We Found 39 Super Chill College Outfit Ideas That Don't Scream "Freshman"

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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.

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.

Vintage Soft Vest

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.

Stripe Collar Knit Polo Top

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.

Black Puffer Jacket

'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.

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.

Hoodies and Sweatpants Set

'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.

Sepia Cardi

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.

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.

High Waisted Wide Leg Baggy Jeans

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.

Metallic Cowboy Boots

Silky Slip Skirts

Silky slips are a year-round staple that you can wear with everything from graphic tees and corset tops to turtleneck sweaters. These slinky skirts can look casual or super luxurious, depending on how you style them.

Satin Bias Midi Skirt in Black

Cozy Turtlenecks

BRB, writing our love letter to the turtleneck. A cozy knit like this oatmeal sweater will become one of the most-worn pieces in your closet when it gets cold outside.

Jules Sweater in Grey

Argyle Prints for Days

Don't be afraid to lean into the autumn academia aesthetic like Bella Hadid does in this outfit, pairing leather with classic argyle knits for that ~extra intellectual~ vibe.

Knit Argyle Plaid Crop Vest

The Blazer Dress

That oversized blazer that you thrifted can be belted at the waist for a totally chic blazer dress moment. Pair it with slouchy knee-high boots and you've got a business-casual look that will knock it out of the park.

Sage Khaki Pinstripe Oversized Double Breasted Blazer Dress

Graphic, Colorful Sweaters

Being a strictly-jeans person doesn't mean you can't have fun with it. Funky, colorful, nostalgic sweaters are SO in. Just be prepared to answer a hundred questions about where you bought it from.

The Worm Hugs Sweater

Punk Rock Vibes

If you like doing the absolute most for class, try taking your crop-top-and-skirt combo to the next level with fishnet tights, a vest top, layered necklaces, and your go-to black leather boots.

Dressy Casual Racerback Vest

Statement Accessories

Take a cue from Madison Beer and add a little somethin' extra to your sweater vest/T-shirt/tennis skirt combo with a statement bag. Finish off the look with knee-high socks and the comfiest loafers that you own.

Lock Me Up Shoulder Bag

Monochrome Athleisure

Having a gym on campus is one of the best perks of college. If you're hitting the weight bench in between classes and don't have time to change, grab a chic canvas tote and a matching puffer jacket to turn your workout set into a full lewk. Even your smartwatch will seem like it was part of the fashion ~moment~.

Vuori Daily Legging | Azure Mini Samba

Sweater Dresses

Ribbed knit dresses feel a little more sophisticated than your average mini, plus they're about as comfy as it gets. Go casual with white sneakers, or dress it up with heeled boots for a dinner out with your roommates.

Blue Mini Dress

Dressed-Down Button-Up

Button-ups can totally look sexy. Crop yours like Justine Skye and lean into the streetwear vibes with roomy jeans and fresh sneakers.

Oxford Tunic in Blue

Mod Plaid

When in doubt, just stalk Emma Chamberlain's Instagram for all the outfit inspiration you could ever need. This plaid mini/sweater crop combo feels easy and so, so cool. You can spice it up with a denim jacket, or throw on your favorite jewelry for immediate polish.

Natalie Mini Skirt in Pink

Puffy Sleeves

Puff sleeves were big last fall and they're even BIGGER this time around (literally). Upgrade your simple white top with major sleeve accents and you'll be getting compliments all around campus. Plus, a white top like this is perfect for layering — you'll be wearing them non-stop.

Aerin Padded Textured Knot Front Top

Detailed Accessories

College is one big game of How Can I Look Cute Without Looking Like I'm Trying to Look Cute? Master it by adding fashion-y accessories to your favorite pieces. A statement vest and tinted sunglasses turn your average crop-top-and-pants outfit into a fashion moment.

Thick Rectangle Sunglasses

Bold Belt

Dress up a simple outfit with a vintage-inspired statement belt. Any college outfit can go from zero to 100 in two seconds with a fashion-y belt and a good jacket, like the long camel coat that Hailey Bieber is rocking here.

Leather Western Belts

Punky Pants

Bring summer's chicest necessity, the white tank, into fall by pairing it up with checked trousers and lug-sole combat boots. It's a deceptively simple formula that's super easy to recreate for total cool girl vibes.

Bi-Stretch Side Zip Ankle Pant

Dark Layers

Add a leather jacket to anything and it will look cool – that's just like, the way it goes. Throw it on over last night's bodycon with loafers and hoops for a dressed-up day look.

Faux Motorcycle Leather Jacket

Midi Dress

Considering school starts when it's basically still summer, you'll want to keep your outfit as cool as possible (literally). Throw a denim jacket over this cute midi dress or tie it around your waist for class. It's put-together, but still super breezy and breathable.

Fluid Twill Tiered Midi Summer Dress

Sporty LBD

Your favorite weekend dress can do double duty for class. Just throw on sneakers and hoops for a toned-down look that still slays. Take it from Rihanna, because whatever she wears is practically the law.

Soft Lounge Long Slip Dress

Sexy Denim

A simple jean dress can go to class, frat parties, dinner dates – it's the perfect low-key sexy piece for ALL of the occasions. You truly can't go wrong with denim.

Margot Denim Mini Dress

Dressed-Up Khakis

Khaki pants have become a streetwear basic (especially if they're cargo), but they can double as a part of your internship wardrobe with two simple steps. Throw on a feminine white blouse and matching taupe heels, and you're done.

High Rise 90s Relaxed Jean

Short Layers

When your heart says "fall," but the weather says "SUMMER." Opt for light layers that still look autumnal, like long-sleeve crop tops, faux leather shorts, white booties, and brown-tinted shades.

Faux Leather High Waist PU Leather Shorts

Dressed-Up White Tank

Up late last night? Throw on your go-to tank top and slouchy pants, and then accessorize with sunglasses and platform flip-flops to make it look like you had plenty of time to get ready.

Free Platform Wedge

Stylish Athleisure

On the first day of your first 8am class, you'll probably get up early, do your hair, and pick a cute outfit. But every single class after that, you'll roll out of bed and head out in sweats. Trendy athleisure pieces like leggings with cutouts and quilted jackets will make you look put together, even if you're falling asleep at your desk.

Alpha Als/92 Liner

Business Casual with a Twist

This look means business. Wear structured, high-rise trousers with a structured blouse for presentations, job interviews, and beyond.

Off Shoulder Ruffle Trim Puff Blouse

Festival Vibes

A light-weight cami looks chic, but most importantly, the thin material is easy to clean even in the tiniest laundry room. Pair it with sneakers and a fanny pack to hold your necessities.

Satin Tank Top

Mamma Mia Vibes

Keep the retro vibes of summer going all the way through fall with a vintage-inspired floral blouse. Pair it with a wide leg pant for an authentic vintage look.

Wide-Leg Drawstring Jeans

Chill Rocker

This 'fit is perfect for any party/dinner/night out college life throws at you. Tie a bright jacket around a T-shirt dress literally just because it looks cool, then add boots and statement earrings. A swipe of bold lipstick makes it look like you actually tried, even if you didn't.

Inglewood Slim Fit T-Shirt

Casual Pleather

In the winter, those long walks across campus will really put a damper on your style. Pleather pants tend to be super warm and they just happen to make you look Kylie Jenner-level chic. Wear them with your favorite oversize tee and sneakers for class.

Faux Patent Leather Leggings

Suiting

College isn't just party dresses and Lululemon leggings. For a presentation, internship, or Greek function, this bold suit set screams college professional.

Parker Double-Breasted Blazer

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