10 New Pieces to Incorporate Into Your Wardrobe This Semester
photo credit: EVG Kowalievska
by Maya Lopez ‘26
If you’re anything like me, you use the start of a new semester as an excuse to freshen up your wardrobe. After hours scouring the internet, online window shopping, I have compiled a list of the 10 pieces you should incorporate into your wardrobe this semester. All the pieces are linked, but you can find similar items at other stores as well as at secondhand shops or on Depop. Now, without further ado, here are the 10 pieces to incorporate into your wardrobe this semester.
Sporty Pullover
A sporty pullover is the perfect way to find the balance between comfy and cute. If you’re like me and don't have a rain jacket because you didn’t expect it to ever rain in Southern California, the sporty pullover is perfect for the walk to class on sprinkly days. It’s also great for when you want to look cute but you don’t want to seem like you’re trying too hard. Wear a light color sweatshirt to brighten up your look!
From Left to Right:
Lulu Lemon Suba Oversized Half-Zip Hoodie
Gap Vintage Soft Wedge Crewneck Sweatshirt
Target Women’s Cropped Zip-Up Sweatshirt
Striped Sweater
Channel your coastal grandmother with a striped sweater. Stripes have made a comeback in 2024 and are great for adding a pattern to your outfit without taking a big fashion risk. Personally, I’d pair striped sweaters with jeans, but I’ve seen people pull on the look with leggings, sweats, and linen pants as well. Striped sweaters are also great if you’re looking to add spice to a capsule wardrobe since they can be styled in so many ways. Striped sweaters are versatile for days where you’re feeling more casual or want to dress up.
From Left to Right:
Altar’d State Reed Collared Striped Sweater
MakeMeChic Women’s Y2K Long Sleeve Sweater Amazon
Brandy Melville Brianna Cotton Thick Stripe Sweater
Linen Pants
If you want to dress up but aren’t in the mood for jeans, linen pants are a great alternative. Brandy Melville has plenty of good, affordable options for linen pants – my go to are the tan Nanda Linen Pants. If you’re looking for a more trendy option, Djerf Avenue and Oddli have unique patterns and cuts. Linen pants have a light airy feel for comfy days and can be dressed up for warm and cold weather. Try patterned linen pants to add a dash of color!
From Left to Right:
Djerf Avenue Breezy Pants Blue Stripe
Amazon Essential Women’s Linen Blend Drawstring Wide Leg Pant
Fluffy Slippers
A California classic – it took me a minute to jump on this trend, but now I’m OBSESSED! If you want the classic look I’d opt for the platform UGGS. However, I also really like the basic slippers with a unique color like light pink to add a pop to a basic outfit. While you can’t wear fluffy slippers with some outfits, they add to your casual class outfits or for running errands around campus.
From Left to Right:
Amazon Litfun Women’s Fuzzy Memory Foam Slippers
DSW Koolaburra by UGG Burree Platform Slippers
Casual Mini Dress
For the days where you’re feeling lazy but want to look nice, go for a casual mini dress. Full disclosure, I only recommend this look if you carry a purse or tote to class because mini dresses and backpacks don’t always mix. My favorite casual mini dresses are from Brandy Melville, but you can find cute options anywhere depending on your style. There is so much versatility for how you style these, making it the perfect staple for spring.
From Left to Right:
Pacsun 1980 PAC Whisper Active Pines Mini Dress
Altar’d State Aderny Patchwork Floral Dress
Low Rise Denim Skirt
The Sophia Richie look is all the rage for going out outfits in 2024: the low rise denim skirt is an essential for nights out on the town. It’s time to hop on the low rise trend and denim mini skirts are a great way to start. Low rise denim mini skirts go with almost any top and can be used for a daytime or going out look. Personally, I enjoy styling these with a basic tight fitting full length top and black knee high boots.
From Left to Right:
Edited Spencer Low Rise Denim Micro Skirt
Amazon Mancreda Demin Cargo Skirt
American Eagle Low Rise Denim Mini Skirt
Black Knee High Boots
Speaking of the perfect accessory for denim mini skirts… I also recommend black knee high boots for this spring. I’m tired of sneakers and heels, and black knee high boots are the perfect middle ground between the two. When you want to feel dressed up but not too fancy, go for a pair of these. Honestly I don’t think you can go wrong with wherever you buy them, so I’d recommend just finding the cheapest pair – there are some great options on Depop as well. Pair them with anything short for the perfect going out or dinner outfit.
From Left to Right:
Tilly’s SODA Women’s Knee High Boots
Princess Polly Keeley Boots Matte Black
Madden Girl Women’s Winslow Fashion Boot
Basic Bodysuit
From interviews to lazy Sundays, basic bodysuits can be used for virtually anything. A bodysuit with a blazer and slacks is great for career fairs and Marshall presentations. Wear a bodysuit with jeans and cute jewelry if you want a safe outfit to wear to class without putting in too much effort. I recommend Skims for a somewhat affordable option that is super flattering and versatile.
From Left to Right:
Skims Fits Everybody Square Neck Bodysuit
Forever 21 Long-Sleeve Bodysuit
Lulus Sleek Style White Funnel Neck Bodysuit
Fisherman Cap
I was skeptical about this trend at first, but it has really grown on me. Add this hat to liven up any basic outfit. I’d recommend pairing the fisherman cap with jeans and a sweater. If you aren’t big into sunglasses, the fisherman cap is the perfect way to block the sun. Free People has a plethora of options in all different fabrics and colors that are cute but not too risky.
From Left to Right:
Free People Proper Stripe Slouch Lieutenant Hat
Forever 21 Faux Leather-Trim Cabbie Hat
Celine Triomphe Sailor Cap in Wool Cloth
Cute Cardigan
Cardigans are great for days where it's cold in the morning but warm during the day. Wear your favorite tank top underneath so you can take it off when it gets too hot outside. I love a light pink cardigan for a feminine feel and navy if you’re going for the dark academia look. Cardigans can be paired with jeans or skirts for a dressed up going to class look.
From Left to Right:
For Love and Lemons Laurel Cardigan
Revolve Montecito Crop Cardigan
Pacsun John Galt Navy Cardigan
Want more from Trojans 360?
Visit Trojans 360 on Facebook & Twitter to stay up to date with more student content! You can also Ask A Trojan an anonymous question, and we’ll try to answer it in a future post. And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram!
Trojans 360 is USC’s official student-run blog. Content created by students, for students.
