College campus fashion is constantly evolving; whether it’s oversized scrunchies or velour tracksuits, a new school year always brings new trends. This semester, you’ll learn ’90s street styles are still ‘in,’ pleated minis are major, and you’re going to need to up your knitwear game.
So as you perfect your campus style, take some time to explore your fashion sense, embrace your individuality in new ways, and find clothes that fit your lifestyle and make you feel empowered. That’s why we’re highlighting Garage: “the voice of the confident, independent individual who is not afraid of living out loud and expressing their personality.”
Ready to turn up the volume on who you are (and who you want to be)? Here are 5 top college looks to inspire your back to campus gear for 2023:
What is Garage Clothing?
Garage is a Montreal-based casual clothing brand with over 190 retail locations across Canada and the United States, plus an online shop with new items and sizes added daily.
Outfitting campuses with the newest seasonal trends and everyday basics for any lifestyle, including denim, dresses, activewear, intimates, swimwear, accessories, beauty, and shoes, Garage also carries the hottest brand collabs and styles from Levi’s, Kappa, Reebok, and more.
Top 5 Back to College Trends at Garage Clothing You Need Now
1. Wide Leg Denim
Supersize it! One of the biggest jeans trends for fall 2021 is wide-leg denim, and we’re crushing hard on Garage’s wide selection of retro-fitted and looser styles, like mom jeans, flares, boyfriend jeans, and these top picks that make the grade:
High Rise Baggy Jeans
Not too light and not too dark, these super relaxed, non-stretch denim High Rise Baggy Jeans have a flattering fit with a slightly distressed look that make them a versatile addition to any closet. Pair with sneaks for ’90s street style or open-toe heels for a night on the town.
Skater Wide Leg Jeans
We love these throwback Skater Wide Leg Jeans, which comfortably hug the hips (elastic waist, yes!) and have an ultra-wide leg, carpenter loop, and four-pocket detail.
’90s Straight Jean
New arrival! If you’re looking for straight-leg denim with a slightly stretchy relaxed fit, we love these Slate Gray ’90s Jeans with distressed detailing, which run straight from hip to toe and have an ultra-high rise waist. These jeans are perfect for crop tops and micro tops.
2. Vests
Live your vest life! Preppy sport looks like polo-style tanks and vests (paired with your favorite pair of Garage wide-leg bottoms) will dominate the quad this year. Layering for the fall is a no-brainer when you have vests in your closet like these:
Regina Crop Vest
Cozy, comfortable, and chic! Like the Regina Crop, sleeveless sweater vests are another campus fashion trend for 2021 to be on the lookout for. This V-neck cropped style is made from non-stretch materials and is available in blue plaid and gray argyle.
Samantha Cable-Knit Vest
Cable-knit is a classic, eye-catching pattern every closet needs! We love the Snow White Samantha V-Neck Vest for more than just its braided knit style. It has a stretchy fit, cropped length, and the color matches everything! Plus, its sleeveless cut shines on its own and pairs fabulously over a polo or collared button-down. Size up if you prefer an oversized look.
Patchwork Mockneck Tank
Make a stylish first impression on campus, plus add a bit of texture to your wardrobe with a mock turtleneck sleeveless cropped tank with patchwork stitching all over. This fitted, stretch-knit number is a new arrival that pairs well with high-rise denim, leggings, and skinny pants.
3. Pleated Skirts
Meet the perfect match for preppy vests! Pleated miniskirts, especially dark-colored, preppy plaids, are a fall trend you won’t want to miss. Our top picks are flirty-cute for the weekend and pair nicely with tights, booties, over-the-knee boots, and long sleeve cardigans.
Tessa Tennis Skirt
Serve one of the hottest looks on campus with the Tessa Tennis Skirt, available in softer to-die-for shades of pink, blue, yellow, green, and more. Flowy and feminine, we love that there are shorts sewn into the elastic waistband for added coverage.
Brittany Pleated Mini
We love the school uniform look, now? Yes! Don’t skirt this 2021 trend; you’ll miss out on the wide-ranging possibilities of pleated minis, like the Light Taupe Plaid Brittany Pleated Skirt. This semi-fitted, woven, non-stretch skirt has a high-rise waist, a hidden zipper enclosure, and plenty of playful pleats.
Edie Flat-Front Pleated Skirt
Flat-front pleated skirts let you enjoy the “swing” of pleats with fewer distractions and less bulk. Available in two plaid styles, our top pick is the Black Grey Pinstripe Edie Pleated Skirt. We’re sure you’ll like the flattering, flat-front style and slight stretch of this semi-fitted, high-rise mini.
4. Cardigans
Party in a cardi? Oh yeah, and we’re not talking about your Grandma’s knitwear, either! Say ‘goodbye’ to the chunky cardigan of yesteryear and welcome layer-ready cardigans to your wardrobe this season. You’ll see a lot of knitted sweaters hitting your campus—short-sleeved, long, and sleeveless—all styles pass the test. Here are a few cardis that have caught our eye:
Jenna Cardi
Another in-season look we love: Quarter- and half-button sweaters in dark neutrals like the Armadillo Brown Jenna Cardi! Check out this relaxed fit, nonstretch-knit cropped style; it has a V-neck buttoned-down front with dropped shoulders and long sleeves to keep you cozy this fall.
