July 23, 2025 — Charlotte Pennington

Key Takeaways

  • Comfort, versatility, and timeless style are must-have traits for college outfits. They should be easy to wear and maintain.
  • Basics such as sweatshirts, jeans, shorts, and linen separates are non-negotiable for a reliable student wardrobe.
  • Focus on quality craftsmanship and elevated silhouettes to ensure your clothes never go out of season.

A stylish wardrobe isn’t essential for academic success, but it sure helps you feel more put-together as you hustle between lectures, study sessions, and social hangouts! 

A basic college wardrobe focuses on two things: comfort and versatility. A great one takes it a step further with thoughtful designs that feel current through every semester. See some of the cozy yet stylish college girl outfits below to build a wardrobe that checks every box and carries your life on and off campus with confidence.

1. An Off-the-Shoulder Sweatshirt Paired With Track Pants

Woman in a green off-the-shoulder sweatshirt & black track pants

Trends come and go, but off-the-shoulder tops persist. A solid off-the-shoulder crewneck sweatshirt might look simple, but when paired with comfy sweatpants or track pants, it attracts appreciative glances left and right. The bagginess of the top and bottom complement each other like coffee and cream, whereas the off-shoulder neckline offers just enough visual relief to keep it from looking bland. As for comfort, it’s a given with this college girl outfit. Finish it off with sneakers or sandals, and you’re done!

2. A Sporty Sweatshirt Paired With a Flirty Skirt

Woman in a grey embroidered sweatshirt & white ruffled skirt

If you’re a girly girl who loves her skirts and dresses, it might feel trickier to nail casual college outfits that still reflect your personal style. But it’s honestly quite easy. Just grab one of Lazy Sunday’s women’s embroidered sweatshirts and pair it with any playful ruffled skirts of your choice for a femme take on sportier college girl outfits.

3. Classic Blue Jeans and a Polo Sweatshirt

Woman in a striped sweatshirt & wide-leg jeans

A pair of high-rise straight-leg jeans from our Khaki & Blue collection should be the first item on your college survival wardrobe checklist. These women’s relaxed-fit pants are a year-round staple that’s comfortable beyond belief, flattering on everyone, and easy to style with any type of top you can find. Wear it with an embroidered or striped polo sweatshirt and canvas sneakers. It’s a winning, time-saving combo for looking good even during exam season and hectic days.

4. A Relaxed Cropped Tee and Shorts

Woman in a relaxed white dorm wear tee & navy shorts

Outfits for college girls living the dorm life lean even more casual and carefree in vibe. A relaxed cropped tee paired with women’s fleece shorts or stretchy denim shorts is a classic example of that. This dorm wear combo is chic and comfy enough to be worn on and off campus, whether you’re in the classroom, on the tennis court, or in a cafe. Complete it with sneakers and crew socks to stamp it as certified athleisure wear, or slide into sandals to let your toes breathe a little. Carry a comfy hoodie to layer on top in air-conditioned rooms.

5. A Matching Linen Shirt and Shorts Set

Woman in a striped light blue poplin set

Women’s matching sets in poplin and linen are casual summer college outfits you can’t go wrong with. These lightweight sets allow ample airflow to keep you cool even when the sun is beating down with all its strength. Build your own matching set with our linen button-down shirts and linen shorts or longer, pull-on linen beach pants for a reliable, coordinated look that works year after year.

Elevated basics are the foundation of any wardrobe, especially one that has to keep up with the demands of student life. At Cali1850, we offer casual essentials for college girl outfits that are easy to wear and maintain. We focus on timeless silhouettes and superior craftsmanship for better basics that stand up to repeated wear. Grab your hard-working dorm wear and college staples with free same-day USA shipping!

Author Bio

With a strong belief in using fashion as a means for self-expression, Charlotte Pennington helps individuals embrace their unique personal style and showcase it through their clothing choices. From her early days flipping through fashion magazines to her adventures scouring thrift shops for hidden gems, fashion has always been her muse. Shaped by California’s iconic and relaxed fashion influences and armed with a pen and a keen eye for trends, Charlotte now shares her love for fashion through her writing.