More Than Just T-Shirts
Article by Kelsey Johnson, Photos by Emily Greco
I get it—college is hard, and sometimes we all just want to throw on some sweatpants and call it a day. But looking put together for class can help boost your self-esteem, mood, and even relationships with your professors.
The Benefits
You don’t have to be ready to walk the runway everyday as you’re headed to your 8 AM, but putting a little effort into your look has proven benefits.
Waking up just a few minutes earlier every day to pick out your outfit and put on some mascara can add a little pep to your step for the rest of the day and help you feel more alert. If you’re like me and you can’t stand waking up earlier than necessary, try picking out your outfit for the day the night before. It’s fun, and it gives you something to look forward to in the morning! Putting more effort into your look also has an effect on your self confidence. The old saying “look good, feel good” rings true; when you look your best, you are much more likely to feel your best. Women everywhere agree that putting on their favorite pair of shoes or their cutest jeans gives them a confidence boost for the rest of the day and leaves them feeling more productive and professional. Not only does your look have an effect on you, but it also affects how the people around you see you (not that your favorite big tee makes you any less of a rockstar). Dressing nicer to class will leave a good impression on professors and make them feel like you take the class more seriously than if you were to show up in sweatpants.
Picking out outfits for the day can also help up your style. Personally, if I wear running shorts and the same three t-shirts too often, I feel devoid of a sense of style and uninspired. However, when I pick out my outfits, I find that I am more inspired to try out new looks or wear something that’s been hiding in my closet for months. Dressing cute on the daily is a simple way to upgrade your style and maybe even try some looks.
“Wear what makes you feel good on the outside and you will feel good on the inside.”
So, What Should I Wear?
I am a really low-maintenance gal, and I would much rather wear comfortable running shoes to class than heels. No matter your style or preference, there are simple and comfortable ways to make sure that you look your best.
Comfort is key. XL t-shirts and running shorts have become the norm on college campuses across the nation because of the comfortability and low preparation required. However, there is no need to compromise style for comfort. I have personally found that a cute pair of running shorts or denim shorts paired with a basic tee makes for a more put together an outfit that you can still wear with your favorite comfy shoes. Boyfriend jeans are, in my opinion, the sweatpants of jeans, and as I have a love-hate relationship with jeans, boyfriend jeans have become my best friend. Pair them with a cute tank or tee and you have yourself a whole outfit. You don’t need to try too hard to create an outfit that makes you look put together while still being comfortable.
Face the Day
Just washing your face and putting on a little mascara in the morning can also make a huge difference in how you look and feel. As I said before, I would be the last person to wake up super early in the morning to do a full face of makeup. If that’s how you roll, rock it! More power to you. However, if you’re like me, I find that just washing my face, applying my favorite moisturizer, and throwing on some mascara makes a huge difference in how I look and feel, with minimal effort involved. Washing your face wakes up your mind and body and gets you ready for the day, while leaving your face clean and fresh. Moisturizer helps add a little bounce and glow, and using a tinted moisturizer can even add a little bit of coverage. While mascara, or any makeup for that matter, is definitely not a necessity, it helps me feel and look a little bit more awake and ready for the day.
Be True to You
The benefits of putting a little more effort into how you look for class and even on a daily basis are obvious, but make sure you be true to yourself! Don’t worry about what other people think and have fun with your style! Wear what makes you feel good on the outside and you will feel good on the inside.