Top 5 College Fashion Staples [Giveaway]

This week is College Fashion Week (#collegefashionweek if you’re Twitter-obsessed) and we’re celebrating with Boy Meets Girl® and Campus Candy at the Campus Candy store at Penn State (#psu) on September 18th. Why? They’re throwing an unforgettable fashion show with student models, Boy Meets Girl® gear, candy, and a meet-n-greet with brand Founder/Creative Director Stacy Igel. Can you imagine anything more college than spending Sunday night doing homework checking out fashion and eating candy? Oh, and asking a fashion designer for advice IN-PERSON?.We can’t. But we know that not all our readers go to Penn State. Fine, we know that the majority of our readers don’t go there. We didn’t want to leave you out of the fun though! So read on to find out how you can also get in on the fashion, food and fun.

When it comes to dorm life, it’s no news to you that closet space is something of a limited commodity. Even after you’ve gone like a mad woman through The Container Store and Target, those stackable units can only hold so much. It is for this reason that creating a well-rounded college wardrobe is such a precise science. There is literally no room for error.
So what are the items you’re going to find yourself longing for? The must-haves for successfully getting from Point A to Point B (with a pit-stop at the bar in between)? Read on and make sure you’ve got these college fashion staples…
1. A Comfortable Pair of Heels
Whether you toss them on for a class presentation or for a night of frat hopping, you’ll quickly find out that comfort is key. It’s so much easier to enter these situations confidently when you’re not worried about the pains shooting up your legs and the blisters on your toes. Plus, no one wants to be (or dance with) the cranky girl hunched in the corner complaining about her shoes.
2. Cute Pajamas
If you live in your college’s dorms, it’s amazing how many people see you in various states of undress. Hair half-up in a clip, pajama bottoms and a going out top? Standard Saturday 7pm attire. Boxer shorts, socks and an inside out oversize tee? Welcome to Sunday morning. By opting for some fun PJs (like this Voyager Hoodie From Boy Meets Girl®), you’ll at least feel slightly put together, even at your less glamorous, more scrambled moments.
3. The Perfect Jeans
You know the ones. They make your butt look amazing and your legs look…well…as long as possible. They’re your go-to for going out and the natural choice when you’re heading to class. They’re so perfect that if they were a man, they’d be Ryan Gosling. Instead of cramming ten pairs of so-so jeans into your 2×2 closet, take the time to find that one magical pair that goes everywhere.
4. Shower Shoes
Not the most glamorous foot apparel, but a necessity all the same. Do you know what’s lurking on your shower floors? Yeah, me neither, but I don’t doubt direct contact will land me in the hospital with Bubonic Plague. So grab a pair of shower shoes, make ‘em cute and wear them every day.
5. You tell us to become eligible to win the grand prize! One lucky winner will win a survival kit from Boy Meets Girl® . Five runner-ups will win a $10 gift card from Campus Candy.
So you wanna win the survival kit…
1. Tell us your favorite college fashion staple in the comments below. Then make sure you’re following Boy Meets Girl® on Twitter and that you like them on Facebook. That’s it. You’re automatically entered to win this amazing prize. Oh, and make sure to use your real e-mail address so we can contact you if you win.
2. Contest closes at 11:59 PM on September 16 2011
3. Please note this giveaway is only open to US and Canadian residents. For official rules and more legal mumbo-jumbo, click here.
4. One grand prize winner will be announced at 7 pm on Sunday, Sept. 18th on CollegeCandy.com. 5 runner-ups will receive gift cards to Campus Candy.
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dot says:
Mon, 12th Sep 20119:18 am
5. The black carry-all bag that you can use to carry books, take to a job interview, stow overnight clothes in, etc.
Briana says:
Mon, 12th Sep 201110:00 am
My favorite college fashion staple? Yoga pants. Oh my gosh, yoga pants have saved my life. They're comfortable, easy to wear, and they make my butt look awesome, end of story.
Joanna says:
Mon, 12th Sep 201110:00 am
5. the university's logo! either on a sweatshirt, fleece jacket, sweatpants, you gotta have something to wear for game days or just general pride.
Nina says:
Mon, 12th Sep 201110:19 am
5. A cute winter coat. If you live in a campus like mine, winter can last from October-April (sometimes even later!) When you're getting ready for that 7:45am class in the middle of winter, you don't feel like taking the time to look nice, but the perfect winter coat does all the work for you (and covers up that one ugly sweatshirt you only wear because it's so comfy)!
Leora Michele says:
Mon, 12th Sep 201110:28 am
5. A comfy pair of shoes of course! I walk -everywhere- and a comfy pair of shoes that are stylish and easy on your feet are a must-have item. I would recommend flats or sneakers. A good pair of stylish sneakers (I love my navy blue Chucks) can carry you for a long time.
