Getting Ready for Freshman Year
Preparing for freshman year can feel overwhelming and confusing. The chaotic nature of the summer before you attend college might leave you asking, “What are the true college essentials”? As the new school year approaches, college freshmen prepare to make their mark on campus, with back-to-school fashion taking center stage. Figuring out what to wear as a college student can be challenging. Unlike high school, where fashion wasn’t a priority, college is where students emphasize self-expression, even in their day-to-day outfits. Reflecting on my freshman year at Syracuse University, moving onto campus inspired me to embrace my individuality and elevate my style. As a rising sophomore, I’ve realized the importance of expressing myself through fashion.
To help you stand out on campus this year, I’ve created the ultimate college fashion essentials list for freshman girls. From wardrobe staples to must-have gold jewelry pieces from MadeByZoe, my jewelry brand, this guide will ensure that your individuality sparkles throughout your college journey.
Wardrobe Essentials:
Sets:
Wearing a set is the perfect way to stay stylish on campus while remaining comfortable for class. Whether wearing a sweat or a workout set, a cohesive two-piece outfit offers a polished and put-together look with minimal effort. The variety of fabrics, colors, patterns, and brands makes it easy to find one that suits your style and the weather outside. One of the reasons why I love rocking a matching set to class is because it saves time when getting ready. Sets offer a comfortable and cohesive ensemble perfect for long days on campus. Pair your set with simple accessories, like gold hoops, bracelets, necklaces, and comfortable shoes, to create a chic, effortless look that’s functional and fashionable for a day of classes.
Outerwear:
Outerwear is a vital component of any college wardrobe as it offers style and practicality. Until going to Syracuse, I’d never really focused on outerwear. Still, spring’s unpredictable weather has pushed me to look for stylish jackets that seamlessly transition from warm to cool weather. Some of my favorite pieces of outerwear include:
Denim Jackets:
Denim jackets are a timeless classic and a must-have on campus. I’m obsessed with the look of an oversized denim jacket, whether worn over a hoodie or a mini dress. Its modern twist makes any outfit look good.
Leather Jackets:
A leather jacket is the perfect piece to spice up any outfit. Pair it with a cute hoodie and leggings to help turn a “lazy” outfit into something more put together. Perfect for the unpredictable weather of the spring season, a leather jacket is necessary when looking for a stylish yet practical coat to rock on campus.
A Good Pair of Jeans:
Although you may have gotten used to rocking a pair of sweatpants or pajamas to high school classes, a good pair of jeans is essential for college students. Finding a comfortable yet stylish pair of jeans can add a bit of flair to any outfit and become a staple in your wardrobe. One of my favorite styles of jeans is wide-leg jeans. Low Rise is making a significant comeback in 2024. Comfortable yet chic and reminiscent of the early 2000s, they can be dressed up with a cute top or down with a hoodie.
Skirts:
Versatile and stylish, skirts can be paired with sneakers or boots for a casual look for class or a night out with friends. While I don’t often get to rock a skirt due to the weather in Syracuse, on warm days, I love coming to campus wearing my favorite skirt. A maxi, Midi, or Mini skirt is the perfect way to embrace the warm weather on campus.
Shoes:
Choosing the right shoes for college is essential for both comfort and style, as you'll be walking across campus, attending classes, and participating in various activities on campus. One mistake I made in my freshman year was not bringing enough pairs of shoes for day-to-day student life. Here are a few types of shoes I’ll be wearing on campus this semester:
Thigh-high Boots:
Thigh-high boots are a bold choice for a night out, offering both style and a touch of sophistication. These statement-making boots look perfect when paired with a mini dress or a skirt to create a striking silhouette. When going out, these boots will make you stand out and feel confident, ready to take on the night with style.
A Good Pair of Walking Shoes:
Walking shoes are essential in college. While having a pair of cute sneakers is great, a pair of shoes that combines comfort, durability, and style for daily wear is perfect for getting around campus. Designed with supportive soles and cushioned insoles, these sneakers are perfect for navigating through various terrains and weather conditions while being essential for the gym.
