Too many times I have been presented with this situation: “I want to be stylish, but I’m in college! Between classes, studying and (insert your extra activities here), who has the time to care about what you look like?”
Let me be the first to say, “Don’t Panic!” There are many tips and tricks for easy fashion, even on your busiest days. Allow me to set you on the path toward feasible fashion with careful planning and a few fashion staples.
1. The Night Before
I know the feeling. That alarm clock goes off and we all would do anything for an extra five minutes. However, one-too-many snoozes can lead to throwing on the first thing in your drawer because you don’t have time to pick out an outfit.
Solution: Set out your outfit the night before. It will save you loads of time in the morning and you have the chance to experiment with different options, so you’re not left worrying about it before bedtime. My advice: the more you set out the better. So, don’t forget the shoes and the accessories! Before you know it, it will be as easy to pull on as a T-shirt. (Only way cuter!)
2. Know Your Basics
Basics are the staple of any wardrobe. Forget the myth that basics are strictly black or white clothing. Basics are simply neutrals that fit well and let other pieces in an outfit stand out. For example, if I wanted to let my gold statement necklace be the star of the show, I would wear a blue dress with no pattern. The dress is then my basic.
Knowing what basics you have in your wardrobe is particularly helpful to save you time because you don’t have to think about them. If you are in a rush, slip on one of your flattering basics, pair it with a scarf and boots—and you are ready to strut your stuff around campus!
3. Let Your Clothes Work For You
The best thing a wardrobe should be is functional. When you have a functional wardrobe, you can easily turn a day-dress into an evening outfit by swapping a jacket and sandals for bold earrings and heels. This is the main reason that having flattering go-to basics is so essential. When your closet is full of easy, stylish clothes, you won’t be tempted to resort to the T-shirts buried in your drawers. This way your clothes work for you, not against you.
4. Comfort
Don’t kill yourself for style! It doesn’t matter how beautiful that pair of heels or that supper tight skirt might be; if you can’t walk or breathe, you don’t have style. You have to know your own comfort level to be successful. If you feel comfortable in stilettos, rock them! But a kitten heel or a sexy wedge will give you the same amount of cute campus flair. Let’s face it: It’s hard to take a compliment when you’re writhing in pain. So let people notice you for your style, not your pain tolerance.
5.Trial and Error
I cannot preach the virtue of patience enough. Don’t get discouraged if picking out outfits doesn’t come easily right away. It takes time to develop successful awareness of your closet. Hear me when I say that it can be a fun, rewarding process. It might take a few fashion shows with friends, online browsing or (dare I say) shopping trips to develop a balance that works in your lifestyle. Believe me, once you have it, your execution of feasible fashion will transform into your successful style!
Stay classy, ladies!