Affordable and Stylish Outfits for the First Day of School

By Sarah Christine Davis on September 4, 2015

Wearing the right outfit on the first day of class can make all the difference in the world. The first day of school outfit establishes your style for the rest of the semester.

Sure, you may switch to sweatpants and your significant other’s T-shirt for your daily wardrobe in a couple more weeks, but right now is the perfect time to be stylish and give your classmates an idea of who you are.

Your first day outfit not only gives a first impression of yourself to your fellow students; it can also make your first day and the entire semester seem a lot easier to tackle. Ever heard the saying “dress well, test well”? It’s not a myth.

According to a recent study entitled “The Cognitive Consequences of Formal Clothing” in the journal Social Psychological & Personality Science, “the nature of an everyday and ecologically valid experience, the clothing worn, influences cognition broadly.”

That certainly doesn’t mean you should break out your dress from the senior prom or the last formal that you went to, but it does mean that putting some extra time and effort into picking out a nice outfit in the morning is definitely worth it. I know that I feel more excited about my day when I’m wearing an outfit that looks put-together and makes me feel confident. Even if that means you have to wake up earlier, there’s evidence out there that correlates waking up early with better grades and higher levels of productivity.

You also have to keep in mind the fact that you’re more than likely a poor college student who (unfortunately) doesn’t have money to blow on the most beautiful items and trendiest pieces out there. That’s okay! Pretty much all of us are in the same boat. Shopping for cute clothes on a budget can be time-consuming and frustrating.

Luckily for you, I’ve compiled a few first day of school outfits – and all are under $50! Check them out below.

Images via Forever21.com, Target.com, hm.com

Dress: Forever 21, $24.90
Shoes: Target, $12.79
Bracelet: H&M, $6.99
Total: $44.68

Dresses are the perfect go-to because they’re such an easy and comfortable way to look cute. Who has time for pants? The subtle detail on this dress gives off the vibe that you put a lot more effort into your outfit than you probably did.

Paired with a nice pair of gold sandals and a multi-strand bracelet, this outfit exudes class and composure. With cooler fall weather quickly approaching, take advantage of this look while you still can! And don’t think that this dress will be obsolete in a month or two; it can easily be paired with some opaque black tights, wedged booties, and a leather jacket for a look that will keep you feeling warm and looking sharp.

Images via CharlotteRusse.com, Forever21.com

Top: Charlotte Russe, $15
Pants: Forever 21, $24.90
Sandals: Charlotte Russe, $9.99
Total: $49.89

If it’s already cooling down where you go to school, dresses may not be much of an option for you. Luckily, there are tons of fun styles of pants in stores lately. Wide-leg trousers and even culottes are returning to the fashion scene.

If you know that you want to make a statement on day one but aren’t sure how, you may have found your answer. These wide-leg denim trousers are easily paired with a simple top for a classic look or a patterned top for a more out-there look.

Go with a tighter fitting top like this one to balance out the flair of the pants and pair with a simple shoe like these sandals from Charlotte Russe. As for jewelry, a quick trip to your local thrift shop can help you reap some pieces that will match the vintage feel of the pants for a low price!

Images via OldNavy.com, abercrombie.com, Target.com

Shirt: Old Navy, $15
Jeans: Abercrombie, $22
Sneakers: Target, $12.48
Total: $49.48

Slim-fit button-ups such as this one from Old Navy are the epitome of casual class, and are the perfect thing to wear on the first day of school to effortlessly look nice. A classic pair of slightly destroyed jeans is a timeless look and will match with almost everything (especially in a dark wash).

This pair from Abercrombie for only $22 is a steal! Matched with a pair of simple slip-on sneakers, this outfit will have you feeling both comfortable and stylish without breaking your bank. Button-ups tend to be made out of lightweight material, but if it’s still too hot to wear a long-sleeve shirt where you go to school, consider wearing a neutral tank underneath so that you can take off the button-up as needed.

Images via OldNavy.com, Aeropostale.com, AmericanEagleOutfitters.com

Polo: Old Navy, $14.50
Shorts: Aeropostale, $10
Sneakers: American Eagle Outfitters, $24.95
Total: $49.45

A pair of shorts like these is a great piece to have in your closet because they can match with a wide variety of outfits and styles. Paired with a T-shirt and flip-flops, the shorts would make a great casual weekend outfit; tucked in with a nice black button-up, a belt, and black loafers, the outfit would be a completely different story.

Paired here with a black polo, the outfit looks school-appropriate and sophisticated. The sturdy canvas sneakers ensure that you’re not looking overly fancy, but they look a lot more refined than a pair of flip-flops. They also offer comfort for when you have to walk across campus.

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