In Her Campus’ series Closet Check, we’re getting a look inside the closet of a college student and learning all about how they put together their favorite outfits. In this piece, we talk to Hannah Tolley, a grad student at Florida State University who loves comfort and a minimalistic style.
Name: Hannah Tolley, 21
Year: First year Master’s student
School: Florida State University
Where do you live? Off campus in a house
These responses have been edited and condensed for clarity.
The Closet Check
After living in a dorm freshman year, moving into this house for the rest of my college years was a HUGE upgrade, especially the closet. I’m so thankful for the size of the closet — it’s incredibly spacious. I primarily hang my clothes, so the double-tiered handing rods are amazing. An added bonus is the shelves that sit on top of the rods. These maximize space and allow for me to store things that don’t necessarily need to be hung, such as sweatshirts.
Creating The Fits
That whole “beauty is pain” motto is a lie in my eyes. My day-to-day wear relies heavily on comfort. I normally opt for clothes that I will be comfortable in and can last me throughout the day no matter where I end up going. I have my select favorites that I wear on a cycle, which consist of solid color shirts, crewnecks, leggings, and light-wash jeans. My every day outfit is usually a variation of those clothing items. I would describe my style as minimalistic and simplistic. Truly, just think of that one Princess Diana picture in the crewneck and biker shorts — that whole vibe is what I aim for. Clothes are an extension of you, so you shouldn’t be uncomfortable in them!
What I’d Wear On: My First Day Of Classes
This is real footage of me on the first day of grad school. Typically, I would wear athleisure for school, but since it’s grad school, I decided to step it up a little. Nothing beats the tried-and-true combo of jeans and a plain T. It’s simple, effective, and cute. I spent so much time trying to decide what to wear, but ended up with this because I know it’s reliable and comfortable. The shoes are the winning piece, though. I got these shoes as a graduation gift this past May, and they are the exact colors of my university. I was really feeling the school spirit for the first day of class. Of course, I have my emotional support Kanken backpack that has been through it all during my college years.
What I’d Wear On: A Date Night
As we have been dating for four years, the typical date night for my boyfriend and I consists of doing an activity or something casual rather than a nice dinner. But I love a good excuse to dress up, and this is what I would wear for the occasion. I am not a dress person, so I will opt for skirts or a romper. I have had this skirt since high school and it has done me no wrong. It is stretchy and soft — perfect for dinner. I have deemed this top as my going out top. I love a simple black top, but this one has an open back that adds a little spice. This outfit is my version of a LBD that doesn’t fail you. The purse is a gift from my boyfriend, so it’s only right that I bring it out for date night.
What I’d Wear To: An Internship Interview
If you feel good, you do good. This outfit makes me feel so confident, and gives me the power to crush any interview. The satin blouse is my go-to professional shirt because it is stunning, breathable, and has a pop of color to give me energy for the interview. The pants are my power pants. If I had to choose one pair of pants to save, it would be these. The wide-leg fit and the corduroy material gives an elevated touch to a professional outfit. Pants are tricky to find the right fit, but once you find a pair that checks all the boxes, you feel unstoppable in them. The necklace I am wearing is a graduation gift from my boyfriend, which I wear with all my outfits. It’s like a little good luck charm!
What I’d Wear To: My First Fall House Party
I go to school in Florida, so fall still feels like summer with 90-degree heat. Usually, jean shorts is the bottom of choice for fall house parties. However, the thought of wearing jean shorts for an extended period of time is not my vibe. I opted for cargo pants because they are comfy and casual. It’s giving Cadet Kelly, but… stylish? I matched the green cargos with a gray top to channel the earth tones of fall. Fall is my favorite season, and I love to incorporate fall colors in my looks even if the weather is sweltering. It wouldn’t be a college house party without busted Air Force 1s. Dirtying up a pair of AF1s is a rite of passage in college.