This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Amherst chapter.
Doesn’t getting dressed seem almost impossible? As we start second semester (and as these seemingly endless winter months drag on), many of us are tired of the same old boring clothes we’ve been wearing for months. Getting dressed in the morning is almost impossible. Here are a few tips to make the process of getting dressed and out easier.
Who wants to shove her weary body into a too tight pair of jeans first thing in the morning? Not me. Personally, I never focus on the size of my jeans because, honestly, I just want to be comfortable. Which is why I actually recommend buying jeans that are one size up at the waist. After all, if the jeans are tight in the butt, who really cares about the waist number? Plus a larger waist size will not only make the thought of putting on your jeans easier on a chilly morning, but it will actually make sitting through class easier. As far as going-out-jeans are concerned, it is a good idea to keep a second pair; this second pair should be tighter (smaller waste size) than the pants you wear to class. I am a firm believer in splurging on jeans. (If possible, try to wait until you find the ones you want on sale. Almost everything goes on sale at some point. For example, one of my favorite websites, shopbop, has 20% off everything twice a year. That’s when you go for those must-have items.)
When you are running late and at a complete loss about what to wear, that’s when you dig for your navy-and-white striped t-shirt. Actually, you shouldn’t have to dig. You should always have it positioned near the top in preparation for such a moment. (Don’t kid yourself, we all have these moments; of course, some of us more than others…) Everyone should own at least one navy and white-striped T. You don’t need to spend a ton and every store sells them. After Christmas, I bought two blue-and-white stripe Ts at the Gap for $4.95 each! And one of my most favorite blue-white Ts, I bought when I was a high school sophomore at Target. If it is a cold day, pair your T with a vest. It looks really cool. Super French. And super preppy. These classic Ts are always flattering. And always, always in style.
If you have a favorite sweater, you should feel comfortable wearing it over and over again. Try to mix it up a bit. Maybe wear it with a different colored T or a different pair/color of jeans. Even a simple change like switching out the shoes mixes up the outfit. Having a go-to sweater can make mornings a lot easier. Personally, I recommend a chunky go-to-sweater. I don’t know about you, but I have days I wake up and feel, well, chunky; and a chunky sweater works magic in getting me up and out.
There is nothing wrong with having a few fallback outfits for those days when you absolutely cannot decide what to wear and you are running late. However, make sure you save the fallback outfit for those days and those days only. My fallback outfit is a pair of tight jeans, an oversized sweater or shirt. I usually wear a pendent necklace that a friend brought back from Ghana. In the summer, I prefer ballet flats or flat sandals. In the winter, I wear boots. I like chunky shoes. Because I think they make your legs look skinnier. But that is just a matter of my own opinion. Come to think of it, I wear some variation of this outfit almost everyday. I guess it’s become my Amherst uniform!
Finally, never underestimate the power of a good pair of jeans and a crisp white t-shirt. Put your hair up in a ponytail. Put on a scarf. Put on a chunky necklace. Put on some fresh perfume. Wear a beanie hat. And put away the Patagonia you’ve worn every day.
And, lastly, always wear flannel on Friday.