10 Under-$100 Essentials for Every College Fashion Girl

Whether you’re a fashion girl about to graduate from college or heading to school in the fall, you’ve probably experienced the obstacles that come with maintaining your personal style, especially in an environment as chaotic as a college campus. While balancing the social, professional, and academic responsibilities that come with college, finding the time and money to shop the latest trends isn’t always easy. Not to mention the limited closet space that often accompanies a college dorm room and the tragic realization that you’ll probably have to leave some of your favorite pieces at home. I am a chronic overpacker and naturally made every attempt to bring my entire wardrobe to college convinced I would wear everything, so one of my biggest challenges was learning to prioritize what pieces I truly needed and what pieces I would probably never get the chance to wear.

After dealing with a disaster of a closet my first semester and consulting some friends and my favorite blogs, I found out that some of the most fashionable college girls I knew styled wardrobe essentials in creative ways to develop their personal style. By having a few quality pieces that could be paired with almost any outfit combination, these fashion girls were able to maintain their personal style in a more convenient and efficient way all with a few essentials.

Today, I’ve decided to share some essentials for any college fashion girl, each under $100. Having these 10 pieces on hand is sure to boost your confidence going into any of the often unexpected situations at college. By pairing these essentials with some trendy accessories, you can always have an updated look and avoid spending time and money replacing your entire closet. From basic tops to the perfect pair of sunglasses, these 10 essentials will allow any college fashion girl to maintain her personal look with ease.

Think you could refine your style with some new wardrobe staples? Scroll down to shop 10 under-$100 essentials for every college fashion girl.

#1 Basic Tops

No matter your personal style, all college girls know how important it is to have reliable basics to pair with any outfit, from the classic white tee to the perfect crop top. These are essential to creating the perfect college wardrobe.

#2 White Sneakers

Without a doubt, white sneakers are probably one of the most often worn items in the closet of every fashion girl in college or not. Having a pair of these universal shoes to pair with any outfit is sure to elevate any look.

#3 Versatile Jackets

Due to the issue of limited closet space that most college girls face, having jackets that can be paired with different looks and weather conditions is essential to save space and money. Living in L.A., a jean jacket or bomber jacket is perfect for most days. However, after talking to my friends at universities on the East Coast, I’ve included some options for the cold-weather fashion girl.

#4 Simple Dresses

For those days when creating an entire look for an event seems almost impossible, having a few simple dresses in your closet can be a lifesaver when you just can’t decide what to wear. From formal to casual, try these dresses for any occasion.

#5 Carryall Bag

From your laptop to textbooks, the number of things a college student needs for the day can be overwhelming. Finding a bag that can hold everything you need while also completing your looks is an almost impossible task. Whether you prefer a tote or backpack, having a cute bag is essential to completing your look.

#6 Leggings

From working out to those days when putting on real pants for an 8 a.m. class just isn’t going to happen, having a trendy and comfortable pair of leggings is essential.

#7 Simple Jewelry

Jewelry can be the perfect way to update your style easily. Buying simple pieces that can be creatively layered is a great way to give your looks a refreshed appearance for every season.

#8 Versatile Shoes

For the events where white sneakers won’t cut it, having a pair or two of nicer shoes is essential to maintaining a professional and stylish presence. Whether you feel more comfortable in heels or flats, shop some spring shoe trends below.

#9 Perfect Jeans

Having a few perfect pairs of jeans is a great way to complete any look. From trendy colors to embroidery, jeans are sure to boost your confidence and be a simple way to put together a stylish and trendy look.

#10 Sunglasses

No matter where you go to school, sunglasses are an essential that is often overlooked but an amazing accessory for any fashion girl. Pairing the newest eyewear trends with a simple outfit is an amazing way to create a stylish look.

Editorial Intern