What should you wear to college?

Starting college or sixth form this September and not sure what to wear? Here’s some ideas on how to dress for your studies.

Starting college or sixth form can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, especially if you’ve never had the opportunity to choose what to wear before.

It’s normal to feel concerned about fitting in with your peers and wearing the right clothes. But don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to feel comfortable and confident in your clothing choices.

Firstly, it’s important to remember that everyone is in the same boat as you. College is a new environment for everyone, and most students will be more focused on adjusting to their new surroundings than on what you’re wearing.

That said, it’s important to make an effort with your appearance to show that you take your studies seriously and are ready to engage with college life.

Some colleges have rules on what is and isn’t allowed, so make sure you familiarise yourself with these before you start shopping. Like most sixth forms, colleges and universities in the UK, we don’t have a dress code at any of our colleges at Capital City College Group (CCCG) but trust our students to wear sensible clothing that is appropriate for college and the course they are studying.

One way to ensure you feel good in what you’re wearing is to invest in some key pieces that you can mix and match. This could be as simple as a few pairs of jeans, a couple of t-shirts and a sweater or hoodie. These items are versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. If you prefer a more formal look, consider adding a jacket and a pair of smart trousers or skirt to your wardrobe.

It’s always a good idea to dress appropriately for the occasion. If you’re going to be sitting in lectures or standing up in a workshop, it’s important to feel relaxed and comfortable, but there might be some days where you have to make a bit more effort and dress in smart attire, such as when you have a presentation or an office-based work placement.

It can also be beneficial to try and dress a little smarter every so often. Sometimes you feel more focused and work harder with what you wear. This doesn’t mean turning up in a suit, but looking smarter occasionally doesn’t do any harm.

While our colleges will provide overalls, lab coats and tabards for students on our Construction, Engineering, Science, Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy course and some A Levels, it is advisable to wear clothing that you do not want to ruin during more practical classes.

If you’re still unsure what to wear on a day-to-day basis, take a look at what other students are wearing around college.

Find out more about College Life with CCCG here.

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