Student Style: Our Writer in the Basics She Can’t Live Without

By Nora Dahl

This article is part of our Student Style series, in which we aim to highlight our student body’s diverse sartorial expression

Everyone has a handful of clothing items that they reach for way more often than others. The staples that have survived countless Marie Kondo closet cleanouts and never seem to go out of style no matter how many new seasons are added to the fashion calendar each year. They hug you in all the right places and stay comfortable all day. I certainly have my favorites, and since I have started to invest more in quality pieces that will last a long time, a larger share of my closet has become a part of this category. The five items I have collected for this article are versatile and wearable, but also stand out and are far from boring.

Blue Samsøe coat paired with jeans from Reformation and sweater from Zara

Coming from Norway, it is a necessity to own a coat that will get you through the biting cold winters. My blue faux fur coat that I bought on sale a few years ago does just that. It is warm, fuzzy, and most importantly, extremely cute. The coat goes well with blue jeans making it an easy everyday wear, and I am certain it will stay in my closet for many more seasons.

Knee-high boots from ASOS paired with skirt from Maje and blouse from H&M

If you know me at all, you know that going to and organizing dinner parties is one of my absolute favorite activities. These black knee-high boots quickly became a wardrobe staple when I realized they work well with quite literally all skirts and dresses. It is also a bonus that the heels are not too high, making them dressy enough for a birthday party, but comfortable enough to wear for hours on the dance floor. I cannot wait until the pandemic is over so I can start wearing these babies again.

Cashmere sweater from Soft Goat paired with Ugg slippers, cashmere sweatpants from H&M, and boa from Mysa boutique

And speaking of the pandemic, this is the outfit I have worn to more or less every Zoom lecture since March. A cashmere sweatsuit is a staple in my closet because the material is suitable for the range of temperatures I experience in Norway throughout the year. Since cashmere items are pretty pricey, I usually ask for new pieces to add to my collection for my birthday or Christmas.

Faux leather pants from H&M paired with kimono from Bella’s hus, sneakers from Superga

While most fashion trends fluctuate, leather pants are always in fashion in Norway. My love for leather pants is heavily influenced by my mom, and I find myself wearing them every fall and winter. They are easy to dress up with a nice blouse and heels, but can also be worn with sweatshirts, sneakers and a baseball cap. My favorite pair is from H&M and has a really unique front split detail.

Zara jeans paired with blouse from Mangoa and sneakers from Acne Studios

I could not write this article without including my favorite pair of jeans. I bought them in Madrid this fall and have never gotten more compliments on a clothing item, making me excited every time I put them on. As with the other staples I have included in this article, these jeans can be worn year-round with all kinds of tops, sweaters and jackets.