If you’re feeling the back-to-school spirit, there’s no doubt you’ve been thinking about what to wear on campus as summer winds down. While pairing a school sweatshirt with your favorite jeans makes for a classic look, you can also switch it up with women’s dresses and skirts that incorporate your school’s colors. Whether you’re going for a preppy look in coordinated sportswear or kicking back in varsity sweats, our tips will help you rep your school in style.
1. Dress Up in Collegiate Apparel
University apparel celebrates your school’s traditions and lets you display your loyalty wherever you go. When you meet friends at a game or go home for the weekend, you’ll be showing that you love your college community.
Branded Clothing
If you want to boldly show your school spirit, wearing university-branded clothing is one of the easiest ways to do it. Dressing in T-shirts, sweatshirts, joggers, and jackets emblazoned with your school’s name or logo is a surefire way to signal an affiliation with your institution. Better yet, these comfy choices are perfect for everyday wear. If your school is big on sports, grab a colorful jersey for game day, and get ready to cheer. If you’re back in your dorm room studying for midterms, settle in with a collegiate sweatshirt or hoodie and matching sweatpants or leggings to keep things casual and cozy.
Customized Outfits
Repping your school may help you fit in, but customizing your gear gives you a chance to stand out in the best way possible. Adding personal touches that show your club, major, or sports team can give you a sense of pride as you express your sense of style. Did you pledge to a sorority or join the marching band? Wear a pin with Greek letters or the instrument you play on your collar or bag. You can also use everything from fabric paints and markers to embroidery, appliques, patches, and iron-ons to make your look your own. Be fearless and express yourself — this is your chance to create one-of-a-kind outfits that shine.
2. Accessorize to Show Your School Spirit
When you want to show your love for your school without overwhelming your look, adding accessories that nod to your alma mater is the way to go.
Embellished Bags and Backpacks
Between books and supplies, there’s a lot to carry when you’re headed to class. Since you’ll probably be slinging a backpack, messenger bag, or purse over your shoulder on a daily basis, consider taking the opportunity to make a visual statement. Decorating your bag with a patch, a bold ribbon, or a keychain lets you flash your school colors without going all-in on a look.
Jewelry and Watches
If you’re going for an elegant look, wearing university-themed jewelry is a lovely and subtle way to represent your commitment to higher education. If you’re a traditionalist, you might fall hard for a gold class ring that’s debossed with the name of your school. If you prefer a more contemporary take on collegiate jewelry, choose a pendant enameled with your college colors or a fancy bracelet or watch.
Hats and Headwear
When you’re taking a casual approach to dressing but you want to complete your look, good-looking headwear is the answer. The perfect hat will keep your head warm or the sun off your face. This year, textured corduroy baseball or newsboy caps provide a charming, vintage look that’s on-trend. Caps are easygoing staples for spring and fall, and when the weather gets cooler, you can pull out a beanie. If you’re crafty, you can even crochet or knit a hat in your school colors. Bucket hats are another fun option you can easily personalize with pins, charms, or fun fabrics in your school colors. They’re also a great way to protect your hair from the sun and rain.
If you want to keep your look feminine indoors and out, headbands and hair accessories are a foolproof way to add a pop of school colors into your look. Huge ribbon bows, claw clips, and wide hair bands will help you look put together and keep your hair in place and out of the way.
3. Complete Your Look With the Right Footwear
There’s no doubt that every campus fashionista needs a few pairs of shoes to round out her wardrobe. Here are a few of our picks.
Cute Sneakers and Athletic Shoes
Most college students spend a fair amount of time walking to and from classes, so comfortable shoes are a must. You can’t go wrong with a pair of white sneakers, and depending on the style you choose, you can wear them with everything from jeans to dresses. Nike, adidas, and Puma are timeless brands that are always in style, and it doesn’t hurt to have options like Nike Dunks for women or the women’s Jordan 1 for the gym or a game of ping-pong or Frisbee.
Casual and Dress Shoes
When you want to look a bit more polished and give your sneakers a break, stylish flats and loafers will work with slacks, pants, and skirts. Once it gets cold out, you can easily switch these out for booties. Dress boots and heels in dark colors will give you stylish options for more formal events or nights out.
4. Choose Colorful Jackets and Coats
No matter the weather, you can rep your school anywhere and look great doing it in a classic varsity jacket. When the weather cools off, layer it over a wool sweater and throw on a scarf in your school colors. Raincoats and windbreakers are other practical options you can keep on hand for unpredictable weather. When it gets truly cold, a colorful puffer will keep you toasty.
5. Carry Spirited Accessories
Want more cute ways to show off your campus pride? Carry a phone case or water bottle printed with your school’s logo, or personalize your tech with skins and stickers that feature your school’s mascot.
Show Your School Spirit With Collegiate Apparel
When it comes to showing off your school spirit in style, back-to-school apparel gives you limitless options. This fall, take stock of your wardrobe, use your imagination, and celebrate your pride in your education!
