How To Be Fashionably Unfashionable

By Elizabeth Jacobson

When I think “college,” I think of wearing sweatspants and a sweatshirt every single day. When I was in high school, my friends that were already in college told me that people would judge you if you dressed up to go to class. Unfortunately, I figured out that is not the case here at St. Olaf.

Walking around campus it is impossible not to notice the hundreds of girls sporting dresses, combat boots and all things trendy. The only difference between me and them: I don’t really have the motivation to dress up everyday.

Besides lack of motivation, there is that difficult task of knowing what is fashionable and what is unfashionable, and how to mix them. My real problem is finding a way to fit in with the ever-fashionable St. Olaf Campus, while staying warm and being comfortable (like I can in sweats).

I am not sure if anyone else shares this fashion dilemma, but for those of you out there, I have figured out a few tips and tricks to being what I call ‘fashionably unfashionable.’ Comfort and practicality are important, but that doesn’t necessary mean that snow pants and parkas are the only option.

I am a Minnesotan, and the winters here are cold. But next time you reach for your snow pants or sweats, grab a pair of leggings or jeans instead. If the weather is really too cold, wear long johns or tights underneath to keep you warm. Trust me, jeans or leggings can make a huge difference in any outfit!

Quick swaps can make a world of difference, and make a comfy outfit look cute. Another good way to balance comfort and cuteness is pairing a t-shirt with a sweater. It may be easier just to throw on a sweatshirt over a t-shirt, but swapping a sweatshirt out for a cardigan keeps you warm and adds to the cute factor.

On some winter days sweatshirts are really the only option. When I am feeling motivated and want to dress up my look, I add a scarf. Scarves add a little style to otherwise an ‘unfashionable’ sweatshirt.

Bad hair days happen, and in my world they seem to happen more often than good hair days. Buns are great, whether it’s a ballerina bun on top of your head or a messy low bun, a look can be transformed by one. If a bun isn’t your thing, ponytails can be equally cute, but switch out the pre-wrap for a headband with a flower or a pattern of some sort. Just like that, an outfit can go from comfy to cute.

Staying in the world of small accessories, wearing earrings or a necklace dresses up any outfit – sweatpants and a sweatshirt included. Dangly, fancy earrings do not match a pair of sweatpants all that well, but nice studs work perfectly.

Footwear can take an outfit to a different level too. Sweatpants and high heels do not go well together, but that’s extreme. Swapping sneakers for boots can dress up any ensemble.

Aside from accessories and swapping this for that, the most important part about making an outfit cute is adding a smile and making it your own.

• campus fashion
• St Olaf