Monday, 19 October 2009

• How to Dress When You're in College (Without Wearing Sweats!)

  I am a college student myself, kittens; therefore I understand the urges you must be feeling – the ones that say it’s okay to drag yourself off to class in the same pair of ratty sweats that you fell asleep in last night during a cram session.
  
  Do not succumb to such immoral thoughts; like the devil himself, they are leading you in the wrong direction – one that will leave you feeling unfashionable and downright icky for your entire college career.
  
  ♥Bombs Away One of the most amazing items you will ever add to your closet, I kid you not, is a bomber jacket. Not only does it keep you warm, but it is ideal for both layering, and ensuring that you look effortlessly put-together at all times. Target’s Xhilaration Bomber Jacket in Toffee is an amazing piece if you’re searching for something imposing yet inexpensive; it’s gorgeous with skinny jeans and riding boots.
  
  ♥Flat and Fabulous College campuses are like a small village; and your academic advisor? Let’s just say it is his or her mission to ensure that each one of your classes is far enough away from one another that you spend at least half – if not more – of your time trotting from one end of the quad to the other. The moral of this story? Wear flats. Two types of flats will get you through the school year – ballerina flats and flat boots.
  
  ♥Darling in Denim As long as you own at least three pairs of well-constructed jeans, then you’re in good shape. I recommend having a trio of differentiating denim at all times – one dark wash, one medium wash, and one light wash – all in the cut you favor. If you’re going to add a fourth pair of denim to your closet, let it be a pair of black ones. You have no idea how many times you’ll be expected to dress up unexpectedly, and won’t feel like donning a dress or a pair of slacks. Black jeans look more polished and classy, and instantly make you appear as if you put a bit more effort into your look.
  
  ♥Collar Couture While statement necklaces are a true love of mine, unless you’re on your way to a party, college campuses are not necessarily a choice location to don them; especially when it’s 8:00 a.m., and your sparkly bauble is blinding your still half-asleep classmates. Forgoing a necklace, however, does not mean that you must sacrifice all traces of making a statement. A very versatile way to dress up a simple t-shirt, or add a splash of kitschy color to the day’s outfit can easily, and effortlessly, be accomplished with the assistance of a scarf. Scarves are ideal in the sense that they add a smattering of sophistication and mysteriousness to your style while remaining completely unfussy.
  
  ♥Cardy Crush Like the scarf, a cardigan holds the power to transform your look in mere moments, and will ultimately become a constant clothing companion year-round. Plus, they’re fairly inexpensive so you can indulge in a handful of them with little to no guilt. Choose whatever color catches your eye when cardigan shopping – the only two hues I advise you to ensure you’re never without are gray and black. Gray works with every color of the rainbow on so many levels, yet is both muted and magnificent, so you always look ravishing. Remember though, whether you’re wearing a cardigan that hits at the hip or droops to your knees, always size up – the cardigan serves as a lightweight jacket of sorts, so you want to make sure it can comfortably fit over whatever top you happen to be wearing.
  
  ♥A Coat of Many Colors Whether you’re attending school in a tropical climate or the forests of Alaska, a winter coat should always be lurking in the depths of your closet; perhaps behind all those cast-aside Homecoming dresses. Even if you never use it, such a garment is essential as it will give you peace of mind. Unlike an ordinary jacket, when it comes to finding the coat of your dreams, look for something crafted of wool, as it holds up well in any type of weather, and manages to keep you warm from the top of your head to the very tip of your toes. Keep in mind that a coat is a definite investment piece – choose wisely now so there are no regrets later!
  
  ♥Tee Time Obviously a wardrobe is incomplete without a few t-shirts to choose from. I prefer sticking to the basics, such as simple v-necks and crewnecks like those available from Target. They’re under $10 dollars apiece, and if bought in a variety of colors they can easily see you through the entire year. They also look amazing for nights off campus if tucked into tulip or bandage skirts, and are extremely easy to accessorize, so you can make the look your own.
  
  ♥The Sack  Ditch the backpack for a classier carryall; something that makes you feel elegant yet has the ability to hold all of life’s little necessities. Always look for something that is large enough for lugging your laptop to the library for late night study sessions, but comfortable enough to carry for countless hours each day.
  
  ♥The Mad Hatter I have faced the embarrassment of bad hair. I have fallen asleep at my desk while studying; my face nestled in the spine of my oversized textbook in the most unflattering of ways, only to awaken three hours later with five minutes to get to class, and my bangs the victim of the worst possible crease in history. This is bound to happen to you at least once (though probably dozens of times) during your college career. Do not spend those five minutes attempting to tame your mane…it won’t work. Right now, a hat is your only savior. Typically I am not the biggest advocate of any headwear aside from headbands. In college, however, hats take on the role of best friend. They have the ability to make you look presentable even when you’re sporting the worst possible ‘do underneath; plus they add an adorable touch to your look – as long as you wear the right ones. Leave all forms of baseball caps to boys – I recommend two types of head accoutrement: newsboy caps and slouchy knit berets.
  
  Did you find this helpful? What are your staples for going to class?
  
  Guest blog submitted by Cafe Fashionista
  

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