Evie says:
Mon, 12th Sep 201110:46 am
Cute rainboots are a must! In Tallahassee, the weather is so unpredictable, and rainboots are super functional, and look adorable in the summer with shorts and a tee, in the fall with skinnies, or in the winter over leggings – plus they keep your feet warm and dry!
Elise says:
Mon, 12th Sep 201112:06 pm
Definitely a nice peacoat! Warm and makes you look put together in an instant.
Corinna says:
Mon, 12th Sep 201112:58 pm
5. Ugg/Koolaburra boots. Okay, so they might not be the cutest things in the world, but trust me they come in handy. Come December once you're pulling all-nighters studying for finals or finding yourself way too hungover from that tacky Christmas sweater party the night before to put on real clothes (or real shoes if you insisted on the stilettos… ouch), these things feel like heaven. They're also great for throwing on to run down the hall with those cute PJs, making a quick run to the caf, and any other time you deem worthy
Chelsy says:
Mon, 12th Sep 20111:50 pm
5. A scarf.
An awesome scarf can dress up an outfit (even your bummiest one), hide those "love bites" from the night before, keep you warm in the chilliest of weather, and can even double as a headwrap on those horrible second-day hair scenarios.
Lauren says:
Mon, 12th Sep 20112:59 pm
My favorite college staple is cardigans! They can be paired with anything! You can layer them over a tank or cami for class, or over a blouse or more dressy top for a night out! They are perfect for all kinds of weather too!
Sydney says:
Mon, 12th Sep 20113:02 pm
A cute pair of sneakers. When your school is on a large campus and you do a lot of walking everyday, your feet will appreciate having some arch support and not going flat like they would in flip flops.
Sarah T says:
Mon, 12th Sep 20113:08 pm
My favorite staple is a fitted leather jacket! You can throw it over anything and instantly look cool.
adriana says:
Mon, 12th Sep 20113:28 pm
a robe!! Does anyone know where I can find a cute one??
Alyssa C Kaliszewski says:
Mon, 12th Sep 20113:40 pm
I'd have to say a great clutch is definitely a wardrobe staple
Paige says:
Mon, 12th Sep 20113:49 pm
A small crossbody bag for going out so you don't have to carry a large bag or bum off your friends
Nadeen says:
Mon, 12th Sep 20114:17 pm
comfortable black flats are a must for me. they go with every outfit and are perfect for walking around campus.
@LiaSteinb says:
Mon, 12th Sep 20114:29 pm
Definitely a versatile bag is a must for me! I am constantly running back and forth between class, work and internship. The perfect bag that is functional and appropriate for each occasion is the ultimate staple in my college wardrobe!
Kate says:
Mon, 12th Sep 20115:01 pm
5. Definitely rainboots! They keep your feet warm and dry through rain, mud, slush and snow. Plus, they're surprisingly versatile. They pair well with dresses, skirts, jeans and leggings!
Bee says:
Mon, 12th Sep 20115:11 pm
My fashion staple is a dress that can be worn with sandals in the summer/spring and boots and tights/knee-high socks in the fall/winter. It's an easy go to item if you find yourself running late one day and just need something to throw on fast.
ali says:
Mon, 12th Sep 20115:27 pm
Kohl's and Target have some cute ones
Rachel says:
Mon, 12th Sep 20115:41 pm
5. Mens fitted t shirts. I'm not a skinny girl, so women's fitted tees don't work for me. But the men's version makes me and my girls look FABULOUS. Plus it's so easy to dress up a v neck without showing a ton of skin! (This or the classic sundress, fitted at the waist and comfy everywhere else! Dress it up, or put on flip flops and you're ready to go!
Hannah says:
Mon, 12th Sep 20115:46 pm
My favorite is definitely sweaters! They go well from class to going out, and are easy to combine with all kinds of shirts and bottoms.
ewei319 says:
Mon, 12th Sep 20116:19 pm
Rainboots is definitely my college fashion staple. I hate wet feet so my rainboots keep my feet nice and dry!
Sara says:
Mon, 12th Sep 20116:28 pm
Definitely rainbow flipflops. They are so easy to throw on or take off and can be worn with just about anything.
Angel Sheffield says:
Mon, 12th Sep 20116:44 pm
Wedges! Guess that falls under the comfortable heels thing though. They're great for dressing up jeans or pretty much any outfit and don't leave your feet feeling as though you walked across hot coals rather than a sidewalk. AND there are tons of styles (strappy sandals for spring and summer, peep toes for fall, boots for winter)! Definitely my go-to shoes whether it's for class or a long night of bar hopping.
