As the temperature warms, college students are thrown into the “end-of-the-semester” craziness that is midterms, finals, spring break and job searches. In that shuffle, sometimes it’s tough to plan your outfits for the week ahead – leaving you in heels for move-out day or your night-out-on-the-town mini-dress for your sister’s afternoon wedding.
Well, don’t fear collegiettesTM, the HC staff and a few professionals are here to help take a little bit of stress out of your semester. Whether it’s midterms, dinner with a friend’s parents, or the plane ride to a tropical spring break destination, there are a couple no-fail looks and tips to help you always have the perfect outfit for any occasion!
Midterms and Exams
There aren’t really any real-world equivalents to exam week in college. For seven days it is completely normal to live on fast food and energy drinks, and in yoga pants and sweatshirts. While it’s pretty socially acceptable to put style on the back burner until that last test is done, you shouldn’t have to completely sacrifice feeling cute. Trust me, confidence will do wonders for test performance – and a great outfit is the perfect way to boost your self-esteem.
I’m a classic case of a yoga-pants addict when it comes to living in the library for a week, but there are ways to make even our favorite comfy go-tos cute and stylish. Are you a classic leggings girl? “Throw on a pair with an oversized sweater or soft t-shirt,” suggests Jovana Mirabile, a fashion designer at Parsons. Stick to classic (thick!) black leggings rather than sweats.
If you can’t part with your comfortable yoga pants, stylist Elizabeth Kamm suggests dressing “for comfort smartly in cute yoga pants and a coordinating pullover hoodie.” Stores like lululemon and even Forever 21 have stylish workout clothes that don’t scream “I’m on my way to the gym.” You can even wear your yoga ensemble with sneakers and I promise you’ll still look cute.
Have a couple coffees in your system and feeling ambitious? Throw a comfy dress on with your leggings – it’ll feel exactly the same as a soft t-shirt but significantly up the style factor.
An easy way to boost your confidence and minimize your stress is to feel stylish and put together – and not like you’re too busy to put on a pair of jeans. If you can part with your tried-and-true yoga pants and leggings, opt for your favorite pair of denim and a comfortable sweater. Instant confidence booster.
Spring Weddings and Grad Parties
Spring is notorious for semi-formal events. The warm weather is perfect for weddings and graduation parties, and as 20-something-year-olds we fit into those two invite groups pretty perfectly. It’s always a challenge figuring out what to wear this season – the weather is unpredictable, and one cloud in front of the sun can drop the temperature from sundress to cardigan weather pretty quickly.
For weddings, Kamm has a few important tips that all collegiettesTM should keep in mind! “Instead of strappy heels opt for platform pumps or pump wedges. Not only are they chic, but they will also fare a little better on grass if the ceremony or reception is outside.” She also suggests bringing a tailored jacket or pashmina to have as the temperature gets colder later in the the day. A jacket “should closely match the color of your dress. For a pashimina, any color lighter than your dress usually makes the greatest visual impact.” Mirabile adds, “Try to stay away from too much ‘glitz’ (or white) as you do not want to take away from the bride!”
When it comes to graduation parties, the Her Campus staff has an overwhelming favorite – dresses! Whether in a soft floral print or the classic LBD with fun jewelry, you really can’t go wrong. Although sometimes it’s hard to know the dress code ahead of time, take a cue from where the event is being held. A reception space at a country club? Opt for a dressier look, or add a classic strand of pearls. If the party is a backyard barbeque, a black dress and pearls probably won’t be appropriate. As a rule of thumb, save your LBD for the more formal, indoor occasions – on a hot summer day, it is the last color you’ll want to be wearing.
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End of the Semester Events
Cook-outs, harbor cruises, fairs and activities fairs – the end of the semester is the time when colleges take advantage of the nice weather and make one last impression on their students before we all head home for the summer. The weather is often unpredictable, the venue will vary and you’re stuck with the challenge of finding an outfit that is the perfect amount of casual co-ed and stylish student.
