Garage’s Off-Duty Collection Is Actually the Ultimate Everyday College Outfit Destination
This is the back-to-school style hack to know.
You always imagine your first-week-of-college outfits to be the most stylish looks you’ve ever created. Until you get hit with the reality of having to get dressed for class every single day. Then comes week two—and, well, the rest of the year—and suddenly all you want is to be comfy and casual and to, honestly, never leave your pajamas.
That’s when I discovered Garage’s Off-Duty collection. Every single piece gives you that same soft, cozy feeling as your favorite house clothes, except they actually look presentable enough to wear outside. My dream! Plus, so many of the styles tap into major fashion trends happening right now—like polo tops, polka dots, capris, and ¾-length sleeve tops—which make them more exciting to wear. And after scoping out the entire capsule, I found the top 13 tops, pants, sweatshirts, jackets, and more you’ll be living in all year long. Consider these your new college (or high school!) uniform.
Bless the fact that polo tops made a comeback beyond the preppy-school trend. Throw this one on with your favorite jeans or leggings, and you’ll instantly look like you actually tried! The fabric is buttery-soft and sculpted to fit like a second skin, so it feels amazing and cozy all day long.
In the fashion world, track pants have officially become a wardrobe staple. Pair them with a baby tee to keep the casual, sporty vibes going, or throw on a button-up to dress them up a bit if you want to show up to class looking a little more polished. They’re my favorite because they’re kind of, sort of sweatpants disguised as regular pants.
Honestly, I love a double-layered cami because it feels like the perfect tank for class—it’s not too skin-tight or revealing. Yet, it’s still lightweight and comfortable, especially on warmer days or if you’re going to school somewhere with a warmer climate.
There’s just something about an off-the-shoulder sweatshirt that feels inherently cooler than a regular one. You still get that slouchy, bundled-up feeling, but with a slightly edgier look, which is exactly how I want to show up on campus!
Capris are still very much of the moment, and so are polka dots! The perfect on-trend combo! Plus, they’re made from the brand’s StretchTerry material, which is soft, stretchy, and made to move with you. With an elasticized waistband, you’ll find yourself reaching for it all the time.
The 3/4-sleeve top is ideal for those in-between days when it’s not too hot and not too cold. And the boatneck neckline (which fashion pros are loving right now!) gives a chic, subtle décolletage look. Trust me, you’ll want this one in every color...
I love a jacket that feels molded to me—something I can wear to exercise, throw on when I’m running errands, and take pretty much anywhere. This one does exactly that. You can wear it to class with a tank or tee underneath, then keep it on for the rest of your day.
Sweatpants designed to give your booty a little lift? Twist my arm! These bootcut lounge pants hug the body exactly where you want them to, while still feeling incredibly comfortable. They’re the perfect everyday pants when you want to look put-together but still feel like you just rolled out of bed.
When I was in college, I literally lived in tank tops. I’m pretty sure I had some version of them in every color—and this is that kind of tank. The perfect everyday basic, with a scoop neckline, soft and stretchy material, and thick straps that make it easy to wear on its own or layer.
Take it from me: No college wardrobe is complete without a really good hoodie. And dare I say, this one checks all the boxes. The UltraFleece material has a soft, velvety feel that’s basically like a cloud against your skin, but it’s not bulky, so you won’t feel like you’re overheating in class.
This is the type of black shirt you’ll reach for when you’re running late to class and need to throw something on fast, but it can just as easily work for a date-night outfit with that cutie you met at orientation. With some flared leggings or a jean skirt, you’re good to go.
On the days you just don’t feel like wearing pants, switch things up with a skort! Especially when the weather is giving heatwave. It has built-in jersey shorts, so you don’t have to worry about anything peeking out. It’s such a simple way to elevate your everyday outfits.
Personally, I go for half-zips over hoodies because they don’t mess up my hairstyle and have a more put-together look, while still giving you all the warmth and coziness. Wear it with jeans or trousers, and you’ll still look cute and polished!
Megan Uy is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, where she searches for the best products in all things fashion, home, beauty, sex, gifts, and more, so you don’t have to. When she’s not writing for the site, she’s whipping up some cool and trendy content for the fashion section of the print magazine. She’s been with the brand since 2019 (when she was an itty-bitty editorial fellow), and she's also written for Delish, House Beautiful, and People. Follow her on Instagram to get some BTS of the editor life and chaotic NYC content. Also, feel free to hit her up if you ever wanna discuss the madness that is TikTok.
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