Emily says:
Mon, 12th Sep 20117:13 pm
My fashion staple: dark wash, straight leg jeans!! My personal favorite are the Favorite Boyfriend from American Eagle. They can be worn to class, to the bars, to work, I get to wear them when I'm in schools because I'm studying Special Education, and can be worn with any type of shoe or shirt!! They make your butt look great and the dark wash is always flattering!
Jeanie Weber says:
Mon, 12th Sep 20117:35 pm
5. A pair sunglasses. When you have sensitive eyes and have to walk 15 minutes in the Florida sun to campus like I do, sunglasses are a must. Of course I have about a billion pairs already, but that will never stop me from buying more!
Lindsey says:
Mon, 12th Sep 20118:14 pm
A pashmina, to wear with your oversized sunglasses, and hair in a messy bun to look slightly put together on the morning after a party.
Victoria says:
Mon, 12th Sep 20118:49 pm
My college fashion staple is tank tops! You can wear them on their own, as workout tops, as pyjama tops, for layering… it could go on and on!
colleen b. says:
Mon, 12th Sep 20119:21 pm
cute loose fitted tshirts! i also follow on FB & Twitter (@collifornia)
Natalie B says:
Mon, 12th Sep 20119:36 pm
Leggings! Why? They can be dressed up or down, are perfect for a night out and also for lounging around your dorm. They go with just about anything and they're super comfortable!
Caitlin says:
Mon, 12th Sep 20119:54 pm
I was going to go with rainboots, but then I thought, jeggings! They are perfect, comfy yet slimming! I'm not the type to wear sweats to class so jeggings are my go to thing for the days I want to be comfy but still cute
. Another plus? Dress them up and wear them on a night out, they are comfortable enough to sleep in for when you just don't have it in you to put on your pj's !
nicolmaric says:
Tue, 13th Sep 201112:07 am
My fashion staple has to be your eco friendly water bottle. I live in Florida the heat from walking one end of campus to the other takes a toll on your body. The water will keep your skin looking beautiful. There are so many cute eco friendly water bottles out there you don't have to lose your personality there either.
tiffani says:
Tue, 13th Sep 201112:37 am
Yoga pants, theyre super comfy and look cute on anyone
alaina says:
Tue, 13th Sep 20111:36 pm
A sleeping mask or ear plugs! You never know if you'll get "that" roommate…
Erika says:
Tue, 13th Sep 20112:19 pm
I just want to take a second to say a HUGE thank you for making this into an actual list and not another gallery that doesn’t load. I missed being able to read many of the articles here, and would hate to stop visiting the site entirely just because of some pages that never seem to load.
Connie G says:
Tue, 13th Sep 20112:29 pm
Favoriie college staple is the Jean because you can match it with anything. The perfect cardigan, the perfect blouse, the perfect shoes ect.
Caroline says:
Tue, 13th Sep 20113:55 pm
My favorite college staple is a light jacket. Easy to carry around and slip on for those freezing class rooms.
Lexi says:
Tue, 13th Sep 20115:38 pm
My college staple is a flattering black dress! I use mine all the time. You never know when you're going to have a class presentation or spontaneous night out. I just used mine for sorority recruitment. I wasn't even planning on rushing, so my dress came in handy!
DMa says:
Tue, 13th Sep 20116:10 pm
My fashion staple is a good coat, fashionable but still warm!
Kim says:
Tue, 13th Sep 20119:26 pm
My college staple is a medium sized wristlet! This is a staple because you can use it as a purse while going out and that way you do not have to worry about being "that" girl at the bar that has the oversized bag and is pumping into everyone. These are great because you can fit your essentials in it, an ID, lip gloss, phone, camera, money and if you're daring even a credit card! And then when you have to be in a 8 am class the next morning just through it in your book bag and everything is right there when you need to stop and get a Gatorade or coffee on the way to class!
Aly says:
Tue, 13th Sep 201111:05 pm
A cardigan. It can allow you to wear that cute tank top in the fall or dress up a t-shirt it's also super cuddly.
NeoDra says:
Wed, 14th Sep 20115:17 am
i think some t-shirt and sports shoes for me would be great!
Jessica says:
Wed, 14th Sep 201110:02 am
My favourite is definitely a long, oversized sweater that you can pair with a wide belt, leggings and uggs! Perfect for going to class and cute enough to go out in!
Mirm says:
Wed, 14th Sep 201110:28 am
The perfect bag. It needs to be cute enough to carry every day, big enough to fit anything from spare lipgloss to a laptop, and comfy enough that it won't dislocate a shoulder after a semester of hauling chemistry books to campus.
wendy says:
Wed, 14th Sep 201111:38 am
my favorite is a northface jacket! they are the staple especially during the winter time
Alex says:
Wed, 14th Sep 20116:39 pm
my college fashion staple is an amazing pair of tights! In New England, it is cold most of the month's I'm at school. This means layers are a MUST. I wouldn't be able to wear skirts or dresses all year without sweater tights or fleece lined tights. Lace tights or cool patterns can make any plain skirt or dress unique, especially for a party. and on super cold days I'll even wear tights under my pants to stay warm!