Layering is key for unpredictable weather – especially when you’ll be outdoors all day. Shirt dresses and tunics are great go-tos for any daytime event. “Both are very comfortable and casual, and pair well with just about any layer,” says Kamm. “They can be worn with footless tights if it is cold outside” and “with simple flip flops, flats, or Hunter boots, depending on weather.”
For warmer weather opt for a fun, colorful skirt or tank top. After surveying the Her Campus staff, tank tops were definitely an overwhelming favorite. Kara Ktona, HC Public Relations Intern, also suggests a versatile piece like white jeans. “I have a pair that I’ve had for a few years and they’re my favorite things to wear to events like those. I can pair them with a nice black top for more formal events or with a cute, bright t-shirt for more casual things.”
Move-Out Day
Whether you hated or loved your semester, packing up your home-away-from-home in May is always a little bittersweet. That little room saw laughing, crying, countless hours of studying and reality-television watching. When the end of finals week rolls around, you’re forced to pack up those memories and wheel them out to your family’s awaiting car. While it’s tempting to throw on a pair of sweats, chances are this’ll be the last time you see a lot of people until next semester – you want to leave on a good style note!
Comfort and layering are key when figuring out what to wear on move-out day, especially since you’ll probably end up a little sweaty by the end of it. Unlike exam week, on moving day you can totally get away with gym shorts and sneakers. Her Campus’s CTO Annie Wang suggests “cute gym clothes so that moving out looks and feels just like any other workout.” Remember practical shoes and layers that you can shed as the day gets warmer!
Not a gym-shorts and sneakers kind of girl? Kamm suggests a comfy fitted tee, “Gap makes great ones in super thin cotton, almost sheer like a vintage t-shirt”, paired with “leggings or short cargo shorts.” Denim cut-offs are also a favorite of the Her Campus team. HC Branch Manager Danai Kadzere agrees, “jean shorts and a cute tank are definitely my go-tos for moving day.” Denim or khaki shorts are a classic wardrobe staple almost every college girl has in her wardrobe. Tailored shorts are the perfect balance of style and comfort for moving day.
Remember, it’s all about comfort and practicality – and remembering to leave your chosen outfit unpacked until the last day!
Dinner with Parents
Whether they’re the parents of your roommate of four years, or your boyfriend of four days, going out to dinner with another family is always a little bit nerve-wracking. It’s always tricky to find a balance between looking put-together, and looking like you’re trying too hard.
Mid-semester is the time when a lot of families pay a visit to their kids at school, and luckily for us that usually means a free dinner or grocery trip. While you don’t really need to worry about dressing for your parents (they love us unconditionally!), when your roommate’s family invites you out, you should look your best. An easy no-fail outfit is pairing your favorite pair of dark-wash jeans with a great blazer. The Lucky magazine team advises, “Choose a blazer that’s narrow through the shoulders, long in length, and swingy through the body; a fabric like silk will keep the structured shape feminine.” Keep your accessories minimal and natural. A simple “rope-handled bag lends an organic touch” say the Lucky editors.
Obviously, dinner with your significant other and his or her family is a little bit more nerve-wracking, and thus requires a great outfit. Celebrity fashion stylist Nina Garcia advises, “Dress as safe and conservative as possible…clean hair and makeup.” A basic, structured Little Black Dress is a perfect pick – and you can accessorize with different colored flats and unique jewelry to really let your personality shine through.
The Key Style Takeaways
As busy college students, sometimes it’s hard to balance style, comfort and practicality for every occasion. The trick is to keep your wardrobe pieces classic and versatile. You’ll be able to wear that great pair of denim for a dinner date, studying in the library or road tripping across the country. Resist your yoga pants and UGGs and spend a few extra minutes to put together a look that you’ll feel great in all day – it’ll boost your mood and self-confidence!
Sources
Jovana Mirabile, Parsons School of Design
Elizabeth Kamm, Personal Stylist
Kara Ktona, HC Public Relations Intern
Annie Wang, HC CTO and Co-Founder
Danai Kadzere, HC Branch Manager
http://www.luckymag.com/style/