Some days I want to be a girl. Like really be a girl—dress up, do my hair, wear something cute even if it means I might be a little uncomfortable. And other days? I want to rot in sweatpants and a hoodie and exist solely for warmth and survival. Especially when it’s cold.
If you’ve ever spent time in the engineering classes at Stevens, you know there’s no single “look.” There’s just whatever helps you get through the day.
So here’s a very real, very unofficial breakdown of the fashion you’ll see—on rotation.
The Unofficial Engineering Girl Wardrobe
1. The “I’m Here to Survive” Fit
Oversized hoodie. Sweatpants. Sneakers that have seen things.
This is the go-to for long lectures, labs, and days when the building feels five degrees colder than outside. Comfort is the priority.
Staples people swear by:
- Aritzia sweatfleece
- Uniqlo heattech layers
- Nike or New Balance sneakers
No one is judging. We are all tired. I do this too often.
2. The “I Tried (But Still Have Lab)” Fit
Leggings, a decent top, and a good coat doing most of the work.
This is the in-between outfit—the effort is there, but comfort still wins. Usually paired with a tote bag and emotional support coffee.
Easy upgrades:
- Lululemon or Aerie leggings
- A structured coat from Zara or Uniqlo
- Clean sneakers or ankle boots
3. The “I’m Feeling Cute Today” Fit
Jeans, boots, a real top. Maybe makeup. Maybe jewelry.
These are the days you reclaim your main character energy. You might be a little less comfortable, but the confidence boost is worth it.
Common sightings:
- Levi’s jeans
- Abercrombie & Fitch basics
- Steve Madden boots
Same engineering classes. Different mood.
4. The “Presentation or Meeting After This” Fit
Business casual… but still engineering-coded.
Slacks with a sweater. Nicer shoes. You’re ready to switch from class to professional mode in 0.2 seconds.
Go-to pieces:
- Slacks from H&M or Zara
- Neutral tops you can layer
- A bag that fits a laptop and your entire life
5. The “Hard Hat but Make It Fashion” Fit
Safety glasses. Hard hat. Sneakers you don’t care about; probably going to get yelled at since you wore sneakers not steal toe boots..
The most humbling outfit of all—and somehow still iconic. One minute you’re in lab gear, the next you’re grabbing coffee like nothing happened.
What I love most is that no one bats an eye when you switch between these looks. You can show up in sweats one day and boots the next, and both feel normal. Engineering fashion isn’t about fitting a mold—it’s about wearing what works for you that day.
Being a woman in engineering already comes with enough expectations. Your outfit doesn’t need to be one of them.
So if today you’re dressed to impress, love that for you. And if today you’re bundled up, half-asleep, and just trying to get through the semester—love that for you too.
Both belong in the engineering building.