College is an exciting time– and it truly is one of those times where you have some of the best adventures. For many teens, they’re finally living independently, and really stepping forward into the next eras of their lives.
In that transition of finding ourselves, a big part of that also includes figuring out what your style is. With the option of dressing the way you like, it can be a little overwhelming to figure out what exact clothes you need to bring to college but fear not.
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need every single clothing item in your wardrobe- you only need clothes that fit into these 3 categories: 1) everyday essentials that are the foundational basics for your outfits, 2) going-out clothes for all the themed parties in college, and 3) if you’re rushing for Greek life or simply for those moments where you need to be a bit more dressed up.
For these 3 categories, there’s no better place to start curating the absolute dream wardrobe than Princess Polly.
Shop Princess Polly at princesspolly.com
One of the trendiest and most beloved boutiques, Princess Polly is always ahead of the trends. With just the perfect touch of feminine, sweet, yet unforgettably fierce designs, Princess Polly has quickly become the dream outfit destination for Gen Z- and we simply couldn’t be more obsessed.
If you’re looking to stay looking cute on campus and completely prepared for the most fun college experience, look no further than this guide for all the different types of clothes you will need:
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Get notified of top trending articles like this one every week! (we won't spam you)The Everyday Basics That Everyone Needs
The key to creating a closet that doesn’t feel overwhelming is having a good staple basics collection. That means finding items that aren’t overly trendy and have a form-fitting silhouette that you look and feel good in.
I love opting for neutral colors when building a staple basics collection, which makes it easy to add in pops of color and pattern. I also love going for styles that won’t immediately fall into the microtrend trap. Whether that’s a classic denim skirt or a simple cardigan, here are some selects that you won’t get tired of:
Cool but Totally Effortless
The Rehna Halter Top is that girl…
Shop the Rehna Halter Top in White here.
I think the sign of a good top if it looks effortlessly cool with just about any pairing. The Rehna top is exactly that; it’s such a casual white top but has all the factors that make it so cool.
With the cutest halter neck that is self-adjustable and an adorable cinched design right at the bust, the Rehna top is oh so casual but cool at the same time. I love dressing this top up with some jewelry, and you can’t go wrong with a pair of jeans with this!
The Original Denim Skirt
Denim skirts are a total must, and they are just as important as actual jeans. I said what I said!
Shop the Arrte Mid Rise Denim Mini Skirt here.
I love a good denim skirt that doesn’t feel too tight and has a little bit of flare, and the Arrte Denim Skirt is exactly that. With a classic bright blue wash, this denim skirt is as classic and casual as it gets.
I love pairing this skirt with a pair of cowboy boots to get it feeling west, but it also looks great with sneakers and just about any top combination.
The Sweetest Cardigan
When it’s fall, you know the cardigan weather is finally here.
Shop the Lyric Jumper in Pink here.
This lightweight jumper is just so adorable, and with large buttons and a feminine knit design, this is perfect for matching your outfits while adding in some warmth.
I am in love with the gorgeous pale pink color. It’s the perfect complement to any outfit pairing, and I love slipping this over a cute mini-dress when walking around campus.
The Perfect Print That Feels Classic
Prints can be tricky because you don’t want them to feel too trendy, but this top knows how to mix it up.
Shop the Mixing It Up Top here.
With an all-over black and white checkered print, I can’t help but note how the print is just so classic. After all, it’s gingham in neutral shades- what’s not to love?
The Mixing It Up Top features a deep V-neckline and thick waist design that still ends cropped, making it the perfect match for some high-waisted jeans.
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Get Wild, It’s A Themed Party
In college, you can expect pretty much every party to have some kind of theme. It’s always such a fun time putting together the outfits, but it’s best to stay prepared for some of the themes.
Luckily, many of the themes are pretty easy to predict- here are some themed outfits that you can easily expect to come across:
Tropical Party Ready
Every single college is bound to have a tropical-themed party.
Shop the Sturgess Strapless Top in Red here.
This adorable tube top is more than just a strapless top. With an asymmetrical hem and a tie feature at the end, this top keeps it cutting edge.
With the all-over bright fuchsia color and the cutest blend of hot pink and magenta-pink, the tropical flowers all over the top make it so fun to wear.
Wild, Wild West
There is always a rodeo-themed, wild-west, cowgirl theme for some reason… and it's always nice to be prepared.
Shop the Yukiyo Denim Top in Mid Wash here.
I am totally obsessed with this adorable denim halter top. With a sweet v-neckline that goes down to a bustier-style, corset-like look, the Yukiyo Denim Top is all about the details with the stitching design and button-down in the front.
The gorgeous halter neck at the back ends the look with a sweet denim bow at the back of the neck. Pair this with your favorite white skirt or a denim-on-denim look, and you're all set!
Biker All The Way
Another fun theme is something related to bikers, or even just a club-like theme. You can’t go wrong with classic leather!
Shop the Domenic Faux Leather Mini Skirt here.
The mini skirt features all the classic biker looks with belt loops and a short skirt design. I’m obsessed with the washed black shade. With patches of leather-brown, tan, and dark black, this mini skirt feels so edgy and cool.
With themes aside, I also love incorporating this skirt into my everyday clothes. With the upcoming fall season, leather is the perfect touch for the colder temperatures.
It’s Time To Go All Black
All black is such a staple piece for so many party themes- it’s smart to keep one you love at hand.
Shop the Giggle Top in Black here.
This high-neck top is so flattering that I genuinely shrieked in excitement. With a cool-to-the-touch fabric, the Giggle Top hugs you in all the right curves and really flatters your silhouette.
I think what makes a piece so amazing is when you can add it to both something trendy or themed, but also into your regular wardrobe. The Giggle Top is exactly that, and I’m excited to pair it with some classic denim!
Iconic Fits For Rushing Season
Greek Life is very much an American thing, but whether you’re trying to join a sorority or not, you will most definitely have moments when you need to dress cute for college.
A cute dress is such a classic piece, but it’s so much fun to dress things up in a new way. Below are the cutest, flirty, sweet outfits that play on all the feminine frills and laces:
Not A Dress, But a Romper
Dresses are cute, but dare I say rompers might just be cuter…
Shop the Averie Halter Playsuit Romper here.
The Averie Halter Playsuit Romper looks just like a dress at first glance, but it’s a one-piece that’s easy to slip on.
I’m completely obsessed with the halter neck style and how the thick waistband completely cinches in the silhouette for a flattering look. With a gorgeous tiered skirt that will twirl right along with you, this is perfect for the upcoming cooler fall and the warmer spring season that will follow next.
The Cutest Little Skort
I’m a sucker for a cute skirt, and it was love at first sight with Ruru…
Shop the Ruru Skort here.
The tiered skort features lots of lace and frill, and it’s such a romantic design. I am obsessed with how the skort also comes with attached shorts but look like a skirt, and the flared designs are perfectly playful.
Plus, you just can’t go wrong with a white skort. This is sure to look good with just about any pair of tops, and with its high-waisted design, it’s perfect for cropped tops and cardigans.
The Ultimate Weekend Skirt
Whether you have a weekend picnic or a tea party with the college girls, this sweet dress is a must.
Shop the Nicolette Mini Dress here.
This dress comes in both a Petite size and a Regular size, making it so easy for both the petite and taller girls!
Keep Up with Princess Polly
Be sure to stay posted on all things Princess Polly by following all socials! Find Princess Polly on Instagram at @princesspollyboutique.
