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Setting foot on your college campus for the first time is exciting, but it's okay if you're feeling slightly scared, too. Even though it's just a small thing, wearing a cute outfit for your first day of college can make you feel 100% more confident.
The best part about college is that you can totally reinvent your style. It doesn’t matter who you were in high school, because this is a totally fresh start. But it's normal to be intimidated by the idea of picking out college outfits — after all, your schedule is full of brand new activities to dress for, like Greek life, class presentations, club events, and exploring your new city. To help you find 'fits that are cute and comfortable, we rounded up some cute first day of college outfits that'll make getting dressed a breeze.
Whether you're looking for sneaker inspo, the best leggings, or new ways to wear your favorite pair of sweats, there's a fabulous outfit on this list for you. Here are some super stylish yet chill first-day of college outfits that will help you totally slay your first year.
Cute Sweats
Trust us when we say that nothing screams "college" like a matching sweatsuit and a reusable water bottle. Hailey's oversized hoodie is ICONIC.
Urban Outfitters Nirvana Smile Overdyed Oversized Sweatshirt
Your Cute Jeans
Vest tops are truly that girl. Sweater vests are always a classic, or try out the tuxedo vest top for something more polished — pair with your favorite jeans for a killer look.
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Sweater Szn
Can't decide if it's cold enough to break out the sweaters yet? Drape one around your shoulders for a preppy vibe, plus easy access to extra warmth if needed.
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Bundle Up
Black puffer coats and colorful scarves had a chokehold on college campuses the second it got cold outside last year, and we predict that this year will be no different.
'70s Baby
Break out a groovy graphic tee and a pair of your slouchiest, widest jeans for a casual-cool vibe. You might want to swap out the mini shoulder purse for a bag that'll actually fit your laptop, though.
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Urban Outfitters Pink Floyd London Tour Baby Tee
Urban Outfitters Pink Floyd London Tour Baby Tee
Matching Sweats
Running late to class but still want to look good? The matching sweatsuit has your name all over it. Finish off the look with a top knot and XL hoops for a touch of polish, or if you're feeling extra edgy, throw a leather blazer on top.
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'90s Staples
The secret to dressing for college in 2023: just layer up every 1990s trend and you're basically done. Throw on a chunky cardigan, a cami, and retro trousers to dupe this look.
Denim on Denim
Your trusty jean jacket will come in handy on those days when you don't know what to wear — throw it on over a white tee and jeans, and you'll be giving street style star as you strut down the aisle of your lecture hall.
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GAP Mid Rise Organic Cotton Floral Print '90s Loose Jeans
GAP Mid Rise Organic Cotton Floral Print '90s Loose Jeans
Dopamine Dressing
Bright colors and prints are sure to cheer you up if you're trekking across campus in the rain on a dreary day. Go crazy with colorful sneakers and a graphic sweatshirt.
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Cute Knit Dress
Grab your cutest, most colorful oversized sweater and pop a pair of biker shorts underneath. Then, pull on some tall cowboy boots and a matching purse, and you've successfully turned a sweater into a dress.
Kelsey Stiegman
Senior Style Editor
Kelsey is Seventeen.com's fashion expert and resident Harry Potter nerd. At the office, she spends her day writing about style, beauty, and literally every move Kylie Jenner makes. On the weekends, you can find her sifting through vintage shops and hunting for the perfect burger. Follow her on Instagram at @klstieg.
Hannah Oh
Assistant Shopping Editor
Hannah is the assistant shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things from cute apartment decor to trendy fashion finds, TikTok products that are actually worth your $$$, and the perfect gift to buy for your boyfriend's mom. She previously wrote for Seventeen and CR Fashion Book. Follow her on Instagram for hot takes on red carpet fashion and unhinged updates on the books she’s reading on the train.