Fashion Sneakers and Alternative Shoes:
Now for the exciting part: picking out a pair of shoes to wear for fun. These shoes can be paired with a cute outfit for class and come in various styles, from Adidas Sambas to Ugg Minis. Whether you prefer a cute pair of sneakers, or cozy boots, having a go-to pair of stylish and comfortable shoes adds an extra personality to your wardrobe.
Must-have Jewelry:
Jewelry can make or break an outfit, and the right pieces can elevate even the most straightforward looks. Here are some of our must-have jewelry pieces from MadeByZoe for college freshmen this semester:
Layered Necklaces:
Stacking necklaces continues to be a popular trend. I love to mix and match different lengths, textures, and styles to create a unique look. Adding a necklace stack to a basic outfit is the perfect way to stand out on campus. Here are a few of my favorite necklaces from our brand to stack:
Super Star Necklace:
Our Super Star necklace is the perfect necklace for a night out with your girls. Combining a unique, trendy look with the classic elegance of gold-toned jewelry, this necklace is the perfect standout piece. Featuring a unique star pendant and a gold ball chain, this 18k gold-plated necklace adds a touch of sparkle to your stack, making you the star of the show!
Snake Chain Necklace:
Our gold-plated snake necklace is the perfect minimalist piece to start your stack. This gold-plated herringbone chain’s toned-down design makes it a classic and timeless piece, perfect for wearing on its own or adding something new to your necklace stack.
Sea Isle Necklace:
The last necklace that I love adding to my stack is our Sea Isle necklace. This gold freshwater pearl necklace is the perfect accessory to highlight classic minimalist styles. This timeless gold-plated necklace adds a touch of sparkle to any look. Whether paired with a simple top for a cute daytime look or a lace top and mini skirt for a night out, our Sea Isle Necklace is a versatile accessory that enhances your stack with a touch of beachy charm.
Hoop Earrings:
Hoop earrings are an essential piece of jewelry in every college girl’s collection. I love how gold hoop earrings can elevate an outfit and make you stand out. Here are some of my personal favorites from our brand:
Ibiza Hoops:
Our Ibiza Gold Leverback Huggie Hoop Earrings are the perfect simple gold-plated hoops to draw attention to your ears. Despite being small, these hoops make a big impact on any earring stack and are a staple in my jewelry collection.
Rockstar Hoops:
Our Rockstar gold hoop earrings are the perfect lever-back earrings to add something special to your earring stack. Simple yet unique, this gold huggie earrings star design will make your ears stand out.
Our Santorini Hoops can elevate any earring stack, adding a touch of sparkle and elegance. Their minimalist design makes them a versatile accessory that complements various styles. Whether you're dressing up for a special occasion or adding a bit of sparkle to your everyday look for class, these hoops are the perfect piece to add to your earring stack. They are my favorite go-to pair of gold hoops, seamlessly blending sophistication with a modern twist, ensuring that your ears always sparkle.
Stackable Bracelets:
Gold stackable bracelets are essential when it comes to college fashion. They can dress up any simple outfit, making any look more expensive. Here are some of my favorites from our brand:
St. Vincent Gold Beaded Bracelet:
This simple gold beaded bracelet elevates any look. The 8mm gold beads draw attention to your wrists and create the base for any trendy yet unique stack.
Mykonos Stack:
Featuring 4 bracelets from our collection, Our Santorini stack blends all of your favorites from MadeByZoe while adding a bit of sparkle to your wrists. A gold stack is the perfect way to stand out on campus, and this gold bracelet stack can help to push your style over the edge.
Malibu Bracelet:
Our Malibu gold pearl bracelet is the perfect minimalist bracelet for your collection. Featuring freshwater pearls, this gold-plated bracelet has become a staple in my own jewelry collection and the perfect piece to pair with any college look.
Sparkle on Campus with MadeByZoe:
As you prepare to move onto campus for your first semester, dressing true to your style can help you make your mark. From versatile outerwear and stylish bottoms, sets, and must-have gold jewelry, 2024 brings a variety of trends to suit every style. Embrace your style when you find pieces that make you feel confident and comfortable. Welcome to college life—look good, feel good, make the most of this exciting new chapter, and don’t forget to let your individuality sparkle!
