Looking your best on campus is no easy task. Surprise rainfall and subsequent muddiness, cold winter winds, hot humid summers, and other weather complications make getting dressed for college classes much more difficult than a girl would like. However, there a few quick fixes that can prepare your wardrobe for crazy weather and still leave you looking your best.
Footwear:
Commuter school students have the benefit of parking spots, but for most of us making the long walk to and around campus, heels and otherwise uncomfortable shoes are out of the question. If you’re thinking about sucking it up and walking around campus in heels—even little 2 inch heels—don’t! Nothing keeps you from looking put-together more than a hobbling limp brought on by blisters. Besides, looking great for class is different from looking great for a night out on the weekend, so put those patent leather pumps away until after the sun sets.
The fix:
Invest in a few pairs of cute comfortable shoes. One pair of sandals (preferably the gladiator style which allows more weight distribution around the shoe, preventing blisters), one pair of walking shoes (ballet flats are good if the back is flexible, otherwise they can cause just as many blisters), rain boots, and warm winter boots are essential to having both a comfortable and stylish semester. To save money, buy the winter boots and rain boots out of season, but don’t forsake comfort for price. You feet will thank you later.
Outerwear:
Anyone who has to walk to class in the middle of winter knows it’s extremely difficult to look cute when all you want to wear is thick, bunchy, comfy, sweats.
The fix:
I promise, I don’t have an advertising contract with them, but The North Face seems to be the favorite brand of outerwear for many of my friends. I like my pristine white Express coat a lot, but I would hate to take it to campus and accidentally spill my morning coffee on it. North Face fleece jackets are fitted well, so even though they are casual they look sporty and clean. I have a Wal-Mart fleece jacket that keeps me just as warm, but definitely lacks in style with its boxy, unflattering cut. Whether you go for the $100 North Face Jacket or the $15 one from Old Navy, make sure the fit is right and the material will make it through rain and snow.
Stocking Up on Basics:
Lavish, elaborate outfits are great for the weekends, but let’s be real—no one wants to mess with all of that while sitting in tiny lecture hall chairs.
The fix:
Classic clean is the best way to go for making your way around campus. Simple combinations will keep you from spending a lot of time wondering what to wear in the morning, so have comfy casuals available. V-neck T-shirts are flattering and elongate the body, creating an effortless look that is figure flattering. Dark jeans without fading patterns are also flattering and go with pretty much anything. Stay away from jeans with large holes, they make you look short and squat and like a freshman who still thinks Abercrombie is cool. If you insist on wearing sweats, invest in great fitting sweats like those available at Victoria’s Secret Pink. Oversized sweats are not your friend, stay away from them at all costs.
Whether your style dictates polos and khaki shorts or skinny jeans and babydoll dresses, make sure the material is breathable and durable in the washing machine. Wrinkles and faded colors aren’t good for any kind of style, so make sure to invest in good detergent and fabric softeners.
These are just a few tips I’ve picked up on during my three years at the University of Texas at Austin, but the number one way to look put-together and crisp costs absolutely nothing at all: fitness. I gained 30 pounds my freshman year and had to spend all of sophomore and junior year trying to lose it. Eating healthy and exercising 3-5 times a week is the best way to look your best, no matter what fashion trends or the weather may bring.
Edit: Check out College Candy’s article Dressing To Impress: How to Interview in Style.
