Wardrobe essentials for going to uni

Ok so im going back to uni in a couple of months and recently ive been getting asked a lot about  what to wear at uni and what to take ect.  Obviously it depends on what uni you go to and the course you’re doing how much of an effort people make ( another thing I often find myself being quizzed on when im home) but in my opinion you should always make at least some effort in the morning and put a little thought into what you’re going to be wearing. I know a lot of people will read this and say ‘uni’s not about what you wear but what you learn ect’ but really what you put on your back says a lot about who you are , your outlook and can really put you in a really great mind-set.  Rant aside , when you go to uni, you are building your first really adult wardrobe it will probably see you through your time at uni and into the ‘real world’ and when pre uni shopping that can be something to consider . obviously you want to keep on top of current trends but equally you want staple piece that can be easily styled and made more trend focused. So here is what I feel are the staple items every student should have in her wardrobe and a few extras ;)

First and foremost, and I really cant stress this enough good quality underwear is literally the single most important thing in your closet  it can be your best friend or your worst enemy  so make sure you get it right. It really will take you so far and is the building block of you look, an ill-fitting bra or panties can be the total downfall of an otherwise sensational look. It is definitely worth investing in good underwear as it’ll take you far. When bra shopping look for styles with an underwire (and preferably some boning in the bra for added structure) as these give more support , look better and are actually better for your boobs. Try and make sure the underwire is metal as opposed to plastic as this will make the bra last longer and means its of a higher quality.  Also, consider investing in spanx , this may sound  little Bridget jones but they really pull you in in all the right places and reduce VPL in skin tight apparel(. Jessica Alba swears by them so  they must work).  A good bra should sit comfortably on the body and shouldn’t pinch or bulge, a good way to make sure you’re buying the right size  is to get measured, this can cost but it is really worth it in the long run.  Personally I would recommend la senza, New look and ( in the uk) M&S or john Lewis if you want to get measured.

Secondly,  good pairs of well fitted jeans are staples of every student wardrobe. Find a brand you like that fits well, denim is one of those things where it is really worth shopping around and ALWAYS try on every pair of jeans or denim wear before you buy. Once you have a well-fitting brand stock up on different styles, a skinny jean in a dark denim is an easy way to add a more stylish touch to any outfit and is easily converted from day to night with a pair of heels. Personally, jean shorts with tights  were and still are my staple  denim just like jeans they can be so versatile and useful for those impromptu nights out when you may only have time to change shoes or  re-apply makeup. I recommend taking old skinny jeans and going online to find a good tutorial on making them into jean shorts, a lot of the time you’ll find they fit a lot better than ones you buy off the rack. Finally, when buying jeans (particularly skinny) always check the fabric content , if there is too much nylon or stretch fabric the jeans will quickly sag. Flare styles should be long enough to wear heel with but not trail too much on the floor.  Check out : gap, Abercrombie, Hollister, New Look, H&M and Primark (surprisingly can be really good )

Definitely another one of my uni must haves is at least one flattering classic cocktail length dress.  I love this piece because again its so versatile, dress  it up with heels and a clutch or dress down with a casual boyfriend blazer belt and pumps, if you only bring one ‘nice’ dress to uni ( and believe me you will need it) most people will say a “little black dress” is the on to bring , and on some levels I’m inclined to agree as long as its classic and flattering it will never go out of style and is he perfect building block for any number of looks but generally a well fitted dress in a flattering colour will serve for almost any occasion.

                                                                                                                                         

Tank tops, need I say more,. In as many colours and styles as you can find. Seriously they go with everything, literally my staple was tank top (usually black to match the jean shorts /hotpants) and denim shorts like seriously, they are soo easy to dress up or down thy are an essential in your uni wardrobe.
 On that note, having a few good cardigans in varying styles is also a really good way to change up an outfit and will keep you warm in those transitional months.

Another thing that I really can't stress the importance of is a bag that holds everything, there is no substitute for a bag that can hold your laptop make up heels and a spare outfit along with hair styling tools and still be nice enough to take to the club and dump in cloak room. Look for details like metal accents or interesting prints  that make that day to night transition easier, particularly if like me you either have lot of impromptu nights out ( another reason why I always keep emergency accessories and a change of heels in my bag) or a full day then going straight out only stopping at halls to change(as can often be the case with so many students living on campus) it is surpising how much paper you actually accumulate some days so shopping around for an investment can be a good idea.

Having a few dressy tops too can really glam up a simple daywear look. Look for fabrics such as satin , lace and be more aware of different prints  cuts and fabric manipulations such as gathers , pleats , and drapery.

Similarly ,Get a well-fitting trouser in black or dark grey with a wide leg to wear on job interviews and recruiting sessions. Your dress trouser should be long enough to wear with heels, but not so long that they drag on the ground. On that note, you should also invest in a really nice black tube skirt , you can dress it up with a white button down or chiffon blouse for interviews or a job or pair with a classy top or bralet for the club. It really is a must have I honestly dont know what I would do without mine.

 Similarly , a couple of well-fitting simple white button down blouses are a must. Probably used for interviews, you should look for one with a little stretch and flattering cut . look for darts up the front and r near the bust . they will give you a more sculpted look and cleaner finish if bought in correct size. Also useful  if your SU  has a school disco themed evening. Similarly, one of my personal faves is the satin blouse,  buy one in a jewel colour like purple or mocha depending on skin tone and you can instantly set yourself apart. They look so much more fashion forward and can look so much classier than a simple the button down , so versatile and look grate either paired with a high waisted black skirt or dress  pants and waistcoat.

A well cut jacket for those transitional months that matches most of you clothes is also a key essential in your uni wardrobe . the cut is the single most important thing here so really spend time trying on and looking at each piece, good tailoring can last a  lifetime so its really worth making an investment. Following on from this, a good winter coat in a classic or well fitted style is timeless and again can be worth spending a bit of extra time and money to get a really good one you’ll wear time and again.

shoes are generally more personal, I personally live in stilettos and heels I don’t think I actually own a pair of flat shoes but saying that I do have every day and clubbier heels. Most people will want a couple of pars of casual every day flats and a few dressier ones. I really advise you to have also at least three ( one of which basic black and maybe a bit more comfortable) good pairs of heels in your wardrobe , and really make them an investment because if you take care of them they really will last and last and you will need them at some point they can be a classic or outrageous as you like just make sure you can walk in them and do invest in some good gel soles to go with them .

summer skirts too are a must for me but may not be on everyone’s list, I personally like to find skirts in either classic block colours or interesting prints that can easily be mixed and matched as well as having on more formal worky ( mine's a cream and black polka dot form new look) skirt for those more formal times.

 Tights ,tights, tights, tights, I cannot say it enough. Tights were huge this winter and will continue to be popular into next winter. Black opaque tights are inexpensive and so basic to a wardrobe. They look so chic with heels, flats and most dresses.

 And finally a well-stocked accessories drawer with belts ( pay attention to wait belts they’ll be huge ) gloves ( also going to be huge) and jewellery that will update and change up any number of items in your wardrobe remember since accessories will be  huge in the coming seasons really make the most of it and consider how each piece changes the overall look. Think of it like creating a character or a costume. Accessories pull a look together so really use accessories to in essence create the overall look using your wardrobe stapes. Take time browsing vintage stores and charity shops as well as high street faves to inject a sense of individual style into your look.