What to Wear on the First Day of College

This Monday will be my last first day of school. Given all the years of figuring out what to wear at the start of a new school year, I feel that I have developed some level of expertise on the subject. I see so many what to wear on your first day of high school posts online but what to wear during your first day of college posts seem a little less popular. Thus, I wanted to share some of the knowledge I’ve gained on how to make your first day fashion the least stressful part of your new life at college.

Be comfortable. Trust me when I say the last thing you want to be thinking about on your first day is if you can walk to class in your 6-inch heels. Try to refrain from wearing anything that you have to constantly pay attention to during the day. That goes for the jeans where the zipper can never seem to stay up and the shirt that often rides down causing the occasional nip slip. Don’t let your clothes be the main thing on your mind. You’ve got enough to worry about on your first day.

Bring a jacket or cardigan. Do yourself a favor and pretend that your first day of school, let alone first month, is April 25th. (Miss Congeniality 2 reference? Anyone? Bueller?)  Even though it may be boiling hot outside, it could be a vastly different story inside. I’ve found that when it’s warm, Universities like to crank up the AC so that every building on campus feels like you are in Antarctica. Or, your school could be like mine where the buildings are all on menopause and every other floor, let alone classroom, is having a hot flash. A jacket or cardigan will allow you to be prepared for whatever temperatures you may face on your first day. Furthermore, if you see some poor unfortunate soul shivering in their seat because they didn’t bring a jacket, you can offer yours, and BINGO. You just potentially made a friend/study buddy. Congratulations.

Be you. This isn’t high school where you are socially obligated to wear what’s in.  You’ll soon find that college is about being open to new places, people, and things (including someone’s wardrobe). If wearing sweats and a top makes you feel good, then go for it Glen Coco. Wearing an outfit that makes you feel good about yourself will enable you to set the year off on the right foot.  

Good luck starting the semester! Remember, you got this!