Emily Crop Cardi
Pretty in pink! Slay the laidback, collegiate sweater look with the Shadow Pink Emily Crop Cardi. This fitted, ribbed stretch-knit has a button-front closure, long sleeves, and an open collar.
Kaylee Cardi
This comfy, Fall Gray Mix stretch-knit V-neck cardi has ribbed cuffs, a button-front closure, and a relaxed fit that hits just at the natural waist. Fans of this style recommend sizing up to rock a more slouchy fit that playfully hangs off the shoulder.
5. Graphic Tops
Physics in ten minutes? No problem! Pair any Garage graphic top with jeans, and you’re out the door in a flash. So whether you’re reppin’ your hometown or showcasing your colorful personality, you can make a statement and speak your mind without saying a word.
Waffle Crop Cami
Calling all social butterflies—we have the top for you! This Waffle Crop Cami is a fitted, stretch-knit graphic crop top with a scoop neck, open back, thin straps, and an all-over weave pattern that’ll keep you carefree and comfortable as you chill out with friends.
Raglan Stormi Tee
This sporty, fitted baby tee pays homage to Route 66, one of the nation’s most famous roads—it has short raglan sleeves and a cropped style that hits just above the belly button.
Kylie Crop Long Sleeve Tee
Strength, courage, and resilience…there’s a certain mystique behind the message of this super-cute, ribbed crop top decorated with a barbed wire heart graphic. We also love the lettuce-edge hem at the waist and end of the sleeve. Pair with skirts, pants, or denim!
What Sets Garage Clothing Apart?
1. The Garage App
Download the Garage Studio app, available for iOS and Android, to earn rewards and enjoy extra savings, like five ways to earn up to 25% off your next order. Other perks include:
- An instant 10% off when you complete your profile
- Early access to select sales
- Track your badge progress for extra savings
- Easy access to your e-receipts
- Use your digital rewards in-store
2. Buy Now, Pay Later
Garageclothing.com shoppers can enjoy stress-free payment options on orders over $35 through Klarna, which splits the cost of your purchase (with zero upfront fees) into four interest-free payment installments. Another bonus: Klarna’s Buyer Protection!
3. Free Online Returns
Garage offers free returns by mail within 30 days of purchase for all online orders, except for earrings, fragrances, face masks, beauty products, and final-sale clearance.
4. “Make a Difference” Program
Garage Clothing gives back to various local, national, and international nonprofits through its “Make a Difference” program, such as donating products, volunteering at charitable organizations, and partnering with companies to recycle non-sellable or damaged products.
How to Get the Best Deals at Garage Clothing
Join the Garage Studio loyalty program to receive exclusive member offers and rewards when you complete your profile and shop online, in-store, or on the Garage app. The more you shop, the more discounts and benefits you can enjoy as a VIP member.
To reach VIP status, you must earn the following badges:
1. Complete your Personal Profile: Receive a 30% off birthday gift, plus take 10% off one purchase, up to $10 off.
2. Spend $50+ on Garage Clothing Two Different Ways: In one program year, shop online, on the app, or in-store to meet your goal and save 20% off one purchase, up to $20 off.
3. Spend $200: Spend a total of $200+ over the program year at Garage (and its sister store, Dynamite) to take 20% off one purchase, up to $20 off.
4. Spend $500: Spend a total of $500+ over the program year to save 25% off one purchase, up to $25 off.
Once you have earned all four badges within a program year, you will unlock a VIP renewable badge and get 25% off for every $200 spent until the end of the program year. Garage VIP members also enjoy free shipping on orders $10+ and 30% off VIP anniversary gifts.
Note: The Garage rewards program resets every summer.
Ways to Save the Most at Garage Clothing
Other ways to get the best deals when shopping Garage Clothing include:
- Earn 4% cash back on your Garage purchases as a Giving Assistant shopper
- Shop Garage clearance and sales to save over 50% on select items
- Spend $50 or more for free standard shipping to the continental U.S.
- Download the Garage app to take up to 25% off your purchases
- Find the latest Garage Clothing coupon codes when you shop with Giving Assistant
How to Support Nonprofits When You Shop at Garage Clothing
Whether it’s stocking up on the latest seasonal trends or revamping an entire wardrobe, shopping with Giving Assistant for campus essentials at Garage Clothing does more than just help college students dress to impress and find the best back-to-school deals.
You can earn 4% cash back from your Garage Clothing purchases to keep or donate to nonprofits supporting your favorite causes. Learn how Giving Assistant works, and if you haven’t already, you can download our free browser extension, the Giving Assistant Button, to locate the latest clothing sales, automatically apply promo codes, and enjoy extra savings year-round.
Every donation makes a difference!