Spring quarter typically marks the beginning of “Dayge” season here at UCSB (but I think we all know it really started in January). Still, one of my most awaited and dreaded moments of the week is planning my Dayge outfit every Saturday morning.
It usually involves a lot of running to my friends’ rooms to borrow outfit pieces and scrolling through Pinterest for inspiration. To try and help you (and me) avoid this struggle, here’s my guide to Dayge outfits tailored specifically to UCSB that are fun, comfortable, and most importantly, digi-cam worthy!
BATHING SUIT
It’d be a crime to not talk about bikinis. While not every Dayge outfit needs a bathing suit, I definitely refer to them for the base to my outfit. When you go to a Dayge every weekend, having a different bathing suit can get out of hand, so I love asking friends to borrow theirs.
Santa Barbara has also changed my mind on one-pieces. With cut-outs, high-legs, and low-backs, one-pieces are a perfect go-to that combines style and comfort. Some popular ones I see are from Gooseberry and Outcast. I personally am a big two-piece bikini girl.
Growing up in San Diego has led to my highly-coveted basket of bikini I rifle through every week. My favorite brands are Billabong, O’Neill, Rip Curl, Bright Swimwear, Kulani Kinis, Stone Fox Swim, and White Fox.
Don’t get me wrong, bikinis can get pricey quick. I love going to warehouse sales I find from @alternativeretail on Instagram, who hold sales of up to 90% off for every brand from Frankie’s Bikinis to Roxy. Also, keep an eye out for UCSB sororities, who sometimes host pop-up sales from popular brands at discounted rates!
BOOTS
Before coming here last fall, I thought my treasured red cowboy boots would make me stand out. I was so wrong! In Isla Vista, cowboy boots are a staple. With different heights, pointed toe or square, and so many color and pattern variations, cowboy boots are my favorite way to spice up any outfit.
My favorite pair are my red Shyanne ones (inspired by Ariel from Footloose), but I’m currently on the hunt for a pair of brown ones! While I definitely recommend investing in a pair of authentic boots for comfort and style, it’s pretty easy to find a more cost-efficient pair.
Try checking Amazon for good frat-boots you won’t mind destroying in the sand pits, and don’t write off Ebay as an option for secondhand pairs! Boots combine different genres and make for the perfect coastal-cowgirl addition to any outfit.
COVER UP
While you could stop at a bikini and some boots, I typically opt for a little cover-up (emphasis on the little). Currently, my favorite option is anything crochet. I borrowed my friend’s crochet skirt last weekend, and I made my own pair of striped low-rise shorts for Deltopia this year. I loved them so much that I’m currently in the process of making another pair, so keep an eye out, DP!
Staying with the shorts theme, I’m also a big fan of micro shorts. I have a frilly pair from Edikted, and I’m also a huge fan of gingham ones. A huge trend right now are swim shorts, which are taking me back to my Roxy boardshort days growing up. Some I’ve been super into recently are these from Dippin Daisy’s and Triangl. Sarongs are also a fun, multipurpose option that can be tied in a variety of ways for different levels of revealing.
BODY JEWELRY
An outfit doesn’t come to life until you accessorize it. I wear my same rings, necklaces, and earrings pretty much everyday, but Dayges are the time I break out the body jewelry. I love waist chains to add a little glitter, and arm cuffs to add some visual interest. I think they’re the perfect way to stack on more outfit points and accent different parts of your outfit.
I get most of my pieces from Amazon, so if I lose them or they tarnish from salt-water in the traditional post-Dayge ocean dip, I can replace them without too much hassle. When I want a special one, though, I love perusing Etsy! My favorite one is a dragonfly piece I got a few years ago for prom that I still break out.Â
There’s so many other cool pieces I’ve seen people wear that inspire my outfits. From hair tinsel, to overalls, to air-brush trucker hats, to body glitter, there’s so many interesting options to make your weekends that much more special. So, have fun with it, and get your Dayge on!Â