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As many of us probably agree with, putting on a pair of jeans nowadays can feel like a chore. Though I normally try not to wear sweats to class, the past few months of embracing comfort has felt really soothing. Returning home to sunny Los Angeles from upstate New York during this pandemic reminded me of the importance of recharging my batteries — also, staying true to who I am, clothing choices and all. After hastily throwing on a polo shirt before my morning classes, I gradually succumbed to tuning into lectures in full pajamas.
Whether you’re going back to campus or will be attending Zoom classes in the fall, here are some cute ways to jazz up the sweats you’ve been living in all season.
- Make a statement
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Who said that you can’t make a statement in sweats? Whether you’re wearing a cropped college sweatshirt or you found your Pink Floyd shirt from high school, dress with pride and comfort in mind.
Mix up a monochrome all-sweats look with a floral bomber jacket or elevate your outfit with a classic trench coat for a business casual look.
World Tour ’72 Juniors T-shirt, Pink Floyd, $25, shop now
- Mix ’n match tie-dye pieces
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Whether you remember the Juicy Couture tracksuits of days past wistfully or cringe at the idea of wearing sweats outside of your home, tie-dye is here to stay. Bonus points if you tie-dye your clothes yourself!
Terry Cropped Raw Edge Hoodie, Alternative Apparel, $64, shop now
- Rock a blazer or denim jacket
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Either way, you’ll look like you spent more than five minutes putting together your outfit. Tuck in a blouse or button-down shirt for a business casual look. You can never go wrong with a white tank or crop top with a flannel tied at the ends for those casual-chic summer-meets-fall vibes. If you simply want to feel more put-together, throwing on a blazer or denim jacket adds extra oomph to whatever you’re wearing.
The Remi Denim Jacket in Light Wash, The Pink Desert, $60, shop now
- Glam it up
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Don’t be shy! Rock a fierce red lip with a top-knot, or show everyone how you finally mastered the perfect cat-eye over quarantine. Pop on some blush to the apples of your cheeks for a touch of normalcy. Camisole tops with lace or a satin finish may not be the best for Zoom interviews, but have fun with different fabrics and textures as you create your look.
Cosmo Lipstick, The Lip Bar, $13, shop now
Red Matte Lipstick, Mented, $18, shop now
Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color, Fenty Beauty, $25, shop now
- Strap on those summery sandals
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Maybe you’re back on campus and want to show off your toned legs from working out all summer. Sandals aren’t just an iconic summer staple — they can totally be worn into the fall. Try pairing a loose neutral shirt with a blazer and fitted sweats, then add in the strappy black sandals for something more business-casual.
ROOLEE Santorini Flat Sandal, ROOLEE, $15, shop now
Women’s Josie Lace Up Sandals – A New Day, $20, shop now
- Embrace loose-fitting clothing
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If you want to keep the comfortable feel of sweatpants and still be presentable, hop onto the oversized clothing bandwagon. Pair a loose-fitting tee or oversized crew neck sweater with fitted sweatpants, or a rock your favorite hoodie with baggy sweats.
Ruched Air Blouse, $30, shop now
AE Oversized Crew Neck Sweater, $45, shop now
- Show don’t tell
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Whether you’ve been binging Schitt’s Creek or you’re rewatching Euphoria, recreate some of your favorite outfits and allow the makeup look to inspire you. Now’s a better time than ever to experiment with new looks — cut your hair super short, try swapping out your black eyeliner for navy blue, or crop your old sweatshirt to make your wardrobe feel fresh and new.
Denim Jacket with Puff Sleeves, Zara, $13, shop now
Knot Front Top, Zara, $19, shop now
Berlin Underground Intense Eyeshadow Palette, NOMAD Cosmetics, $37, shop now
Though it’s pretty common to see college students show up to class in leggings and sweats, after COVID-19, dressing in sweats will probably become even more relevant on campus. Though I will never sacrifice my comfort in my clothing choices, I can’t wait to see how fashion evolves this fall. At least for now, I’ll be enjoying wearing sweats all day, every day.