfit.
It is a very timeless choice.
- Top: White cropped t shirt
- Outerwear: Green and white varsity jacket
- Bottom: Light wash baggy jeans
- Shoes: White retro high top sneakers
- Earring: Silver ball studs
- Bag: Green nylon backpack
15. Velvet Valedictorian
I wore this for a fancy dinner with my new roommates on opening night.
The velvet fabric makes your outfit feel very luxurious and special for the big occasion.
You will look like a top student who knows exactly how to dress up beautifully.
It is a very tactile look.
- Top: Black jersey bodysuit
- Bottom: Emerald green velvet midi skirt
- Shoes: Black heeled ankle boots
- Earring: Gold emerald studs
- Necklace: Gold choker necklace
- Bag: Gold metallic clutch
16. Monochrome Major
I noticed this outfit on a student who only wore black and white clothes.
The monochromatic look is very editorial and makes you look like a fashion professional.
You will feel very put together and sharp in this high contrast university ensemble.
It is a very striking aesthetic.
- Top: White basketball jersey
- Bottom: Black tailored cigarette pants
- Shoes: Black and white loafers
- Earring: Silver ear cuffs
- Watch: Silver oversized watch
- Bag: Black and white tote bag
17. Boho Bachelor
I styled this for a student who was heading to a liberal arts college.
The fringe and patterns show off a free spirit that is perfect for creative campuses.
You will feel artistic and unique as you meet your new group of friends.
It is a very expressive look.
- Top: Rust orange jersey tank top
- Outerwear: Cream fringe kimono
- Bottom: Flared denim jeans
- Shoes: Tan platform sandals
- Necklace: Long turquoise necklace
- Bag: Brown suede fringe bag
18. Smart Stripe
I saw this look on a student who was heading to her first law lecture.
Pinstripes are the ultimate way to look smart and ready for a serious career path.
You will look like a high achiever who is dedicated to her academic goals.
It is a very professional look.
- Top: Navy blue soccer jersey
- Bottom: Navy blue pinstripe trousers
- Shoes: Black pointed toe heels
- Earring: Gold stud earrings
- Watch: Gold link watch
- Bag: Black leather briefcase bag
19. Sunny Senior
I wore this for a relaxed outdoor orientation session on the quad.
Bright yellow is such a happy color that it helps you make friends very easily.
You will look like a ray of sunshine on a busy campus afternoon.
It is a very friendly aesthetic.
- Top: Bright yellow oversized shirt
- Bottom: White denim shorts
- Shoes: Yellow and white sneakers
- Earring: Yellow daisy earrings
- Accessories: Yellow tinted sunglasses
- Bag: White mesh tote bag
20. Archive Ace
I saw this look on a girl who worked at the university museum.
The vintage pieces make your outfit look curated and full of interesting personal history.
You will feel like a sophisticated collector who values quality over fast fashion trends.
It is the essence of style.
- Top: Oversized vintage hockey jersey
- Bottom: Khaki pleated cotton skirt
- Shoes: Brown leather t strap shoes
- Accessories: Tortoise shell glasses
- Earring: Pearl and gold earrings
- Bag: Vintage leather satchel