The dreaded finals stretch of the fall semester is upon us. You’re either the optimist that thinks “(blank) amount of days can’t be that bad!” If this is you, I’m SO jealous of your mindset. Or you’re like me, who will procrastinate studying with literally anything. One of my favorite ways to procrastinate (okay maybe I’ll just call it a study break), is by doom scrolling Pinterest and planning out all the outfits I’ll wear this holiday break.
Will I perfectly execute and wear every single one? Nope. Can you use this as inspo for your own holiday plans? Yup!
Let me preface this by saying I have one overall goal: to look like this fall semester has transformed me into a mature, put-together, young woman instead of a frazzled and burnout bed rotter. Got it? Good.
#1: Travel Day
As the saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. With that being said, your outfit as you travel home from school should elude sophistication while still having that effortless “it girl” energy.
Pair a matching sweatset in festive colors such as wine red, hunter green, or neutral white and black stripes with a pair of uggs or adidas sambas.
Wear a neutral colored tank top underneath and drape the sweatshirt over your shoulders for those sweaty, last minute dashes to catch your flight.
#2: Cozy yet composed coffee run
Your outfit should make you look as good as you feel when you take that first sip of your go-to order from your hometown cafe. Also, we need to factor in the possibility that your ex, or (even worse) their mom will walk in.
If you’re motivated enough to put on jeans that early, wear a dark wash pair with a gray or cream knit cardigan. Bonus points for a simple and chic patterned top underneath. Slip on some birkenstock suede clogs and a neutral scarf to elevate the look yet still keep that effortless vibe.
For the girl on the go, keep your outfit functional yet stylish. Grabbing a coffee after pilates but before last minute shopping? Consider a matching athletic set; for example the Lululemon Define Jacket with flared leggings in the same color. Throw a fitted vest in white or black over top.
Tip: For added festivity, invest in a matching scarf/hat/glove set. A beanie in cream or beige matches basically everything.
#3: Social Gatherings
This is where we need to make the most lasting impression. Whether it’s with family or friends, holiday gatherings are the time to embrace the season wholeheartedly, yet feel confident enough to hold a conversation about how subtly (or maybe not so subtly) mature that college has made you.
For a night-out with friends: Choose a sleek but flattering silhouette. Straight-leg leather pants will compliment a satin or lace blouse in winter hues. For footwear, choose a black or metallic kitten heel. A black midi dress with red kitten heels and a cream shawl or cardigan will also give off the same “it-girl” energy without looking too formal.
For family gatherings: Lean more so towards textured fabrics in familiar holiday colors. My pick: a knitted sweater dress in hunter green or a deep burgundy paired with black tights and a beige ballet slipper or even a knee-high black boot. Stay warm with a camel or dark gray trenchcoat. You’ll look like the successful daughter visiting her hometown from all the hallmark movies you watched growing up.
While overthinking every outfit you wear this winter break certainly isn’t the goal, returning to wherever “home” means for you should allow you to embrace these looks in a confident, effortless way and make the most of your well deserved winter break.