Autumn has arrived, and it's time for college students to make room in their closets for warmer, more seasonable clothing for a chilly night out or a brisk walk to class. However, knowing which items to welcome to your wardrobe can be frustrating, especially with limited space and a budget.
When shopping for clothes, try to invest in staples: timeless, practical pieces that can be worn forever. Oftentimes, the best way to find affordable staples is by thrifting them. Some local thrift stores to check out include UpCycle Ohio Thrift Store, Goodwill and Athens Underground, as well as online secondhand shops such as Depop. Here are fall fashion staples to mix and match for warm, cute outfits for any occasion:
A black turtleneck
Turtlenecks are a good investment for cooler weather. Not only do they pair well with patterned skirts and pants, but they also add another layer of warmth, bringing more style to casual outfits.
Avoid stashing away your summer wardrobe this autumn by investing in a versatile black turtleneck. It can go under your favorite t-shirts, crewnecks and sweaters, keeping you warm and in style.
This staple is available in a women's fit at H&M for $14.99 and for men at Kohl’s for $15.99.
Chunky sweaters
A chunky sweater is perfect for styling with skirts, jeans, pants or leggings. A great way to up your style, even on casual days, is to switch out your typical "lazy-day" sweatshirts and hoodies for chic, oversized sweaters.
To add this staple to your collection, check out H&M's women's and men’s collections for sweaters as low as $24.99.
Flannels
A fall favorite, flannels can make your outfit. For chilly days, flannels are a practical and stylish addition to throw over graphic t-shirts, tank tops or sweatshirts.
The perfect flannel is not too thin and fits oversized enough to wear comfortably with leggings, jeans or sweatpants. To mix up your outfits even more, try buttoning your flannel and loosely tucking it in or simply tying it around your waist.
You can invest in a set of two secondhand flannels from Goodfair for just $22 in sizes S-3XL. Also, check out these $25 options from Target: Wild Fable oversized and midweight flannels from Goodfellow & Co.
High-quality jeans
No matter the season, a good pair of jeans should always be in your closet. High-quality jeans can be worn hundreds of times. As for wash and style, that's up to personal preference; however, a casual pair of jeans should be versatile enough to match nearly all of your tops, from turtlenecks to t-shirts and sweaters.
Depending on your budget and style preference, some good brands to consider are Levi's, Madewell (women's and men's), Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister.
Boots
If nothing else, a pair of boots is essential. Whether you're interested in a pair of fleece-lined boots to keep warm or heavy-duty combat boots to add an edge to your outfits, a pair of boots to throw on as everyday shoes are perfect for autumn and winter.
Many opt to wear comfortable, fur-lined boots with sweatpants, leggings or jeans instead of a simple pair of sneakers to make the outfit more seasonal.
By far, the most popular brand for this style is UGG, with a range of lengths and colors starting at $140. If this is out of your budget, don't panic. Many other stores sell similar styles for much cheaper. Check out the SO Lupita Women's Cozy Mini Boots, which are on sale for $27.99, or Bearpaw boots, starting at $89.99 for men and on sale for $63.99 for women.
Another style of boot to consider is combat boots. These pair perfectly with jeans, cargo pants, leggings, skirts and dresses. With plenty of different options in style and platform, these boots can also be worn year-round.
A popular brand of choice for combat boots is Dr. Martens, with the most popular style, the 1460 Smooth Leather Lace Up Boots, priced at $170.
Cheaper alternatives to Dr. Martens are available in men's for just $39.99 by Sonoma Goods For Life and in women's for $35.99 by Arizona.
If neither of these styles fits into your wardrobe, Chelsea boots are another great option for fall footwear. These sleek boots look great with jeans and leggings for casual outfits or skirts to dress them up. This style of boot is available at Dr. Martens, starting at $102, at Target for just $31.99 in women's and at JCPenney in men's for $44.99.
Other wardrobe must-haves
Other items that may be useful are fleece-lined tights, priced at $34, to keep you warm when wearing skirts or dresses. A belt, priced at $26, to accessorize your favorite pair of jeans and some slouchy socks costing $5, to accompany your boots.
Overall, your wardrobe is ultimately up to you but use these tips to experience a comfortable and stylish fall.
