Do you remember when you were in high school and middle school, and you would prepare that outfit for the first day of classes? The one that you got when you went back to school shopping with your parents? You’d walk into school, feeling yourself, knowing that you looked fresh.

College isn’t like that.

Well, to an extent.

It’s like campus is almost split in half between people who don’t really care about that “first day fit” and people who do. So if you are a person that cares, listen up. And even if you aren’t, stick around too because you might read something you like. In order to master the first day outfit, here are a few things you should consider:

Don’t be TOO extra, but still add the sauce

Now, if you’re already an extra person, I’m just preaching to the choir. But if you want to dress to impress, but not impress too much, hear me out. That first day of class outfit is so crucial because it sets a precedent for the ENTIRE semester. Are you going to be someone who goes all out for every class or laid back? In order to find this happy medium, maybe you should consider more low key colors. Go with blacks, grays and blues. If you want to add a splash of sauce, think about maroons or mustards (see what I did there?). At the end of the day, it’s your outfit though.

It’s Hot, so think about that

Fall is still a little far off, so we still have to deal with the heat. If you know that you sweat a lot, I would avoid wearing grays and lighter colors, especially if you walk across campus every other day.

At the same time, the classrooms can be colder than your ex after a breakup, so think about a light jacket that you can take on and off. Maybe when you’re walking outside, you can put the jacket over your shoulder like a runway model (lmao).    

Be Comfortable

This tip is very underrated. I think it’s safe to say that we all have had that shirt or pair of jeans that we love, but that love isn’t mutual. Knowing that the outfit is uncomfortable, you’ll say that you can stick it out for a class period. But once you’re sitting in that classroom for an hour and a half, you’ll regret it. Bring out those loose fitting, yet stylish mom/dad jeans or your trusty Levis. If you know that you weren’t hitting the gym this summer, don’t try to bust out that super tight shirt because you will feel it in all the wrong places. I speak from experience.

Make sure you pick the right shoes as well. If you have a class in Asbury, and another class in the GCPA right after, and you live in Senior Hall, I don’t think it’s a great idea to wear those clean, expensive sneakers or those heels. Those blisters won’t be worth it at the end of the day.

Be Lit

At the end of the day, whatever you wear works because it’s what you’re into. Just don’t think too hard about it. But whatever you end up doing, just make sure you bust a fit (I know that was cheesy but I had to).