5 Local Brands To Shop For The Perfect Cozy Preppy-Casual Outfit

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Casual prep is in.

Browse these local brands to score stylish, cozy, preppy-casual pieces to add to your closet!

Related: How Jan Charlotte Venzon Created the It-brand for the Urban Muse at 22 Years Old

What’s in in fashion, especially for the new generation? A subtle mix of the classics, athleisure, graphic streetwear, old-money, and academia, that’s what. Whether you follow Western influencers or K-Pop idols, whether you call it “tenniscore” or Korean preppy academia, you would definitely recognize the rising popularity of the modern preppy, casual-cool aesthetic seen on the likes of Hailey Bieber and Kelsey Merritt.

The trend may or may not have enticed you to cop sweaters, tennis skirts, vests, collared knits, and subtly graphic pieces. If it hasn’t, then let these local brands, some of which are founded by Gen Z entrepreneurs, convince you to hop on.

EAST PREP CLUB

East Prep Club puts a spin on old-school prep with subtly stunning graphic detail and an air of collegiate sophistication. Their pieces are inspired by varsity sports, classic charm, and stylish comfort. The brand also started a youth-led non-profit organization, The East Prep Project, that advocates for youth education, empowerment, and transformation.

ANAKAINOO CLUB

Simple and sporty, Anakainoo Club boasts hoodies, shirts, caps, and giant neverfull tote bags all in their signature colorways perfect for the laid back individual. The lifestyle brand not just champions athleisure, but also being “healthier and happier.”

CLOUDNINE STUDIOS

The Cloudnine Studios’ half-zips are classic, simple, and perfect to pair with anything. The brand also sells unique tsuno bags with their signature logo to complete an effortlessly stylish ‘fit.

CHARLOTTE FOLK

A pioneer in the urban streetwear scene, Charlotte Folk’s pieces are statements in and of themselves. Their wide selection showcases the brand’s growth and creativity over the last few years, and their designs boast rich colors, aesthetically-pleasing detail, and an old-school feel the brand is now iconic for.

PRETTIEST

Prettiest also offers more casual and graphic pieces in colorful designs, but their collections all carry an air of youthfulness and laid-back fun. Their catalogue is often sold out, so always keep an eye out for new drops and restocks.

Continue Reading: College Fashion Staples: The Best Basics to Wear On Campus

College Fashion Staples: The Best Basics To Wear On Campus

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Comfort is in.

Comfort and style go hand-in-hand.

Related: This New Converse Collection Celebrates Pride And Boundless Expression

Wondering what to wear for back-to-school is a perpetual problem for students everywhere. Whether you’re a freshman or a senior, expressing your identity through clothes is just as important as staying comfortable during those walks between classrooms. If you’re looking for inspiration, here’s a few things that should always be in your college wardrobe!

THE EVER-ENDURING SWEATER

Some college classrooms feel like the Arctic—that’s where sweaters, pullovers, and hoodies come to save the day! A simple sweater is an easy way to express your fashion sense even if you have to wear a uniform to school. From cotton and polyester to knitted fabrics and wool, you can easily find the best snuggly sweater to wear to fall asleep study in.

GRAPHIC TEES

Between classes, extracurriculars, and a social life, you’ll need something as versatile as you. Graphic tees are characterized by three things: comfort, making a statement, and showcasing the personality of whoever wears it. And as an added bonus: wearing witty statements, pop culture references, or eye-catching artwork on your shirt is an instant conversation starter.

SNEAKERS

Some people like to wear heels or boots to school, and there’s nothing wrong with that. However, you’ll most likely see everyone on a college campus in their comfiest (often most scuffed-up) sneakers speedwalking from one building to another. Find your favorite pair, wear them down, and let them carry you to excellence.

DENIM

Finding the perfect denim pieces in the mall or even in thrift shops is almost as rewarding as an A+. A classic pair of jeans or a denim jacket goes with everything, and you can style them as casual or as elevated as you’d like, perfect for classes, org events, and even after school late nights at your favorite bar or restaurant.

CARGO PANTS

The end of skinny pants is imminent. If you want to switch out your denims for those warm, relaxed days, no worries! As legroom and breathable fabric takes center stage in the current trend cycle alongside 90’s and 2000’s fashion, cargo pants have also come back to the mainstream in different colors and fits perfect for your own sense of style.

SANDALS

Don’t judge too hard—many people have agreed that socks with sandals are the pinnacle of comfort. Sometimes, you just don’t feel like lacing up your sneakers for a long day of 3-hour lectures. Thankfully, a pair of comfortable rubber, leather, or cork sandals will keep your feet comfy and supported all day.

CANVAS TOTES

The roomier, the better! Canvas totes allow you to throw everything you need for the day into one big, lightweight bag you can carry all over campus. So if you no longer want to deal with zippers and flaps or want everything right at your side, you can find tote bags that perfectly meet your needs and reflect your style—you can even get some customized!

While college seems like a place to show off, serve a look, and be trendy, don’t forget to choose what’s best for you, your comfort, and your goals. Stick to what works, but also try out new things once in a while! That’s what it’s all about.

Continue Reading: A College Senior Shares What It’s Like to Finally Be Back on Campus