Looking Good & Staying Safe

Dress for Days In

Article & Photos by Grace Doering, Graphic by Bayleigh Golden

Leggings paired with an oversized t-shirt is always the quick college go-to. While this still applies now that classes have switched to an online format, college students everywhere have been posting their cute outfits on social media that would make anyone rethink their leggings. Social distancing can leave you wanting to update your closet too, but that can be unrealistic on a tight budget. However, dressing fashionable (even during quarantine) shouldn’t have to be compromised!  Here are a few quick tips for those curious about how to incorporate style with comfort into everyday looks and put some pep in their step during this new way of life.

What is your statement piece?

Take advantage of this time to enhance yourself and finally try those things you have always wanted to try.  When creating an outfit for a typical day at home, you should first decide what you want to be the focal point of your outfit. Not every item in your closet needs to be a staple piece, but having a few go-to tops, a sweater, or favorite pair of shorts can up your closet level big-time! Having solid pieces (like a plain white tee) can also be fun and easy to style. Pick a focus piece and then build around that.

Make do with what you’ve got

You can make any piece in your closet look cute and put-together by being resourceful. You don't need to avoid t-shirts; just find a way to build them up, like adding on some layers. Simple as it seems, layers can take a collegiate t-shirt and give it a whole new look! Throwing a sweater, flannel, or jean jacket over any t-shirt or plain top is an easy way to dress simple pieces up without sacrificing comfort.

Consider the options

While doing online classwork, actual clothing (jeans, blouses) can be a hassle to sit in for hours on end. Comfy is key! Once you already have the top of your outfit set, you can decide between leggings, joggers, or shorts. Pair leggings with a crop top, joggers with a knotted tee, or shorts with a sports bra and sweatshirt. Try mixing and matching your comfy clothes during this time, so that when normalcy returns, you’ve got a few new ways to style your favorite everyday pieces. Don’t forget: while jeans are what usually make an outfit look more dressed up, today there are so many styles of joggers and even jeggings that still look put-together and are breathable/movable, which is essential for all those long online work days ahead.

Top it off with something cute

Accessories can add so much to an outfit! Wearing a baseball cap, hair scarf, or headband can be a lifesaver when you’re having a not-so-great hair day (plus, they look like you put more effort into your look than you actually did). Hats and headbands are also great for keeping your hair back when you want to get out of your house, soak up some sun, and maybe get some school work done in the fresh outdoors. 

As pictured in the header photo, some of the cutest accessories are half headbands or Boho Bandeau from Natural Life! They have tons of colors and even some with patterns that can put a fun twist on any outfit.  

When you’re getting ready for the days ahead, take advantage of this time to try things you have always wanted to try, and take into consideration all that you already have in your closet to create some effortless looks that combine comfort with style, minus the extra expense!

Cover Photo Courtesy of Amanda Vick via Unsplash