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Finals Week Fashion

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Cal Poly chapter.

We’re only a few days away from finals week.

It’s time to break out the T-shirts and sweatpants, which are more than fine for studying at home and in your dorm — after all, no one wants to sit around for hours in a full skirt, jewelry and boots get-up.

But sometimes it’s nice to actually get dressed. What can you wear that’s socially acceptable and in no way indicates you’re running off one hour of sleep and Pop Tarts?

Here are some ideas to keep you comfy and presentable, whether you’re taking a much-needed break or running to the library for a change of scenery.

Go for it. Wear those yoga pants without any intention of doing yoga or working out (unless you want to use exercise as a great study break). Pair them with a tank top or a sweater and some tennis shoes or flip-flops.

Not feeling the yoga pants (or the laundry responsibilities)? Find a pair of jeans and any comfy tee that is long enough to cover your waist — there’s no need to be edgy when your face is buried in a book. Spice up this ensemble with a belt, tuck in the front part of your shirt and grab some sandals. It looks like you put in effort, but you’re still getting away with the jeans and T-shirt combo.

And for those of you who need to look relatively trendy, here are some tips on keeping your look without annoying yourself during study time in the process.

  • Jewelry’s a pain when you’re studying. Bracelets slide around, earrings get caught in your hair and rings are annoying when you’re writing. Dial it down to some studs and maybe a simple ring on one hand.
  • Don’t wear tops that need to be adjusted every few minutes or might accidentally flash your study group.
  • Grab a cute, simple V-neck and pair it with a skater skirt and any shoes you like. (Converse and Keds go with everything.)

That way, you’ve kept yourself fashionable without the intricaces that would drive you even crazier than finals.

Finally, hair.

Forget the myth — pony-tails and messy buns are fine! A high, slicked-back look is clean and cute, and the messy bun has become such a fashion choice that it won’t come off as lazy.

Or leave your hair down. Just don’t waste time by curling or straightening, as that time that could be used by going over those flashcards one more time (or sleeping in).

If you’ve got a mane like me but don’t feel like putting it up, a half-up/half-down look will work. Just pin back all the pieces that fall in your face. It’s cute and effective!

One last thing: If you just can’t leave behind your slippers, don’t be ashamed. Dead and finals weeks are probably the best weeks to do this. Everyone on campus will be forgiving at this time (and half of them will be in their pajamas anyway.)

Make your study time a little more bearable by choosing your wardrobe wisely. Go on, look good and study hard — it will pay off!

Hannah is a sophomore at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, CA. Besides writing, she loves running, Thai food and making ridiculously unaffordable collections on Wanelo. Hannah is obsessed with The Walking Dead, old Disney movies, Ed Sheeran and wasting time on Photoshop. She'd like to point out that she can't sing or dance, but will, because that's when it's the most fun, especially when the songs are from "Les Miserables." Follow her on Twitter @joslin_hannah and Instagram @hannahmichele8
Kayla Missman is a sophomore studying journalism at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Beyond serving as Campus Correspondent for Her Campus Cal Poly, she works at Mustang News, the college newspaper, as a reporter and copy editor. Follow her on Twitter @kaymissman.