Ten Items Every CL Girl Should Have In Her Closet!

There are 10 wardrobe staples every CL needs to have in her closet. These affordable pieces will help create the fabulous trendy looks for every season, plus they’re all super affordable!

1)      The Bandeau Bra:

I cannot live without this item! It’s perfect for low-cut tops and dresses, strapless pieces and for wearing under sheer or lace tops. I have bandeaus in several colors but the ones I use the most are black and nude (although I love wearing my pink one this summer!) American Apparel has them in almost every color (even metallics) but at $15, they’re a little pricey. I found some at my local Forever 21 for only $2.90, but try the Sweetheart Floral Bandeau from their Web site.

2)      Leggings:

Although many will argue that leggings are out, I cannot live without mine. They are the perfect item for lounging in, especially if you’re dressing to impress. Although I’m not a huge fan of colored or printed leggings or wearing them as pants, I love fitted black leggings under tunics or sweaters. Try picking a top or sweater that hits right below the hips, yet is too short to be worn alone. Also, try completing the look with boots, booties, flats or pumps. I think closed-toe options make the look sleeker and elongate your legs. Try the Basic Knit Legging from Forever 21, for $4.50 and nine colors to choose from, it’s the perfect staple to stock up on!

3)      Dark Skinny Jeans:

This might seem like an obvious choice, but finding a pair of jeans that fit perfectly is definitely a challenge. Every CL girl needs a pair of jeans that fit snuggly, yet isn’t too tight (you want to be able to breathe!) and is in the perfect shade. I find that J Brand’s cigarette jeans fit me the best, but I’d recommend going to your favorite department store and trying on a bunch of options. Splurging on a good pair of jeans is fine because you’ll wear them often. But I’d recommend hand washing them in order to preserve the color and to avoid shrinkage.

4)      Knee-high leather boots:

Even though I live in Florida, this is my favorite item on the list. I wear my boots all the time. I’d recommend investing in a couple pairs, in colors that you would wear most often. I love pairing these sleek boots with leggings or skinny jeans and my favorite over-sized tee. It makes a super comfortable and stylish look. Try these Tall Riding Boots by Colin Stuart.

5)      Perfect Tee:

T-shirts can be super stylish when accessorized up, and not to mention comfy! I live in my tees, they are the perfect staple for a busy CL girl. Try the Unisex Tri-Blend Short Sleeve Track Shirt from American Apparel. For $22, this tee lasts surprisingly well. The tri-blend fabric helps withstand pilling and wear plus the colors are great for all seasons (I have the tri-cranberry, tri-indigo and tri-black)   

6)      Messenger Bag:

This is the perfect bag for a busy working college girl! I have two that I use often, one large enough in order to carry a text book and one for every day. Because I use them so often, I bought affordable bags and saved my designer splurge for another time. Try the “Hipster” bag from Vera Bradley, there are 22 prints to choose from and it’s super cute and feminine. Plus the fabric is machine washable. It’s perfect for donning around campus!

7)      Black Pumps

I couldn’t even count the amount of heels I have purchased and then never wore. Every pair is always too bright, too high, too wobbly, not high enough or too expensive to actually wear. I finally invested in a pair of black patent pumps and couldn’t have made a better purchase. Try finding a pair with a small platform in order to make the shoe more stable and easier to walk in. I love the Prosprus heels  from Steve Madden.

8)      LBD:

Need I say more? Chose a black dress that hits a couple inches above the knee. Also, avoid lace or embroidery, a simple fabric and cut will last throughout the seasons.

9)      Pea coat:

Every CL girl needs a chic coat, no matter what state she lives in. If you live in a hot state like me, try purchasing one in a thinner fabric. If you live where it snows, obviously opt for a warmer option. Pea coats are super stylish and pair well with most outfits. I’d recommend investing in a black coat that you will wear often and then purchasing a more affordable style in a color such as red or ivory. Forever 21 usually has great jackets, but most aren’t snow-friendly. I also love BCBGeneration’s Double-Breasted Trench Coat, but at $268, it’s definitely a fashion splurge.

10)   Chic Shades:

My last pick has to be sunglasses! It’s the perfect completion to any classy outfit and I love hiding behind my shades in between classes. Although I love my Ray Bans, I definitely can’t afford to only wear designer shades. Try the Classic Metal Aviator                   Sunglasses from Urban Outfitters. They have a designer look for only $14.

Morgan Piven is a third year multimedia journalism major at Florida Atlantic University. She loves shopping for affordable and fun pieces.

A Classy CL Intern! Morgan P- Florida Atlantic University

Name: Morgan Piven

School: Florida Atlantic University

Studies: Multimedia Journalism

Year: 2013

Organization Involvement: BCBGeneration Student Ambassador

Position at CL: Health/Fashion Writer

What I plan to bring to CL this summer: Fun and modernity. I love to share my love for bargain hunting and all things healthy.

Why am I excited to be a CL intern: I’ve only been on board for a week and I have already made new friends! Shelly and the girls are more than welcoming and I’m excited to share my stories and ideas with everyone!

Career goals: My ultimate career goal is work for a major publication in New York City. I would also love to one day teach a college course.

A classy co-ed is……. someone who isn’t afraid to be themselves. A true classy co-ed remains level-headed during frustrating situations, realizes every mistake doubles as a learning experience and that it is never too late to make a difference.

A FUN fact about me: I’ve been studying French for 4 years. And although I’m still not very good I would love to one day become fluent.

Morgan Piven is a 21-year old multimedia journalism major at Florida Atlantic University. When she’s not blogging, reading magazines, working or studying, she’s cooking vegetarian dishes and reading all of Chelsea Handler’s novels