Freshman Fashion Fails: What I Wish I Knew Before College

By: Libby Clark

As a rising senior and fashion major, I’ve made my fair share of fashion mistakes during my three years at Marist. Between style phases and plenty of trial and error, I’ve learned a lot. Everyone goes through their own style evolution, but there are definitely a few things I wish I had known when I first started college, lessons that could’ve saved me some stress (and some questionable outfit choices). Whether you're an incoming freshman or just looking for a bit of style advice, here are seven things I wish I knew my freshman year. These tips come from my own experience, plus a few insights from friends. And guys—don’t worry, there’s a section just for you at the end. Keep reading for more!

1. Don’t Dress Up for an 8 AM

When you have an 8 a.m. class, comfort should be your top priority. You’ll want to focus on

staying awake and engaged, not on adjusting your outfit every few minutes. At 8 a.m., most of

your classmates are half-asleep anyway, so you’re better off in something comfy and low-effort.

So save your best fits for later in the day when people are actually awake enough to notice.

2. Save the Going-Out Tops for Going Out

A mistake I made many times freshman year was wearing going-out tops to class. I really

thought I could make it work, but trust me, I couldn’t. They are not made for sitting. What looks

cute when you’re standing in the mirror of your dorm feels completely different after an hour

hunched over a desk. So keep the Edikted corset for a night at Darbys!

3. Don’t Rely on Last-Minute Outfits

The last-minute scramble to find an outfit can add unnecessary stress to your already busy

mornings. Instead, take some time the night before to lay out your clothes, this way, you can

avoid the “I have nothing to wear” panic. If you tend to dress a bit more over-the-top, try

planning your outfits for the week. This allows you to mix and match pieces while keeping your

outfits fresh. When you plan ahead, you can be confident that your outfits are on point and you

won’t be rushing through your closet five minutes before class starts.

4. The Magic of a Matching Set

A matching set is the ultimate hack for staying stylish and comfortable on campus. Whether it's

a cozy sweat set or a sleek workout pair, a coordinated two-piece outfit gives you a polished

look with minimal effort. The best part? With so many fabrics, colors, patterns, and brands to

choose from, you’re sure to find one that fits both your personal style and the weather. What I

love most about wearing a matching set to class is how much time it saves when getting ready.

Sets are the perfect way to pull together a cohesive, comfy outfit for long days on campus.

The 3-3-3 Method of Dressing – A Game Changer for Stress-Free Style

The 3-3-3 method is a minimalist dressing strategy designed to simplify your wardrobe while

maximizing your outfit potential. The basic idea is simple: choose 3 tops, 3 bottoms, and 3

pairs of shoes and build your outfits from those nine pieces. It’s often used for packing light or

reducing shopping habits, but it’s also a great way to make getting dressed easier, especially

during a busy college week.

Here’s how it works:

● 3 Bottoms – Jeans, trousers, or skirts you love and can style in multiple ways.

● 3 Tops – Choose flattering, versatile tops that go with everything.

● 3 Shoes – One comfy pair for walking to class, one nicer option for presentations or

meetings, and one pair for lounging or casual days on campus.

The genius of the 3-3-3 method is that it pushes you to be creative with fewer pieces. I’ve found

it super helpful to take one item and challenge myself to style it multiple ways. This approach

not only stretches your wardrobe but also keeps things fresh and exciting without constantly

buying new clothes. So you’re not staring at a full closet feeling like you have no clothes.

Whether you’re packing for a weekend trip or just trying to simplify your weekday routine, the

3-3-3 method helps you stay stylish, organized, and relaxed.

5. Ballet Flats Are Your Best Friend

Ballet flats might not be everyone’s go-to, but they’re a game-changer when it comes to

balancing comfort and style. If you're someone who loves the polished look of heels but dreads

the pain after walking around campus all day, ballet flats are the perfect middle ground. They

pair effortlessly with jeans, skirts, or dresses and can instantly elevate a simple outfit without

sacrificing comfort. Plus, they’re a great alternative to sneakers if you’re feeling tired of the same

casual look every day. I’ve found them especially useful for long class days, running errands, or

even casual events where sneakers feel too casual and heels feel like too much. You just slip

them on and instantly still feel put-together!

6. Invest in Practical Bags

As a college student, your bag needs to be functional as well as stylish. While a cute purse

might be tempting, it often doesn’t offer the space or durability you’ll need for hauling around

textbooks, notebooks, your laptop, and more. A backpack or a tote is usually the smarter option

for keeping everything organized and your shoulders from hurting.

That said, if you prefer carrying a purse, just make sure it’s up for the job. Go for one with wide,

comfortable straps that won’t dig into your shoulders and plenty of compartments to hold

essentials like pens, chargers, and snacks. The more organized your bag is, the easier your day

will be, no more digging for that one random paper or missing pen during class.

7. Bring a Jacket to the Bar

Don’t let a cute outfit cost you your health. Upstate New York gets freezing at night, especially

when you’re walking or waiting in line. It’s tempting to ditch the jacket to show off your outfit, but

trust me, shivering all night isn’t worth it. Now that my friends and I are juniors, we all agree that

not bringing a jacket our freshman year was not the move. Just bring one. You can always take

it off once you’re inside, but having it makes all the difference.

Advice From the Guys, To the Guys:

I couldn’t write a fashion guide without getting a male perspective. Here’s some real talk from

college guys who’ve learned a few things about style.

1. "Fellas, don’t wear pajama pants to class."

You might feel like throwing on your comfiest pair of pajama pants for class, but trust me,

it’s not a good look. Save those for lounging around at home, not for walking around

campus.

2. "Ditch the skinny jeans, dude."

Let’s be real: skinny jeans are no longer the go-to choice for most people. If you’re still

holding onto them, it might be time to rethink your wardrobe. Try straight-leg or

relaxed-fit jeans for a more current, easygoing style that looks good with almost

anything.

3. “No flip-flops unless you're at the beach."

Flip-flops are cool when you’re lounging by the pool, but wearing them to class? Not so

much. Swap them for casual sneakers to keep your outfit on point without sacrificing

comfort.

4. "Pay attention to your grooming.”

A fresh haircut, clean nails, and a little effort go a long way. You don’t need a 10-step

skincare routine, just keep things clean and intentional. And yes, let your girlfriends pluck

your eyebrows!! It’s one of those small things that makes a big difference, and if

someone offers to help, let them. You'll thank yourself later.

I hope these tips help make your college wardrobe a little easier to navigate, but at the end of

the day, the most important thing is being true to yourself. If none of this resonates with your

style, that’s totally okay, don’t feel like you have to follow anyone’s rules but your own. College is

about figuring out who you are, including what works for you in terms of fashion. So, take what

you find helpful, leave what doesn’t, and wear what makes you feel confident.