Graduate School Wardrobe Essentials for Women

If you are a female heading to grad school in the fall, you may be wondering how to update your wardrobe from hoodies and flip flops to be more appropriate for your new life. While it is still completely fine to wear a t-shirt and jeans to class, you will probably be involved in other activities such as assistantships and practicums that will require you to look more professional and put together.

Let's start with the basics. Go through your jeans and find the pairs that fit you the best. Get rid of anything that is obviously too tight or exposes a little too much when you sit down. Dark washes are best for times when you want to look pulled together without really getting dressed up. Make sure you have different lengths for flats and heels. You really only need four or five pairs of well-fitting jeans.

If you don't already have some, you will probably want to pick up some dress pants as well. Khaki pants are just as comfortable as jeans but look more grown up. Get some with flat fronts and bootcut to look the best. A pair of black or dark grey pants will work for days when you need to be especially dressed up.

If your funds allow, buying a well-made suit is also a good idea. Choose a dark color like grey or black so that it will go with whatever you decide to wear under it. New York & Co and Express are great places to get suits that will fit people your age. You can choose whether you would prefer a skirt- or pant-suit depending on what you are more comfortable in and the climate in your area.

Now for shoes, you probably already have some comfy pairs of flip flops and sneakers. There will definitely still be days where you can wear these. I suggest you also get a dressy boot or shoe with a heel of 3 inches or less. Tall boots are great in the north to help keep your legs warm during the winter. I spend a lot of time working with children and found a great pair of flats to wear when I have to do a lot of moving around with them. Flats are also great for days when you need to look pulled together but aren't in the mood for heels.

You will probably want a couple button down shirts. Start with a white one. You can wear them partly unbuttoned with a camisole underneath or put a sweater over them to stay warm in the winter. Speaking of sweaters, they are a great way to be comfortable and look nice at the same time. Cardigans make a good extra layer.

Make sure you have well-fitting bras and underwear because they are the foundation for the rest of your clothes. Invest a little more in some quality ones. Make sure that they are never visible under your clothes.

If there is any money left in your budget, look for a nice, knee-length dress that you can wear at night and for going out. It doesn't need to be black as long as it fits well and you feel confident in it.

A wool pea coat is a great, professional looking option. Spring is good time to buy them quite cheaply so check them out now.

And last but not least, you will need a nice bag that will still allow you to carry your books, binders, and laptop which will never leave your side. Get a good quality one made out of canvas or leather so that it will last a long time. Zippers and pockets inside will definitely keep you organized. Consider buying one that will go with most of your wardrobe - can't go wrong with black!

Don't worry if you can't go out and buy a completely new wardrobe right now. Check through your closet and you will probably find many of these things and be able to get rid of many of the more immature clothes that you still have. Consider buying things like sweaters, coats, and boots now in the spring while they are on sale.