Well, it’s official! Less than a month until I move into school and start my sophomore year of college. This school year is definitely going to look a little different but I’m doing my best to keep cranking out the back to school content that you’ve asked for!
One of my number one requests this year has been outfits for going out in college. I teamed up with Princess Polly on YouTube today to share a haul full of super cute going out pieces and decided to style them in a few different outfit ideas here on the blog! These outfits are geared towards the first month-ish of school. Don’t worry, I will do my best to continually post these as the season’s change, and inevitably so do the styles.
Keep in mind that the styles are different from school to school and also vary depending on if you’re going out to bars or frat basements. I also go to a school with a large fashion program so some of the “usuals” are a bit “dressier”. Alright, let’s get on with the looks!
Black denim + a bodysuit is hands down my most worn combination when going out. I finally got my hands on a pair of black denim shorts and I just know I will be getting tons of use out of these this school year! Those first few weeks of school it’s still going to be relatively hot out; you’ll find yourself reaching for more shorts and skirts before transitioning into jeans around October.
l almost always have a bodysuit on when going out; in fact every outfit I’m sharing with you today I’m wearing a bodysuit in. They are the perfect party piece as they are cute and trendy + they seamlessly tuck into your bottoms making your look super polished. Princess Polly has so many awesome options. This one could easily be worn to the frats or to class when paired with jeans and a cardigan.
Black platforms are a great pair of shoes to have in college. Lots of girls will wear shoes similar to these for their “open-toed” shoes but most people will also designate a pair of white sneakers and black booties as their ” going out” shoes. Pop on a belt and earrings to tie your look together!
Outfit Details— bodysuit: Princess Polly, shorts: Princess Polly, shoes: Off The Beaten Track, belt: Romwe, earrings: SheIn, necklace: The Silver Heron, bracelets: Mantra Band
I’m obviously not of age to be going to the bars (except for Kent’s one 18 and up bar, Brewhouse) but I figured I’d throw in a look for those of you who are! I know every school is different and that for many, they only go out to college bars. I’ve also had a lot of you asking for outfit ideas for grabbing drinks with your girls or on a date so this is for you!
This setting tends to be a bit cleaner and because they are often airconditioned you can wear something a bit nicer. I thought this silk bodysuit would be perfect for the occasion. it looks a bit dressier but tucked into light wash jeans you keep things casual.
Heels are definitely my confidence booster and so I wear them every chance I can get. I wore them almost every time I went to Brewhouse. They give the perfect mix of effortlessly chic when paired with jeans. Make sure you’re wearing a comfy pair so you can still dance the night away. Hoops and an arm cuff are the only accessories you need!
Outfit Details— bodysuit: Princess Polly, jeans: Express, heels: SheIn, earrings: SheIn, necklace: The Silver Heron, cuff: Mantra Band
I’m a sucker for a skirt those first few weeks when it’s warm out! The temperatures drop rather quickly in Ohio so I try to take advantage and wear all of my fun summer pieces while I can. I will definitely be wearing this combination when I get back on campus.
This leopard mini skirt is the cutest! It’s got tie details along the front that sinch the skirt. Paired with a black ruched bodysuit and you’ve got a trendy, flattering combo! Pop on sneakers if you’re headed to the frats or dress it up with some black heels if you’re headed to the bars.
So many girls will be wearing a bodysuit + skirt combo out! Make sure you grab a skirt with some stretch so you can break it down on the dance floor with your ladies! This one has an elastic waist so it’s perfect for the occasion.
Outfit Details— bodysuit: Princess Polly, skirt: Princess Polly, heels: SheIn, earrings: SheIn, cuff: Mantra Band, necklace: The Silver Heron
Obviously not everyone is going to be wearing a cowgirl hat out on any given day but I will admit, I went through a phase spring semester of adding one to every single party outfit and it always helped strike up a conversation with strangers. It became my “thing” and I’ll definitely be wearing mine out this fall just for giggles!
One-shoulder bodysuits are my jam and I wore this one out a dozen times last year. With a cute denim skirt and a statement belt, you’re good to go. I reached for a cow print one for obvious reasons! Close-toed shoes are a must for some people. I personally don’t mind wearing sandals but if that’s not your vibe, pop on booties or a pair of white chunky sneakers.
A lot of frats will host theme parties and many sororities will use country as a date party theme; this outfit would be perfect for either of those. Or if you’re like me and wear whatever the heck you want whenever you want, you could wear this on any given night and nobody would think twice about it, lol. The key is confidence, my friends!
Outfit Details— bodysuit: SheIn, skirt: Princess Polly, belt: Princess Polly, shoes: SheIn, hat: SheIn, earrings: Necessary Creations, necklace: The Silver Heron, bracelets: Alex and Ani
There’s nothing I love more than a good plunging bodysuit. I know they are a little out of some people’s comfort zone but they are effortlessly sexy. They also work best if you’re a bit smaller in the chest! I love pairing mine with black jeans in the fall but because it’s so hot out those first few weeks, a pair of distressed denim shorts will work just fine.
I love how high waisted this pair is and they’ve got the perfect amount of distressing. They definitely needed a belt though; this star belt was hands down one of my most worn items of freshman year. I wore this belt constantly with matching star earrings to accessorize. These two are the perfect duo!
For shoes, I’m wearing simple black lace-up sandals. These are super comfy and of course easy to walk in which makes them a fav of mine. They are great for going to class or grabbing dinner with friends too! I love a versatile shoe.
Outfit Details— bodysuit: Princess Polly, shorts: Princess Polly, belt: Romwe, shoes: SheIn, earrings: SheIn, bracelets: Mantra Band
I do not have any affiliate links for Princess Polly but I do have a 20% off code that will save you some extra money and show Princess Polly that my followers are loving their stuff as much as me! Click here to shop and use my code MCKENZIEXO to save 20% off your entire purchase at checkout. They also offer free two-day shipping on orders over $50USD!
Want to see what other pieces I picked up from Princess Polly + find links to all of the items mentioned in one place? Head on over to my YouTube channel to watch today’s haul. I couldn’t love these pieces more; give this video a big thumbs up if you want to see more Princess Polly hauls!
I’m including a few pictures of me from the first two months of college with my friends so you can get an idea on what my friends and I wore out to parties! Enjoy these “real time” pics.
What’s the going out “norm” where you go to school? I’d totally wear any of these outfits out myself but would love to hear what your typical outfit of the night is on your college campus. Let me know below along with which outfit was your favorite. I’ll catch you all soon for more back to school content and will be sure to do an updated one of these once the temperatures cool down a bit!
With love, McKenz
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Related Post: Party Outfit Ideas
Instagram: styledbymckenz // YouTube: McKenzie Morgan // Pinterest: mckenzmorgan
My favorite outfit is the patterned bodysuit with the black shorts! My school’s going out scene is *very* casual, and most girls just wear jeans, sneakers, and crop tops.
Miles of smiles,
Grace
gracefulrags.com
My sister said my outfits looked fancy but I told her it was just the belts and accessories tricking her haha!
The most popular going out looks I often see on my campus are crop tops and ripped boyfriend jeans (since it tends to be colder at night in New England). I LOVED that cheetah mini skirt from Princess Polly, I have been purchasing all of my skirts there recently!
You look so adorable in all looks! Love your style. I am so inspired with your article and got some great ideas. Thanks for sharing.