WHAT WOULD ERIN WEAR: HOW TO PICK CASUAL BUT CHIC OUTFITS FOR COLLEGE CLASSES!

When I first started getting more into styling or just fashion in general I always looked outside of myself for inspiration. I would go to Instagram, Youtube, and Tumblr to get ideas for what I wanted to wear that particular day. But once I got a handle on my own personal style, I always wanted to create a place where people could find their own inspiration without having to go through every social media outlet on their phone. That's why I decided to create this series, What Would Erin Wear. You may be wondering who I am and why I think I have all this knowledge? But after having my own Youtube channel and successfully keeping up my own social medias, I finally think I have the ability to give you proper advice when it comes to college fashion. Keep in mind, I'm definitely not the girl who would roll out of bed and throw on sweatpants to go to class everyday (not that I haven't done that in the past). These are just five of my favorite easy to create outfits that I wear to college classes because when I look my best I truly feel my best.

OUTFIT #1: PlAID & PREPPY CHIC

My first outfit is personally one of my favorites. When it comes to describing my personal style it's chic but also comfortable. Turtlenecks like this are such a basic staple, that everyone needs one. I borrowed mine from my roommate but you can find them anywhere like this Urban Outfitters turtleneck on their site. A plaid skirt is another staple you need in your closet for the colder months. It can be paired with anything from a turtle neck or a graphic t shirt to make it casual. This amazing grey and black plaid skirt at a thrift store but there are similar ones at popular online retailers like Lulu's. Tights of course are another great basic that can be found just about anywhere as well as knit socks. These knit socks are actually from L.L. Bean. They're perfect for keeping fashionable and warm. My teddy bear jacket is practically glued to my body as soon as I feel the slightest chill in the air. This one is from last year but I was able to find one similar at Forever 21. But these boots are my true prized possession. If I ever have black booties on, these have to be them. This pair are Ralph Lauren brand but I actually found them at T.J. Maxx (Maxxinistas Unite!). Lucky for you, in my post called, "7 Fall Fashion Essentials Under $50", I actually found a pair for a price you would never find looking through shoes at Ralph Lauren.

OUTFIT #2: MAKING CHEETAH PRINT CASUAL

This next outfit is for when I'm feeling a little more bold than usual. The idea of wearing cheetah print, especially to class, normally scares people away. I'm all about thrift shopping, so my best friend and roommate Meg actually found this for me on one of many trips digging through the racks at Saver's. I found one from Urban Outfitters, that's definitely way more expensive than the one I got but may actually be better.. The jacket linked has zipper detailing on the front that mine lacks. When it comes to something like this that will be in your closet, possibly forever, it's best to cough up a little extra dough for the best quality. A turtleneck sweater is a staple in your wardrobe too. Whether you tuck it in it gives the illusion of it being cropped or you can leave it out so everyone can see the ribbon detailing up the sides. I found the perfect replica of this timeless sweater over on Old Navy. Their version is perfect because the turtleneck is much thicker to help you keep warm. My pants may look like jeans or even leggings but they're actually black jogger pants. Basically the best invention ever where you feel as if you're in sweatpants but really they're tailored pants. These are from Target but there are similar pairs at Old Navy. My shoe are in fact the same Ralph Lauren boots in the previous outfit.

OUTFIT #3: MAKING HOODED SWEATSHIRTS FASHIONABLE

Truly this is one of those outfits that just wants to scream from the roof tops that I'm an art student. If you didn't know I'm a video production major at the University of New Haven and finding my identity through my school is one of the major factors for expanding my style. This past winter one of major trend was cropped hoodies. Not only are they incredibly comfortable, but they never go out of style. This one is from H&M and can be found in so many colors. Luckily, I was able to find one that I like even better on their website! The jacket I linked is the perfect combination of half zip and hoodie that you're dying for. Another popular trend you can find during the winter is trouser pants. In this picture I'm wearing my favorite black and white checkered pair from H&M. Not only are they high-waisted but they also zip up the side (trust me they're beautiful and you need them). Lastly, for shoes I'm just wearing hi top white sneakers. Before I owned a pair of real Converse, I bought a pair of off brand ones from Target to make sure I really like the style before committing. Now I have the real hi-top white Converse and I'm wearing them to my grave probably.

OUTFIT #4: TROUSER PANTS TO CLASS FOR THE WIN

This next outfit is pretty much as casual as I'll go when it comes to going to class. When you look good you really do feel your best. Even if you're going to study in the library I like to feel just a little bit put together. This yellow cropped shirt is one of my favorite tops to throw on when I'm running out the door. It's from Forever 21 but their clothes change so frequently you definitely can't find it anymore. Thankfully, there's one that looks almost identical from Forever 21, it just doesn't have any writing on the front. My pants are actually from the sale section at Old Navy and I'm constantly being complimented on them. No one ever believes me when I tell them where I got them. I was able to find them online just not in the same pattern and they're definitely more expensive now than when I got them. My shoes are actually the same hi-top Converse knock offs that I talked about in my previous outfit.

OUTFIT #5: CROP TOPS MEET BUSINESS CASUAL

Finally, we're down to my last outfit and probably my favorite because it's so versatile. You can switch out the top or shoes to create more of a professional vibe for your look. This shirt is probably one of the pieces in my closet that I get the most compliments on. It's difficult to see but it says "Girls Can Do Anything", which is so true. While this shirt can't be found at Forever 21 anymore, I looked for a similar cropped shirt on the site and was successful. While the shirt linked is different, it still gives off the same varsity appeal without completely copying and pasting my outfit onto you. My pants are some of my beloved trouser pants from H&M. This pair is definitely more muted and is perfect for any outfit you make that already has a lot going on. I found the ideal pair that allows you to follow the trouser trend without having to make a statement if you don't want to. Once again, my shoes are my Converse hi-top knock offs and my favorite accessory is my trusty scrunchies. The best ones can be found at Urban Outfitters because they last forever. You can use them to accessorize with any outfit while also taking advantage of their usability.

Hopefully you were able to get some inspiration for outfits you can put together for this upcoming fall and winter. All of these outfits are super easy to recreate and if you use what you already have in your closet, you don't even need to spend a penny (which is the ideal situation for a college girl like myself).