A/W Back To College Wardrobe Essentials

The time has come to say those dreaded words...summer is over. But it's not all doom and gloom, because let's face it shopping for a new season is always fun! Who doesn't love wrapping up in cosy knitwear, breaking in some deadly new boots and finally breaking out the opaques. We all know what that means...we can lay off on the grooming and tuck those legs away in jeans.

It's important to stock up on the essentials whether you are going back to college for your second, third or final year or whether you are starting off as a fresher. First things first...

• Leggings are not, I repeat, NOT trousers. We have all been guilty of this major fashion faux pas at some point but really girls, if you are wearing leggings PLEASE for all our sakes wear a top/dress that covers your bum!
• Don't always slob it out in sweatpants or hoodies just because its 'college'. Those clothing items should really only be kept for a hungover day or if you are doing some sort of sports course.

Those two are essentially the only rules. It's college! Have fun not having to wear a uniform and conform. Experiment with colour, be it in clothes or in your hair. Try out metal and studs, as accesories or in your face. It doesn't matter, but here just to help you out is a little rundown on the essentials you will be needing.

1. A decent pair of jeans. Actually two or three pairs of jeans. You will live in them, so don't go buying Penneys jeans on sale for €5.90 because after two wears you will look like you have the saggiest arse in the world and who wants that really?! Buy some good quality denim, I recommend River Island. I am in love with their jeans. They have a line to suit every body type.

                                                       Light wash Amelie reform superskinny jeans

 

The above jeans are reduced from €50 to €30, that's 20 quid extra in your pocket, and they are available online River island.

 

 

I love the mid and dark wash ripped jeans versions as well. River island jeans really hold you in and are made of great material. They also have lots of different styles to suit everyone. The darker the denim the slimemr you will look.

 

These two ripped denim versions are €50.

 

 I'm 5'5 and wear the short leg length because I hate when jeans bunch up at the ankle.

         
           2. Footwear

Right, next thing you will need to consider is footwear. You will be making the trek from a bus or walking probably whether or not you are commuting. So you need comfy decent shoes/boots.

I think it's great to have a pair of Converse you can wear with everything and dress things down, and then have a really good pair of boots. New balance runners are nice as well for something different. You can wear them with ankle grazer fitted trousers, and a blouse to add an urban edge.

 

Both these boots are from ufashion.ie, U magazines new fashion website.  Reegan black canvas are the above, at €39.95.

 

The below boots are the trish black €44.95

 

The code UFASHION20 will get you 20% off but hurry!

 

3. A good jacket/coat

 

 

 

 

The parka and the black button front jacket are both from New Look. The black coat is a gorgeous shape and won't date, and the parka is a comfy, cosy college essential. They are both around the fifty euro mark.

This is a stunning more elegant and sophisticated blazer that will look great on a night out, or if you have to dress up for a college news day or presentation. Also from New Look.

 

4. A cosy cardi/ cover up

 

The black faux fur waterfall cardigan is on sale online in ther River island store for only €18! Serious bargain.

 

This cosy Aztec print cardi is available on ufashion.ie on sale for €24. Don't forget your further discount of 20% with the code UFASHION20.

 

5. A decent hardworking bag.

You obviously don't want to be going around with a school bag anymore, not that I've anything against it. There are so many stunning satchels, leather backpacks and tote bags around you would be mad not to try them out!

 

 

Leather backpack is from River island.

 

The bright yellow tote and the beige/stone bag are both from ufashion.ie and are absolutely stunning bags!

 

So there are my top five autumn/winter back to college essentials! I hope you check out ufashion.ie there are some hits and misses, but the majority of the picks seem good quality, fashion forward pieces priced competitively.

 

Let me know what you think of some of the pieces...I'm already in my mind buying the two cardi's they look soooo comfy!

 

xoxo