The Campus Capsule Wardrobe
Read on for staple outfit pieces that will take you from Stauffer study sesh to Stages dance floor in minutes.
School’s back in session and the return to campus for the 2021/2022 year has never been more anticipated. Finally, we are back in our lecture halls, libraries, and student houses. Most importantly, we’re back together again.
With the welcomed resumption of in-person campus activities, you probably have more events on your social and academic calendars than you can remember. One thing is for sure, a return to social “normalcy” demands a resurrection of our pre-pandemic wardrobes. Maybe we all got used to the sweats and slippers uniform of Zoom University, but working from home was so last year. That being said, wearing a different put-together outfit every day of the week feels like a foreign concept right now and you probably can’t bring yourself to wear jeans for more than an hour. This capsule wardrobe is perfect for a smooth return to campus with simple pieces that will go with anything, and take you anywhere.
The Campus Capsule Wardrobe
White Button Down
A white button down is just as classic and simple as it is diverse and elaborate. That’s because this classic dress shirt can be used as a basis for any outfit, or added on top to complete the look. The key for season transitioning is layers, and the white button helps you do this seamlessly. Headed to the pier with friends? Throw an oversized button down over your bikini for just the right amount of cover as you walk through campus. Maybe your lecture hall is a bit chilly today - pair the white button down with a sweater vest for a polished layered look.
Biker Shorts
These workout style shorts aren't just for cyclists anymore. The biker short trend has really caught on throughout the summer, and we can definitely see it continuing into fall. Biker shorts are an essential to the campus capsule wardrobe as they provide all of the comfort of your favourite pair of leggings, while still being on trend. With biker shorts, it’s all about how you style them. Match these with a sports bra and you’re ready to hit the gym. Have to get to class? Throw on an oversized t-shirt, or even that white button down and you’re good to go
Tote Bag
If you haven’t heard about the tote bag craze, you tote-ally haven’t been paying attention. But seriously, we had to include this bag in the capsule wardrobe because not only is a tote on trend, but also incredibly functional. Tote bags are perfect to carry all of your campus essentials - laptop, planner, sunglasses, notebook, snack etc. Whatever you need, the tote bag has got a place for it. Throw one of these over your shoulder and your outfit is complete - and practical. (Top tip - get one with pockets to find your smaller necessities with ease!)
Denim Wide Leg Jeans
Throughout the decades, one thing has never gone out of style: denim. Although it comes in all shapes and sizes there’s one staple denim piece you need for back to school: the wide leg jean. These jeans are like a hybrid creation of the baggy style pants of the 90’s mixed with bell bottoms straight out of the 70’s. Choose whatever kind you like - rips, no rips, light wash, dark wash. With a pair of denim wide leg jeans, you’re set to break back onto campus.