14 Items Every College Guy Needs in His Closet!

Hey guys, in the spirit of college starting/getting ready to start back for everyone, I have been feeling like doing some different posts to give some different advice to both new and returning college students. If you are a new college student, or attending a different college this semester, be sure to check out "10 Tips For The First Year College Student". This post today continues on with the college theme, but I am giving some fashion advice for you all today. These 14 items are essential items in every college guys wardrobe, but especially during the fall and winter months. 

1. Sweatshirt

And I do not mean a hoodie. I mean an actual sweatshirt. They are comfy, but look a lot better than wearing a hoodie because they are more structured. Plus, you can pretty much throw them on with anything. You definitely need a basic or solid colored sweatshirt like this one from Gap, but you could also use one with a graphic on it like this one from Tommy Hilfiger. 

2. Oxford Shirt

The second staple that you need in your closet is an oxford shirt. Oxford shirts are super soft, and go great with anything from jeans, khakis, to colored chinos. I would suggest getting a basic color like this blue one from Polo Ralph Lauren. 

3. Boat Shoes 

Every college guy needs himself at least one pair of boat shoes in his wardrobe. You can wear them all year around and they go with pretty much anything. Unless you are wearing a suit, they'll go with it. Myself, I am a Sperry fan, so I would suggest the Sperry Authentic Original Boat Shoes.

4. Dark Straight Jeans

Jeans are an item that pretty much everyone wears, and you are also going to be wearing them in college. You honestly need a couple of pairs of jeans more than likely. But you for sure need at least one pair of dark colored straight jeans. Like this pair from Abercrombie and Fitch or these 7 For All Mankind Jeans. 

5. Navy Blazer

Eventually you are going to need an actual suit as you start going to job fairs, interviews and giving presentations, but in the mean time a great navy blazer will do the trick. It is great for a date party, or just a date or party in general. Throw it on with a pair of jeans, khakis, or chinos. I love these two from Gap and J. Crew. 

6. Long Sleeve Logo Tee

Some people are completely against anything with logos on them, and I can see why some people are. But as a preppy dresser, I am always wearing logo tees during the summer to sport some of my favorite preppy brands, and I also like to have a couple in my wardrobe for the fall and winter months. This one from Vineyard Vines or this from that is Polo Ralph Lauren. They are both pretty basic, which will allow you to sport your favorite preppy brand, while still looking like the classy guy on campus.

7. Straight Khakis

Khakis are a MUST for every guy in college. But more importantly, you need khakis that are straight-legged. A lot of guys buy khakis that look super baggy on them, which ruins the whole look. Buying straight khakis will make them look more structured and nicer. My personal favorite are these from American Eagle, but I also really like this pair from Banana Republic. 

8. Patagonia

If you walk around any college campus for even 5 minutes, you will see several guys wearing Patagonias. That is why you need one in your wardrobe. I absolutely love them. You can wear them with khakis, jeans or even sweatpants. And they keep you warm, which is a great thing when your having to walk through campus when it is 30 degree outside. Yea, they are a little pricey, but they are worth it. You should at least get yourself a basic one like this "Better Sweater" Quarter Zip Pullover. If you like different patterns, you should also look into buying one of the Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T Fleece Pullover. 

9. Striped Sweater 

Some people really aren't a fan of stripes, but I honestly love them. And I believe that having a striped sweater is a necessity for every college guy. Sweaters are great because they can really be dressy or casual. You can wear them to class, or out on date with the girl you've been chasing for months. I love this one from J. Crew. I also love this Polo Ralph Lauren sweater and this one from Old Navy!

10. Quarter Zip Pullover

Warning, if you follow me on Instagram, you will probably see me in a lot of these over the next couple of months because they are my favorite. This Vineyard Vines Shep Shirt looks super comfortable, and will go with almost anything. And if you want one that is perfect for wearing for your workout sessions, or even with a sweatpants or a pair of jeans, this one from Nike is perfect. 

11. Bean Boots

Bean boots are honestly a stable in anyone's preppy fall/winter wardrobe. They are perfect for cold weather, and look good with so many different looks. So be sure to get yourself some LL Bean Boots!

12. Slim Sweatpants 
Slim sweatpants or joggers, are another item that you need in your wardrobe while in college. Because they are slimmer, it makes them fit better to your body. Baggy sweatpants are good if you're staying in, or doing something where no one really sees you, but they don't really look good. With joggers, you can actually look decent while feeling super comfy. I love this pair made by Under Armour! I also love this GUESS pair!

13. Cardigan
Want to look classy and dressy but don't want to have to wear a blazer or a suit jacket? Well that's why you are going to need a cardigan in your wardrobe. I feel like some people have this misconception that cardigans are only for older men, but that really is not true at all. You can throw on a cardigan over a button up or a v-neck shirt, and it really dresses up your look. I love this one From Brooks Brothers! I also found a great one From J. Crew.

14. Nice Underwear
Dude, you're in college now, you need to be wearing underwear that your mom didn't buy for you at Walmart or Target. Plus, you really don't want the girl your getting ready to hook up with, laughing at your underwear.  Instead, find out what kind of underwear you like and stick with it. I would wager to say boxers and boxer briefs are going to be the most popular, and also the most appropriate. These Calvin Klein Boxer Briefs are pretty popular. I personally love the American Eagle Flex Boxers. I also think that 2xist has some great options and For a limited time only, save 15% off your entire 2XIST order with code HELLO2X at checkout.


Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means when you click on one of the product links, I receive a small commission. However, all views are my own and I only promote products that I truly love.  

I really hope that these tips will help all of you guys in college with your outfit choices this year. They could really help you to score with girls or even score a job. I would love to hear some of your thoughts or your "must haves", just leave a comment below. Be sure to follow me on social media! And subscribe to my Email List!

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