happy friday, girls!
something a little different tonight, and as a little bit of a filler whilst i work on getting posts written up, photos taken and videos filmed! i have a guest post from my lovely housemate, Nicola, about wardrobe staples for university students. this actually ties in perfectly with a post i have coming up soon about how i keep up my ridiculous shopping habit whilst on a student budget, and i think Nic has it nailed here!
i will try my best to resume some sort of normal blogging in the next week or so, and you can also watch my latest haul video in the meantime by clicking
here!
If you
started university this year, your biggest dilemma was likely over your
wardrobe situation – what do you take? Even though most students will travel
home during the semester - thus giving them the opportunity to swap clothes in
and out of their home wardrobe and into their university one – they feel
inclined to take every item of clothing that they own, ‘just in case they need
it’.
If you were
one of those students, you’ve probably realised by now that storage is in short
supply in student housing, particularly in halls. So why not send some clothes
home the next time your parents come up, and just keep these essentials in your
university dressing-up box?
Torso and Upwards
Granny’s
chunky knitwear
The start of term very much holds the months where the transition from summer to autumn takes place,
taking the warm weather with it. As such, chunky knits are a must for the
autumn/winter semester, particularly if you’re a second or third year in a three-decade-old
terraced house paying utilities by the meter. Knitwear is both comfy and snug,
and is ideal to chuck on for a trip to the library or if you have a date with
that ice cold lecture theatre… again.
Super-slouchy shirts
Especially suitable for those days after the bar crawl when you’re feeling
a little worse for wear. Fashion goes out the window when the hangover looms;
it’s all about the comfort factor and slouchy shirts are the perfect apparel
for the job.
A Perfect Parka
With heavy
rain and blustery winds typical characteristics of autumn’s arrival, you’ll
need something to keep the elements out and you toasty during the walk to
campus; cue the humble parka! Fur-lined for the most part with a huge hood,
this style of coat will trick your brain into thinking you’re still wrapped in
your duvet instead of braving the cool morning air!
Legs and Downwards
Keep
it skinny
If you’re
layering up on top with knitwear and winter coats, you’ll need to balance out
your look by wearing something a little less bulky on the bottom. Whether you
opt for coloured skinny jeans, comfortable jeggings or even the trusty old cotton
leggings on your lower half, keep the silhouette on your legs tight. This evens
out the bulk with your upper half, and can also keep you much warmer than flared
jeans, that just capture the draught.
Puss in boots
Boots are
key to keeping your feet clean and dry throughout October and November, as
leaves begin to pile up on the paths and puddles appear in every crevice. Stick
to leather boots, ankle or knee-high, and avoid those cosy ugg-style boots –
the suede will soak up moisture like a sponge!
Essential Accessories
Snuggle in snoods
Snoods have
become a firm favourite with both young women and fashion bloggers across the
globe, and so are an absolute must for your first semester wardrobe. Available
in a range of colours, these cable-knit beauties will keep the bracing breeze
from getting inside your coat, all whilst adding an accent colour to your
outfit.
Tights, tights and
more tights!
Tights are
a highly versatile item of clothing that are great for layering under skinnies
to add an extra layer of warmth, or for adding a pop of colour or patterning to
your otherwise plain clothing ensemble. If you’re layering, opt for a lower
denier to avoid stretching your leggings. If you’re being brave and wearing
them alone, opt for a higher, woollen denier to save your pins from the
goosebumps!
You can leave your hat
on!
It has been
scientifically proven that you lose most of your body heat through your head,
so the key to keeping cosy outdoors is to keep it covered. Bobble-topped
beanies are easy to coordinate with snoods and gloves, and look great worn with
loosely waved hair. Beanies are also great for hiding those bad hair days – or
those days where you just cannot be bothered to do anything with your mop.
Go old-school with a satchel
Satchels
have really made a comeback in recent years thanks to their practicality and
vintage flair. The leather structures of satchels make them sturdy enough to
carry laptops, alongside ring binders, writing pads and other essential
stationary. There are many new companies out there offering satchels in a range
of contemporary designs, so have a scout around to relive your primary school
years!
Now that
you have had an experienced student’s guide to wardrobe choices, take a look at
what is crammed into your university wardrobe. Do you really need that floaty
floral maxi dress and those cut-off denim shorts during this season? The answer
is probably not, unless you can brave the elements! So send some clothes home;
you’ll have less ironing to do on the weekends!
About the author
Nicola is a
freelance fashion writer who works alongside Rebel Rebel Clothing (http://www.rebelrebelwear.co.uk), a female fashion company
dedicated to helping you look good; even on a student budget!
