School is officially back in session and it’s time to dress to impress. Shopping for new clothes and selecting what to wear each day can sometimes be a very time-consuming and stress-inducing process, but it doesn’t always have to be. Here is a guide to putting together the perfect back-to-school wardrobe. 

A must-have in every college wardrobe is loungewear, particularly a pair of comfortable sweatpants. To be realistic, not every day is an easy day in college, and being able to have a pair of cute sweatpants to throw on is a must-have. Sweatpants provide an easy way to look cute and comfortable at the same time and can easily be paired with any hoodie or t-shirt.

Another essential piece to every college wardrobe is a pair of good-quality blue denim jeans. Blue jeans are exceptionally easy to style allowing for an effortless, and yet still cute, look. Jeans can be paired with an oversized hoodie, a cute sweater, a t-shirt and anything in between.  

Athleisure is perfect for these last few hot days before fall comes around. Athleisure can be cute and comfortable, giving a look that is both sporty and chic without even trying. 

Sweaters, of course, are the third essential that must be found in your fall semester wardrobe. Sweaters are the perfect addition to any fall outfit and are great to carry around when the weather begins to cool off.

Don’t forget about the basics. Having items like white and black mini t-shirts and tank tops can help serve as a solid start to any outfit. Basics are items that can be used as a base layer for almost every outfit and adding accessories like jewelry and sweaters can complete the look. 

There is a large variety of types, sizes and lengths of skirts that can transform any casual outfit into something a little bit more special. A long denim skirt can bring any Pinterest outfit to life. 

Graphic tees are a great way to bring personality to any look. Pairing a graphic tee with cargo pants or a maxi skirt doesn’t take away any level of comfort but does level up your look. 

A must-have for any closet is button-ups. With internships and interviews at the forefront of college life, it is important to always have something a bit more formal in the back of the wardrobe. The nice thing about button-ups is that they can easily be dressed down. Pairing a button-up with a tank top and some jeans can give any button-up a more casual feel. 

There is so much walking to be done around campus therefore, having comfortable sneakers are very important. A pair of go-to shoes when walking to class or to meet up with friends is a necessity. 

Lastly, Jewelry is the perfect way to spice up any look. Some staple pieces include hoop earrings and a few dainty necklaces that you can layer over any outfit. 

As the school year ends and summer begins, internships are right around the corner. That means it is time to start preparing a wardrobe that allows you to share your individuality while also dressing to impress in the workplace.

When thinking about internship fashion it is important to build a foundation of basics like dress pants and blazers so you know what accessories you should keep an eye out for. 

Regardless of whether your internship leans towards a creative or conservative field, a black tailored blazer allows you to look sophisticated with minimal effort. A black blazer is a perfect layering piece and goes with nearly everything, but that doesn’t mean you need to restrict yourself to owning only a black blazer, there are many different colors and styles available that allow you to add more dimension and color to your outfit. 

Another must have to consider is a simple button up. A white button up can act as a blank canvas for you to layer and accessorize with that allows you to express yourself while still looking professional. When you start with a white button up the possibilities are endless, you could add some fun to the look with a statement necklace, colorful blazer, an appropriate sweater or a funky vest. 

One great thing about a button up is that you can find them everywhere for affordable prices, but remember, it is also important to find one that fits correctly and is comfortable since you will be wearing the shirt the whole work day. 

A pair of black pumps is a must when it comes to dressing up for the workplace. Pumps are a perfect way for you to look professional and they add some personality to your look since there are countless amounts of outfits that pumps can be paired with.

Investing in a good pair of pumps provides you with dress shoes if you are ever given the opportunity to attend an event or professional meeting. However, it could never hurt to have a pair of flats around since it is also important to prioritize your comfort and make sure that you are able to walk comfortably around the workplace. 

Jewelry is a statement piece that anyone could benefit from having, since the perfect accessory can make the look standout in a crowd. Adding a few statement rings and necklaces can make a boring, neutral outfit look more unique. 

You could also consider purchasing a few hair accessories that can help you combat a “woke up on the wrong side of the bed” kind of day. 

Some suggestions include claw clips and some gold barrettes to help keep your hair tamed and out of your face. 

When buying or selecting accessories for your outfit refrain from selecting items that are too trendy and aren’t workplace appropriate, it is always important to look as professional as possible. 

Last but not least, makeup. Makeup is a very important mention when it comes to completing your look. When doing your makeup it is best to play it safe since you will be placed in a professional setting. A suggestion would be to keep your makeup neutral, use lots of nudes and tans, but there is room to be bold with lipstick choices. 

You can achieve this neutral look by adding some BB cream, blush and neutral eyeshadow to any look. 

SHOOT LEADS Samantha Harden, Lena Wu / MODELS Abigail Hartzell, Samantha Harden, Ngozi Onimoe / PHOTOGRAPHY Lena Wu