The holidays are the perfect time for students to increase their sense of style and add staples to their holiday wish list, at least according to senior fashion design student Nicole Farmer. 

“I really think that Christmas, fashion-wise, is about building your staple wardrobe because you’re gonna get a lot of wear out of things that are going to follow you through the seasons, no matter what trends are popping up,” she said. 

The first item Farmer said students should add to their list is a black shoulder bag, specifically Coach’s Swinger 20.

“It’s the perfect size bag for a night out and holds all my essentials,” she said. “I really enjoy my Coach one because it’s made of great quality, and they have a repair program if something ever happens to your bag.”

Farmer said next on the list is a pair of straight-legged or baggy jeans, which should be in everyone’s closet or on their wish list.

“Something about a straight legged jean just elevates denim for me, regardless of what you’re wearing on the top or bottom,” she said.

She recommended students shop at Express for high-quality denim and versatile clothing.

“They have amazing workwear that can still be worn in a casual setting,” Farmer said. “I recommend any college student to look at Express because they have really trendy pieces that you can then convert into professional wear.”

Farmer, a fashion influencer on social media, said she believes everyone needs a good throw-on sneaker. New Balance’s gold and nude 550s are her go-to.

“A good staple sneaker that you love, preferably a neutral color, that you can throw on and go with everything,” she said. “They are an everyday shoe for me. New Balance also offers a bunch of different insoles for people with different arches, which I think is great. They come in bright colors, neutral colors, the base is white and you can accent with any color you choose. I wear them almost every day.”

Senior fashion merchandising major Sophia Cameron suggested students ask for a pair of wide-legged sweatpants. 

“For a college student, comfort is key,” she said. 

Cameron also suggested students ask for a crew neck short-sleeved t-shirt, specifically from the shop Uniqlo.

“They are so comfortable and it’s a solid basic tee to have,” she said. “They are very sturdy, in that you could probably have it for the rest of your life.”

Students should shop on Uniqlo for all their closet staples, Cameron said.

“They have a pretty decent size range, and they have any type of staple item you can think of,” she said. “The majority of their items are staple wear.” 

Both Farmer and Cameron recommended people ask for a “traditional and transitional” jacket.

“A staple jacket or coat is ideal, like a trench coat or something more elevated. Something that you can wear to dress an outfit up,” Farmer said.

They both also suggested asking for jewelry. Farmer recommended shopping at Coach and on Etsy for pieces.

“I’m a big jewelry girl — I always ask for some,” she said. “Etsy is the place I look for go-to pieces. Coach also hits the mark with the price range of $30-$60.”

Abercrombie & Fitch, which went through a recent rebranding to aim more toward college students, is an excellent place to start shopping, along with Target, Farmer said.

“Abercrombie & Fitch went through a rebrand in spring of 2021, and they are doing this thing where they grow with their customer,” she said. “So that is a good place for really cool and trendy pieces right now.”

Kelsie Horner is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].