translation - Is there a general/default word for "to wear"?

I've been introduced to 着る (for things you put on like a shirt) and 履く (for things you put on like pants) in class, but is there a general way to just say something like wear clothes? Or must the "method" of putting on be specified?

Answer

Yes, there is a general word:

身に着ける

So, you can say:

帽子を身に着ける
服を身に着ける
ズボンを身に着ける

However, in daily conversation it is more common to say 着る or 履く. Also, 身につける can mean something different like 知識を身につける.

Or, after rereading your question, it looks like you don't want to specify what you are wearing. In that case, the other answer is correct.