Cute and comfortable pieces to wear around campus

Going to college is primarily about getting a degree, but it also involves learning a few life things. During my freshman year, I learned some life things such as managing my own money and attempting to get to morning classes on time. But one thing that has taken me a while to learn is how to dress comfortably without sacrificing my ability to appear like a mentally and emotionally stable human being. That should be the real title of this post. Because honestly, we always choose comfortable, and cute outfits never get to see the light of day. Now it’s time to look at some pieces that can do both!

1. Joggers or leggings

Top: Old Navy $9 |Pants: hand me downs | Shoes: Adidas ~$60 (bought at DSW)

I get that everyone already wears these so this suggestion isn’t revolutionary. But I think the trick with these pajama-like pants is what shirt you wear. Generally, I feel like a t-shirt says “I slept in this outfit last night”, but a patterned top or a unique cut makes for a more stylish, yet comfortable look.

2. Midi skirts or culottes

Shirt: White House Black Market (it’s my mom’s) | Skirt: Goodwill ~$6| Shoes: Asos ~$25 (I would honestly not wear these shoes on any normal day but I didn’t have any other shoes that went with this outfit!)

This length of skirt might be out of your stylistic comfort zone (it was for me at first) but if you ever try one on, you will be converted. The great things about midi skirts is that since it’s fitted at the waist it doesn’t have to be adjusted (comfortable), and look beautiful (cute).

Above I mentioned culottes, which are basically midi skirts in pants form. Same length, just pants. I haven’t seen many people wearing culottes at school because maybe this piece is too fashion-y. But if you were obsessed with gauchos as a pre-teen, these are the pants for you.

3. The long cardigan

Cardigan: Forever 21 $14 | Top: Goodwill ~$4 | Shorts: Walmart $7| Shoes: Adidas ~$60

Let me tell you about the publicly acceptable equivalent of a bathrobe: the long cardigan. These are pretty commonly seen around college campuses and this may be because this piece is compatible with many outfits and temperatures. Even though it looks like a lot of material, it is lightweight and inexpensive (I got mine at Forever 21 for $14). This piece is one of those wonderful, universal things and I highly recommend getting one.

4. Shirt and shift dresses (sorry I didn’t shoot for this because I don’t have these styles of dresses. Kind of hypocritical, I know.)

We all love dresses because they make it easier to get dressed in the morning. Since I’m focusing on cute and comfortable, the dress styles that I think best fit these 2 qualities are shirt and shift dresses. (Shirt dresses look like a long shirt and usually button up, while shift dresses aren’t really fitted, which gives you more room to breathe.) Both of these styles give you freedom whether you’re sitting in class or walking around!

Another advantage is these can be styled up or down. To style it up, I’d suggest wearing a low or mid heel and a belt around the waist, and I’d style it down with flip flops or tennis shoes.

5. Fitted (but roomy) pants

Top: Asos ~$25 | Pants: Goodwill ~$7 | Bag: Zara $60 | Shoes: Target ~$20

I feel like a lot of college students associate dress pants solely with interviews, but they can be a part of your everyday wardrobe. If they fit you well, dress pants can make you look fantastic but make you feel like you wore pajama pants out (I feel like I’m mentioning pajama pants a lot but we are taking about comfortable stuff guys. :)

That’s all I’ve got! Thanks for reading and I hope this gave you some suggestions. You also have permission to call me out if I’m dressed like a hobo because I wrote this post and I don’t have any excuses anymore. Alright bye!