Yea, I feel you. And so does everyone around you in the library, and at colleges all across the U.S., for that matter. Finals week is upon us, and with it comes endless stress, procrastination, unhealthy habits, and studying. Suddenly, there aren’t enough hours in the day anymore. You feel semi-prepared for one class before realizing that you still have 6 lectures to go through for another class. The little everyday things you used to care about don’t really matter anymore because you just can’t even.
When you used to spend some time to make yourself look decently attractive at the library, now its just wake up and go, even if you happen to be in your boyfriend’s oversized sweatshirt, holey sweatpants, and Uggs.
But girl, really?
I get it, I really do. You’re stressed, you procrastinated too much last night, and now suddenly your Biochem final is less than 12 hours away and you’ve barely started studying. The last thing on your mind is what you look like. However, many studies and articles like these ones from College Magazine and Vogue have surfaced chronicling the direct correlation between looking nice and performing well, whether it’s in the office or at school. Wearing certain clothes makes you feel more confident about yourself and stimulates certain cognitive responses in your brain, making you more alert and focused. This doesn’t mean that you should spend an hour carefully picking out an outfit and give yourself a full makeover to go to the library, but it doesn’t hurt to spend a few extra minutes making you look presentable and feeling good about yourself. Here are some quick fixes and outfit ideas to take you from drab to fab in no time and set yourself on the way to that A!
1. A little bit of makeup goes a long way:
https://www.yahoo.com/beauty/how-to-no-makeup-makeup-104336072742.html?soc_src=mags&soc_trk=pi&nf=1
It’s the beauty of the no-makeup makeup look. If necessary, use a bit of concealer to mask under eye circles and any other imperfections you need covered up. Then pat on a light layer of foundation or DD cream (or BB or CC, doesn’t really matter), add a swipe of mascara, and you’ll feel and look ten times better. Now no one will know that you were up all night studying. If you’re really feeling it, put on some lip gloss to add some extra shine to your face.
2. The cute oversized sweater:
http://lolobu.com/entry/x4T9ws5FaR/casual-winter-outfit
Don’t worry, you can still wear your oversized sweater, albeit a chicer version than your boyfriend’s old one. This look is comfy and casual but still put together.
3. Sporty chic:
http://www.flowersandfolk.com/blog/2014/11/11/o6aovhjcb0x09n1o5dp1o4zqgecy0a
Go sporty chic and stay warm with a beanie, sneakers, jeans (or black leggings), a plain long sleeve shirt, and a warm jacket. It’s all your favorite basic winter essentials wrapped up in one cozy outfit that exudes cool and nonchalance. You could even take it to the gym if you’re feeling really motivated: your running shoes would be one less item to pack in your backpack.
4. The statement piece:
http://blog.styleestate.com/style-estate-blog/60-great-spring-summer-outfits-on-the-street
She looks really dressed up, right? Essentially, it’s only her jacket that’s making her look glam. The rest of her outfit consists of jeans, a plain t-shirt, and loafers. Pick a flashy wardrobe item of yours like a plaid coat, patterned poncho, or a cool jacket and pair it with neutral basics.
5. All bundled up:
http://www.stylishwife.com/2015/05/real-women-outfits-no-models-to-try-this-year.html
A scarf makes everything better: it’s a surprisingly effective shield against the cold and instantly spices up any outfit. Paired with a leather jacket, jeans, and Converse, it screams edgy chic without trying at all.
Everyone will be envious of how good you look during finals period, and you’d be surprised as to how much better you feel about yourself. Besides, it’s an excuse to break out all your cute winter clothes, and who doesn’t want to miss out on that?