Did you know that not all designer looks are expensive? Nowadays, it’s important to set budgets and save money for the rainy day. But that doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself to a new OOTD for this coming school year. In today’s list of recommendations, we’ve curated more fashion for real people in the form of high quality yet affordable college OOTD’s that won’t break the bank. These pieces are great on their own or can be mixed and matched with some staples from your closet to create a modernized look. Check out these affordable OOTD’s for your next college semester.
Fashion for Real People: The Ultimate Essentials for a Preppy Look
1. LUCKY BRAND Cropped Plaid Button-Down Hoodie in Blue Plaid
You can never go wrong with some classic plaid this back to school season. Consider the Lucky Brand cropped plaid button-down hoodie, which is especially crafted for a super-soft feel that you’ll love to wear all school year long. It features a cropped silhouette that adds a feminine touch to your outfit, with handy pockets at the chest and a hooded drawstring neckline paired with button closures. It’s made of cotton and polyester and is easy to maintain as it is machine washable. Shop at Macy’s.
2. LUCKY BRAND Knit Cotton Sweater Vest in Acid Washed Infinity
Prepare for the cooler weather with this sweater vest from Lucky Brand, which features a cool and classic look that’s easy to pair with bottoms. It features a cozy knit detailing throughout for added dimension and a crew neck that offers a classic look and shape. Made of 100% cotton and can be machine washed. It’s a preppy look staple that you’ll want in your closet all year long. Shop at Macy’s.
3. TOMMY HILFIGER TH Flex Straight-Leg Jeans in Remnant Wash
Looking for a perfect pair of jeans you’ll want to wear through work and play in your college life? Then check out this pair of jeans from Tommy Hilfiger, which offers a look that never goes out of style. These reliable straight-leg jeans offer a comfortable, easy fit that you can mix and match with any top, for day to night. It features a zipper and button closure with belt loops, contouring through the hips, straight leg opening, classic five-pocket styling, and a style that sits securely at the natural waist. Made of cotton and elastane. Shop at Macy’s.
4. LIFESTRIDE Horizon Slip-on Sneakers in Blue Multi Faux Leather/Canvas
Go for a retro look with your preppy OOTD with this pair of sneakers from Lifestride, which features a leather/microsuede, faux leather/canvas or faux leather/fabric upper with a round toe, stretch laces for easy on/off, padded heel collar, and two-color outsole design. This cushioned lace-up sneaker was designed with the Soft System® comfort package that offers all-day support, flex, and cushioning. It also features an Active Arch® contoured insole with extra arch support and cushioning and a traction sole to provide extra stability. This pair’s toe box and heel counter are made with 60% recycled materials. Shop at Macy’s.
5. KIPLING City Pack Backpack in BLUEBLEU2
Everyone loves a trusty Kipling! This city pack backpack offers a spacious interior, tom handle, double shoulder straps, top zip and drawstring closure, front zip pocket, two side flap pockets, and two slip pockets and pen loop inside. It’s even laptop compatible for 13-inch units or smaller. Shop at Macy’s.
Fashion for Real People: The Casual Dean’s Lister
1. STYLE & CO Twill Jacket in Crimson Red
Serious dean’s listers don’t have enough time for complicated OOTD’s. That’s why this timeless piece fro Style & Co. offers infinite styling possibilities that are easy to assemble. This utility jacket is easy to style with jeans for a classic, casual look. It features a zipper closure and handy flap pockets at the front. Made from cotton and spandex. Shop at Macy’s.
2. MANGO Women’s Polka-Dot Blouse in Pale Pink
Harness your inner boss babe with this blouse from Mango, which never goes out of style. This ultra-chic long sleeve blouse features standard and straight design, back closure, polka-dot print, rounded neck, and button fastening on the back section. It’s equipped with a button fastening on the back section and has a round neck. It is crafted from satin and 100% Viscose to exude elegance everywhere you go. Shop at Macy’s.
3. GLORIA VANDERBILT Amanda Straight-Leg Jeans in Petite Short in Rinse
Create a distinguished look with this pair of straight-leg jeans from Gloria Vanderbilt, which feature a classic straight silhouette and a high rise that create a flattering, versatile look. It is made from cotton and elastane to offer comfort as you wear it. Shop at Macy’s.
4. DR. SCHOLL’S Women’s Berklie Booties in Black Faux Leather
Style and comfort combine in this Chelsea-inspired wedge bootie from Dr. Scholl’s, which provides style and flexibility. It features a fabric toe box, linings and topcloth made from 100% recycled bottles. This pair also features a slip-on fit with stretch collar, back pull tab, and inside zipper for easy on/off. It’s equipped with an anti-odor insole technology with anatomical cushioning, comfort and support. This casual ankle wedge bootie with 2 .5-inch wedge heel offers a lightweight, flexible construction as well. Shop at Macy’s.
5. MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS Edith Large Open Tote in Brown and Acorn
Always on the go? Make sure you’re ready with this MEdith Large Open Tote by MICHAEL Michael Kors, a versatile bag with so many uses, it will serve you for years to come. It features 9.5-inch long handles, a snap closure, gold-tone hardware, open interior with removable pouch, and made with faux leather and polyester. Shop at Macy’s.
The New York Fashion School Student
1. MANGO Women’s Pocket Tweed Jacket in Orange
Start this New York fashion school look with this pocket tweed jacket from MANGO, which is crafted from cotton-blend fabric and features front closure, tweed fabric, straight and short design, rounded neck, long sleeve, four patch pockets on the front, jewel effect buttons, and button fastening on the front section. It’s perfect for layering during the colder seasons and making a statement on regular days. Shop at Macy’s.
2. CALVIN KLEIN Sleeveless Jumpsuit in Black
Here’s a fashion school staple you must have in your closet for all those galas and exhibits you’re going to attend. This sleeveless jumpsuit from Calvin Klein features a fluid drape and is crated from scuba crepe that is stretchy yet supportive. It features handy on-sean pockets at hips, a V-neckline and a back zipper closure, completed with a sash tie at waist. Shop at Macy’s.
3. MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS Women’s Summer Platform Dress Sandals in Pale Gold
Elevate your fashion school style with this pair of retro-inspired platforms from MICHAEL Michael Kors, which features a sensational strappy silhouette, 4.5-inch heel, and one-inch platform. These round-toe ankle-strap slingback platform sandals with adjustable buckle closure are made with leather or man made uppers, a man made lining, and rubber sole. Shop at Macy’s.
4. CALVIN KLEIN Nolan Backpack in Fiery Orange and Brown Khaki
Pack some major style this back to school season with this Nolan backpack from Calvin Klein, which features a flap closure with magnetic snap, gold-tone hardware, exterior slip and zip pockets, double interior slip pocket, zip pocket, and a four-inch top handle and 32-inch adjustable backpack straps. Shop at Macy’s.
5. ANNE KLEIN Women’s Rose Gold-Tone Mixed Metal and Preciosa Maxima Crystal Accented Chain Link Bracelet for Apple Watch
College can get busy, but fashion students can get organized with an Apple Watch. Accessorize it with this gorgeous jewelry-inspired 42, 44, 45mm bracelet from Anne Klein, which features crystal rings for a one-of-a-kind elevated dress look. It is splash resistant and easily attaches to Apple Watch devices. It’s also adjustable to fit most wrists. Shop at Macy’s.
Looking for more great ideas for the back to school season? Check out these stories so you don’t miss out on OOTD inspiration. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get the latest in the best OOTD’s and essentials for school as well.
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