The student body at Connecticut College began moving back to campus on Monday, August 24 through the end of the week. What followed was six to seven days of onboarding quarantine spent for the most part in our perspective rooms Zooming for meals and Netflix Partying every available romantic comedy available. While we isolated in our dorm rooms, the question became: to get dressed, or not to get dressed?
After all, if you are going to remain at your desk and in your bed all day with breaks outside to go on a walk or run by yourself, what’s stopping you from putting on athletic shorts and a t-shirt form middle school? Personally, I find putting on an ~ensemble makes the day feel more structured and productive. But that does not mean I don’t want to lack comfort, which is why I have found three perfect clothing staples to make you feel chic and cozy at the same time.
- Bike Shorts, I Don’t Care If They Make Me Basic
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I know some think bike shorts and say a white blazer, is a trend that should have never hit the fashion industry, but my hot take is that longer shorts are in and they are going to be your friend this semester. While shorter ripped jean shorts may have been the must-have for middle and high school, a pair of neutral bike shorts or long athletic shorts scream “I have my life together, and yes I just Zoomed my friends for an online workout video.”
I have a black pair from Athleta which although pricey, definitely gets their fair share of use. The particular style I own is no longer available, but this version is super similar. I also just ordered this pair from Girlfriend Collective, a sustainable athleisure company you should definitely check out!
- Graphic Tee That Wasn’t Made During Camp
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I am a HUGE fan of a striped or graphic tee shirt. In fact, one of my Italian teachers even commented on my wardrobe saying that I wear a striped shirt almost every day. Ouch. But also, stripes are chic so…
Of course, having basic v-neck and crew neck t-shirts in neutral colors are vital for mismatching outfits, incorporating a few graphic tees into your closet will bring a pop of color into your outfits without sacrificing comfort.
My favorite part of graphic tees is that you can build your collection from a variety of shops and brands. Going to your local Goodwill store or following thrifting accounts on Instagram is a great way to find unique shirts to add to your collection. I am also a big fan of Madewell’s shirts (although full disclosure, I am a part-time Sales Associate at my local store).
- Loose Dress Perfect for Layering
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Okay, another hot take: dresses can be a casual, comfy look. If you, of course, choose the right type of dress to adorn. I am imagining a loose t-shirt dress (probably striped) or an over-the-shoulder spaghetti-strap stretchy get-up that is perfect for layering under that graphic tee. I know wearing dresses can feel like a nuisance, but I promise you that they feel less constricting than denim shorts––which is exactly the feeling you want while lying on your bed going to Zoom University or walking to an in-person and socially distant class.
With all of this in mind, sometimes throwing on your favorite sweatshirt and sweatpants is the mood for the day and that’s okay.