Ah, the start of spring semester, the promise of a clean slate and new professors. Sunshine is just around the corner and you won’t have need to wear ten layers just to go get your coffee. Starting the spring semester off on the right foot is key, the cold is unfortunately still here and it’s easy to get bogged down by the dismally gray Massachusetts mornings. Don’t let the chilly air make your fashion sense go cold; being well dressed can lend you the confidence to apply for that summer internship or strike up a conversation with that special someone you were eyeing all last semester. Not to mention, you’ll want to look equally fabulous as the 4.0 GPA you’ll be bringing home this semester. Here are some tips to spring into second semester.
Monday Morning Agenda:
We all are familiar with the Monday morning blues. As you reach for your Dad’s oversized college sweatshirt, leggings, and the Uggs that pay tribute to the puddles, ice, and snow you’ve had to hurdle on the way to class, take a moment to pause. Here is where you think you have to make the ultimate choice: to be comfortable or look great. Newsflash: these characteristics are not mutually exclusive! Although your typical Monday morning uniform may seem the easiest option, I am going to present you an equally easy option that will leave you feeling professional and poised that doesn’t deprive you of that latte we all know you need before your 8:35 Chem lecture.
This might be the easiest equation you’ll have to learn this semester:
1 comfy blouse + your favorite dark wash jeans + 3 eye catching accessories= a fantastic start to your week!
My suggestions:
–Pick a lightweight, flowing blouse that is equal parts comfort and cute. You still get the oversized, loose feel of that old sweatshirt, but rather than swimming in your clothes you’ll be shining through. Choosing something with a pattern will draw attention to your face and will help perk you up and keep you feeling great through out the day.
–Find a good pair of jeans that you love and can wear with anything. My favorite? Dark wash skinny jeans (I’ve chosen black for this outfit, bringing in a European feel and dressing up the outfit a little more than indigo would) If you don’t dare to part with the leggings that have become such a foundational part of your wardrobe, try a pair of dark wash Jeggings. You’ll retain the comfortable feel you crave on a Monday morning while still looking pulled together.
–Accessories are what pull this entire look together. Throw on a stack of bangles or your favorite watch, layer on a patterned scarf (don’t shy away from pattern on pattern combinations, they break up the outfit and create a thrifted vintage feel that will definitely catch the eyes of others as well as keeps the outfit from looking to matched), finally throw on your favorite pair of oxfords or flats. I’ve chosen these brown, glittered ones to add just a little more texture to the outfit, but ballet flats or moccasins would be equally cute. Work with what you already own!
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Timeless Tuesday:
Attending a school like Mount Holyoke, you are constantly surrounded by reminders of your college’s history and the stories of the women who have walked the campus before you. Perhaps pay a little homage to your alma mater with this vintage collegiate inspired outfit!
–Select a patterned shift dress, often easily found at thrift stores or your grandmother’s attic. Polka dots or floral print would be lovely.
–Put on a pair of feminine, lacy patterned tights to spice up the outfit a little. The key here is too avoid looking like you directly borrowed your great aunt’s wardrobe, rather than taken a few cute pieces!
–Picking a fun pendant keeps the outfit young, think color and kitchy doo-dads, like this lipstick drop necklace.
–Throw on some bright flats! The pop of color here keeps the outfit updated and bold.
-A fun pair of dramatic shades will leave you feeling mysterious and intriguing all day, don’t pass up this step!
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Winter Weekend:
The key to this outfit is pairing a sparkly statement piece with balanced neutrals and androgynous shoes to keep you looking luxurious and feeling warm.
Here are my suggestions:
–Choose a statement skirt. Here I’ve chosen white iridescent sequins because they are best worn in winter, but a cheetah print pencil skirt could work here, too.
–Select an oversized top that cascades loosely, ¾ length V-neck tees are a good choice for this look. They contrast the formality of the skirt with their laid back vibe.
–Find a good pair of warm tights, whether ribbed or knobby wool, you want to stay warm! Skip the sheer tights, the opaqueness of these also help to kick up the menswear juxtaposition of this outfit.
–Throw on your favorite infinity scarf (or as some may call them ‘snoods’– what a fun word!) to add a pop of color. I didn’t choose golden rod just because of class pride (Go Sphinxes!), but because this hearty warm color brightens the outfit in ways a blue or green cannot. Also pick a simple clutch to keep the minimalist look achieved with this outfit.
–Your choice of boots here is key. Not only are these combat inspired wedges fun and bold, they’re also practical for strolling. Picking a more ‘masculine’ style shoe contrasts the skirt, creating a wonderfully surprising outfit that is sure to grab the attention of many as you head out to girls’ night.
So Mount Holyoke women, take on spring semester in style AND comfort!