Everyday clothing...for college.
 

Simply put..I'm looking to revamp my wardrobe. I want to look casual and classy, but still age appropriate (Freshman in college). I mean, plainly put, my clothes are...sophomoric. I don't know...I'm tired of jeans and a t-shirt everyday (even if it's a "cute" tee). I'm looking to get around to something like the younger version of Ann Taylor or Talbot's. Any suggestions? Also, I've looked at J. Crew's clothing and it's all pretty gorgeous...but wicked expensive!

I am completely comfortable with wearing sweats every now and then..I just feel like I want to look a little sharper as I get older.

Any help, ladies? :)

www.collegefashion.net

A great place to start. I love there advice, and it's one of the few blogs I read on a daily basis.

Talbots is starting to market themselves differently, so you might find some clothes you like there now.

A big trick is to go to the back of any store and go straight to the clearance racks. If you pick out more classic styles for your staple pieces at the pricier stores, they will last you a while. Also, with the more expensive stores, try and find out what their sales/clearance schedule is like. (If you are nice to the people that work there, they'll usually tell you. I tend to look for the same person in the stores where I shop; you receive perks that way too.) The stores generally have the big blow outs around the same time every year. Of course, you can get on thier email list or Facebook fan page as well. Because the retail season is ahead of the weather, you can usually get a lot of use of the clothes still for this year.

I've always been a believer in investing in classic, well-made clothes. This may mean that it takes you a little bit of time, patience, and effort to revamp your wardrobe, as opposed to acquiring everything in a season or two. In the long run, however, you will have a collection of clothes that will last for a while and be versatile.

I also believe in subtracting before adding; that is, go through your current wardrobe and decide what is working and what isn't. Donate clothes that aren't working, don't fit well, or haven't been worn in a while. Removing these things from your closet will give you a better understanding of what your current inventory really is so that you can begin revamping your wardrobe based on a foundation of clothes that are already working for you.

why don't you just buy clothes you like; instead of buying clothes to look a certain way?

Just FYI - You get 15% off at J. Crew with your college ID, but that doesn't always make too much of a difference, lol!

J. Crew outlet! They are so much cheaper than the store and carry a lot more basic items. I know you live in Florida (as do i) and there is one at Prime Outlets in Orlando and Ellenton, Premium outlets in St. Augustine and Orlando, Silver Sands outlets in Destin, Vero Fashion outlets and I think a few more! I wear their shorts everyday and also love the plain v-neck shirts and they also have good jeans and many other cute everyday clothes. And you still get the college ID discount at the outlets.

Really? Did not know this! Thanks!

Do you happen to know if the purchase must be made in the store or if the discount applies to online orders too?

Yay! I <3 this website!

I'll clean out my closet then, first. Great tips! I'll be sure to heed them.


I'm dropping by Ellenton this week (it's my Spring Break) to check out what's going on over there. And I haven't a college ID *juuust* yet. I have a college e-mail, though? I'll probably end up at Ellenton, though :p

I think my teacher friends sign up for the mailing list with their school e-mails to get the discount, since a lot of elementary schools, etc don't have IDs. Try it.

I think Ann Taylor has an education discount too? Maybe that's seasonal.

I *think* it's only for in store purchases, but I won't buy clothing online, so I'm not sure.

Banana Republic also has 15% off with a school ID in stores.

I did not know this! The Limited and NY & Co have the same discount. They also allow teachers to use their school IDs for the 15 percent off. Does anyone know if the J Crew discount applies to just students or is it open to educators as well? Because if it's open to anyone in education, I'm in trouble...:D

Yes, teachers can use it with a school id or if your school doesn't use id cards J.Crew let me use a check stub as proof of employment.