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Style Secrets: Take Your Outfit from Drab to Fab in Seconds!

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Kari Kimball Student Contributor, University of Texas - Austin
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Bernice Chuang Student Contributor, University of Texas - Austin
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Texas chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Stylish lady Longhorns share their tips on how they use accessories to glam up their style, even during midterm week!
 
While rolling out of bed and throwing on the first over sized t-shirt and gym shorts you can find may seem like the easiest thing to put together in the morning, there is a way you can look cute and stylish in just a matter of seconds.  All you need to do is start with the basics and add unique accessories.

Start with: Cami and Shorts
Add: Blazer + Scarf + Clutch
“You can have a plain white shirt, and a pretty scarf totally takes it up a notch.”

– Jessica Barrera, Journalism major

Texas weather changes sporadically—it can be cold in the morning and warm up to the 80s by noon!  On days like these, it’s nice to have a blazer and scarf ready to layer on over your basic cami and shorts.  The jacket instantly creates a structured shape while the scarf and clutch add just a touch of color to help get you noticed by that cute guy that sits behind you in Economics.

Start with: Romper
Add: a Cardigan + Bangles + Sparkly Shoes
“Shoes can make or break an outfit.”

– Jessica Rosen, Fine Arts major

Who says functional clothes can’t be stylish?  Time is precious for busy Collegiettes™, and sometimes we have to multi-task—studying while doing laundry just like our model for example! Add a bright cardigan for a little pop of color to your outfit.  Bright bangles assist in helping you stand out from the crowd.  Another way to get noticed? Sparkly oxfords!  You will definitely get complimented numerous times, and they are a great conversation starter. 

Start with: Blouse + Skirt
Add: A Belt
“Baggy tops [and] well thought out belts at the waist [are] cute.”

– Jessica Rosen, Fine Arts Major

See the difference?  Style can literally be a cinch by adding a belt to complete your look.  It’s a simple detail that makes all the difference.  Trade out the flip flops for some jeweled sandals, add a simple necklace and a head band, and you are good to go on any adventure around Austin.

Start with: Cute Top + Jeans
Add: Unique Hair Accessory + Bangles + Wedges
“You can always dress up a plain outfit with a bright… headband.”

– Samantha Maldonado, Communication Disorders major

Since you’re starting with a stylish top, the look is already cute, but it’s those fine details that can make your outfit go the extra mile.  In this instance, a great hair accessory is one way to amp up your style.  Also, a great way to make you appear taller but stay comfortable is to slip on a pair of wedges.  With both of those pieces and some jewelry, you’re ready for a girls’ night out to 6th street.

Start With: A Dress
Add: Denim shirt + Floppy Sun Hat + Wedges
“A necklace can dress up just about anything.”

– Farnosh Moitabaeezamani, Women and Gender Studies major

While this dress is adorable by itself, you can add personality to it by throwing on your favorite cardigan, or in this case a denim shirt.  Hats are a great way to not only protect yourself from the harsh Texas sun, but also look sweet at the same time.  Pair it with retro-inspired, polka-dot wedges, and you are ready for a day of window shopping on South Congress—maybe some Amy’s Ice Cream, too!
 
Each of these looks started with something basic and was enhanced with just a few added pieces that pulled the whole outfit together.  Putting in a small effort towards your appearance will only benefit you. 
 
When you look good, you feel good. 
There’s something about that “knock ‘em dead” outfit that gives you the confidence to speak up in class, or even say “hi” to that certain guy have been wanting to talk to. 
 
Get taken seriously
Another reason you should resist going down that slippery sweatpants slope is so that people will regard you higher; especially superiors like professors or even your boss at work. 
 
With that being said Collegiettes™, keep in mind that getting dressed should not be a chore. The most important thing to remember is to just have fun!  So go ahead and treat yourself to those funky wedges that you found at Buffalo Exchange or that pair of corduroy pants at Anthropologie.  If you love it, then it’s perfect—after all style is all about reflecting who you are.  If it makes you happy, then that’s all that matters

Bernice Chuang is a fourth year double majoring in Broadcast Journalism and Communication Studies-Human Relations and doing the Business Foundations Program (aka business minor) at the University of Texas at Austin. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Bernice is a fan of good country music and yummy barbeque! At UT, Bernice is a resident assistant at an all-female residence hall and currently serves as a senator representing her residence hall, Kinsolving, on the Resident Assistant Association. She also leads a small group bible study for Asian American Campus Ministries and sings with her campus ministries’ a cappella group. When she’s not juggling her various roles and commitments, Bernice enjoys exploring downtown Austin, shopping with her fellow RA staff members, reading books on faith and spirituality, learning how to cook and tackling various dessert recipes, and spending quality time with friends.