Kirsten K Wright says:
Wed, 14th Sep 20118:40 pm
A fun frock is the best thing to have. Too lazy to find something nice to wear? A really cute dress is nice on its own. Do you want to go out at night? Wear that same dress with heels and a cute bag. Job interview? The dress. When winter comes around, the Dress can be warmed up with tights, boots, coats. If you live in Florida like me, then it's good year round. A nice dress is a good, multipurpose item, no matter what you need. My example? http://www.target.com/p/Xhilaration-Juniors-Body-…
Long enough to be modest (even on my five foot nine figure) the twisting in the stripes flatters every figure, and is fun enough to stand alone!
Danna says:
Wed, 14th Sep 201111:59 pm
Plain t-shirts. They can be casual or dressed up. they are comfortable as well.
Olivia Dello Buono says:
Thu, 15th Sep 201112:28 am
My favorite staple is a trench coat. It adds instant polish to my look, so I can look chic on days I don't feel like getting out of bed. Plus, it's a timeless piece and very versatile. Perfect for my tight college budget!
Angela says:
Thu, 15th Sep 201112:31 am
A cute day-planner. You will ALWAYS need it. I carry mine with me all the time and I feel lost without it. I like to physically write my schedule in. I tried to use my phone, but I kept missing stuff until the last minute. Don't get the one from the school bookstore because everyone has that one and if you lose it you're basically screwed. It's always fun to look back over it at the end of the year and see which weeks were from hell and laugh (or cry) about them. I have always gotten mine from Border's, but that's not really an option anymore.
Randi says:
Thu, 15th Sep 201112:34 am
My favorite college staple are rainboots! I go to school in the city. At first, everyone laughed and said how completely ridiculous they were until the first downpour of the school year. Everyone was rocking their sweats, hoodies, and weren't quite sure what to put on their feet that wouldn't leave their toes feeling discussing or freezing once they made it to class. Then, there were the wise girls that had dry toes and fashionable boots!
@sampowell8621 says:
Thu, 15th Sep 20112:18 am
The best fashion staple you can ever have is your best friend. I mean let's face it, she's YOUR best friend, so she's already got something going for her. She's also probably pretty fashionable, a great wing(wo)man, and can find the perfect way of getting you out of talking to the weird guy with the top hat and leather jeans. Also, she goes with everything! You can take her anywhere and count on her to make your time there a little more enjoyable, such places including but not limited to class, work, school meetings, and even the bathroom!
ijeoma Chukwu says:
Fri, 16th Sep 20113:56 pm
My favorite college staple is different color v-neck tees…. they are very versatile and comfortable, depending on what your mood or when you wake up you can dress it down for when your too sleepy to function but later in dress it up for another occasion later on that day when your finally in mood
Terri Taylor says:
Fri, 16th Sep 20114:51 pm
A Cute Backpack
Just the other day a friend of mine told me that if she was to "dress up"(…not wear sweats) to class then she would not carry a backpack because they aren't fashionable. Who says? There are plenty of ways to look cute with a backpack. Not to mention, there are plenty of bags that are stylish. Personally, I prefer canvas bags (kind of like the one's at Urban Outfitters). Mines is sturdy, easy to clean and looks much more unique than the monotonous black and dark blue backpacks I see around campus. Jansport also has really cute backpacks. I own one that belonged to my grandmother in the 70's and I've been seeing really cute newer ones around my campus lately. Not to mention you don't have to worry about that annoying shoulder pain if you carry around many books like I do. My advice? Ditch the tote and grab a unique backpack. You won't regret it!
Erin Cal says:
Fri, 16th Sep 20115:28 pm
My Birkenstocks! They aren't the most fashion forward footwear around, but walking all over an unfamiliar campus in my trusty Birkies has saved my feet some serious trauma!
dodgycupcake says:
Sat, 17th Sep 20114:39 pm
Thank you so much for introducing me to Boy Meets Girl! I'm now obsessed
Just purchased my favorite college staple last week: hot pink low top Dr Martens. Trendy. Shiny. Strange. And great for my rainy city!
steph says:
Sun, 18th Sep 20111:24 pm
a soft hoodie and a lush scarf!!
Angelee Newman says:
Sun, 18th Sep 20118:36 pm
My favorite college fashion staple is my big black purse. It holds everything I need for class and work and is still really cute and works for anything.