luvsic
Well-known member
NOTE: Mods, is it ok if I post this here? I write a blog for (primarily) college dressing, and makeup advice. Because I was glad to see some people appreciated my last post on how to be fashionable, I just thought that I could share some advice on what I think looks good!
What to Wear to a College Class, Winter Edition
I was inspired by this post to write about what's a good outfit to wear to a college class.
Beware! Zombies are infiltrating your school (what?) No, not the blood sucking, back-from-the-dead kind...the kind that wears a gigantic hoodie, pink sweats and UGG boots to class every. single. day. (Note: Was guilty of this this past semester, no lie. Especially during dead week. But we all slip up from time to time, that's life, isn't it?)
College dressing poses an interesting dilemna - it's the one time you can express your true style without the restriction of dress codes, but you still have to dress comfortably because you'll be walking everywhere, a lot of times in unforgiving weather. Lots of cute pieces aren't practical for everyday. And while I agree that it's really easy, especially during the winter time, to roll out of bed, pull your hair back into a bun tuck a pair of sweats tucked into heavy-duty boots, I know I started to feel really gross after wearing the same thing over and over again, day after day, week after week. So here are some tips that you can follow to pump up your style so you stand out, not blend in.
*bonus: I have also included special DO NOT DO (DND) tips!
1) Leggings, meet reader. Reader, meet your new best friend.
Honestly, jeans are uncomfortable, in my opinion. They pinch and squeeze, and when you sit down if you're wearing a pair of low-riders the entire back row of your chemistry class gets the delight of seeing your thong (or worse, your floral granny panties!) So what's a warm alternative that will still allow you to look cute? LEGGINGS, of course! I personally like them paired with a fitted sweater dress or cardigan. I also like them paired with knee boots, or booties with a kitten heel.
*FEELING DARING? Try leather leggings and motorcycle boots paired with a long t-shirt for a fun edge. Don't forget to cover up with a coat when you're outside, though!
Examples:
Outfit #1 - oversized sweater, grey leggings, and a wooly hat for fun. A pink tote is girly and cute, and adds personality. UGGs for added comfort!
Outfit #2 - A nice long grey cardigan, white ruffled button down, grey leggings and black riding boots for a more classic touch. Add a cute tote for youthfulness.
2) Three words: Flat Thigh Boots
They're bold, daring, and will be the cherry topper to any outfit you have on because face it - they won't go unnoticed. EVER. These will INSTANTLY add jazz to any outfit you have on. These tend to look best with skinny jeans or big sweater dresses with leggings. Hot, hottie, hot.
*FEELING DARING? Pair them with an oversized boyfriend blazer, leggings, and simple boyfriend t-shirt underneath.
Example:
3) Pull from your summer wardrobe.
What I like about winter is how layering can be the key to dressing up style AND keeping warm. That said, I really love the concept of pairing shorts with tights. It'll keep you warm AND it's cute. I have a pair of shorts that are made of a thicker material, so I think they're actually meant for wearing in colder weather (that's what I tell myself, anyway.) Again, replace the flip flops with knee-high boots, or booties. They'll add additional warmth and extra style.
Example:
*Note: I know I said no high heeled boot shoes for the winter, but this is all I could find on Polyvore. Aim for something with a lower heel, or no heel, if you want to maintain comfort.
4) If all else fails, keep things classic.
I am a firm believer that nobody ever goes wrong with Ralph Lauren. Polo sweaters paired w/ pearl necklaces + jeans w/ riding boots will forever be in style - they're classy, sophisticated, and timeless. There is also a great variety of colors when it comes to these classic sweaters, so by all means, throw on some pink or purple if you'd like! It will always make a good impresson on your professor, too, if you dress clean and crisply. Layer on a heavier coat (like a peacoat) if you live in places where it gets especially cold.
*FEELING DARING? Wear a full-on blazer with a tie, like below, to add extra sophistication to an outfit. This menswear-inspired twist is extremely preppy and sexy in it's own way.
Examples:
Outfit # 1 - a black sweater is classic, but a little puff detailing along the sleeves makes it a little different. Pair it with a classic black peacoat, skinny jeans, black riding boots and cute pearl necklace to top it off.
Outfit #2 - The ultimate preppy outfit. Striped polo, white skinny jeans, and brown riding boots make for a classic "riding" outfit. Add some special touches, like a full-on polo blazer and a tie to add a more masculine, school-girl look. Gorgeous and classy, with a twist!
Now that I've given you some ideas for how to play up your winter wardrobe, here are some tips on what NOT to do during the winter time.
The DO NOT DO (DND) Section
1) Leggings as Pants.
Ok....seriously? I don't know why girls think they can get away with this, but I'm going to have to report this to the fahsion police if I see this continuing to happen. Who said this was ok? This isn't Yoga class - cover up that bum! Nobody wants to see your butt jiggle when you walk up the stairs or run across campus to catch your next class. They're meant to be worn under pieces that specifically are tailored to go below the waist. Somebody please put an end to the regular shirt and legging trend!
2) Super High Heeled Boots
When you're trudging through snow or working a slippery sidewalk, on your way to a classrom 20 minutes away from your apartment, the last thing you want to worry about is your height. So while these do add a couple inches for shorties like me, it's just not practical. Save them for a night out, not to class.
3) Choosing Style Over Comfort...aka Freezing over Feeling Toasty
Ladies, PLEASE wear outfits that make sense. I don't know if it's just on my campus, but seeing girls wear nike shorts and UGG boots paired with a giant sweater makes NO SENSE. So the bottom half of your leg and your body above the waist is all warm and your thighs are freezing? What's the point? It looks ridiculous and FEELS ridiculous too. I've been guilty of trying to pull off "cute" by wearing a giant sweater and boots...but I ended up shivering as I waited for the bus because I couldn't stand the wind whipping against my legs while everyone else stared at me like I was a maniac. Be smarter than that!! No shorts, flip flops, stand alone t-shirts...save 'em for summer!
In Conclusion...
I'm not going to lie - I will have days when I'm decked out in my sweatpant and UGG glory. Let's just try not to make it every day next semester.
HAPPY DRESSING,
Mani
What to Wear to a College Class, Winter Edition
I was inspired by this post to write about what's a good outfit to wear to a college class.
Beware! Zombies are infiltrating your school (what?) No, not the blood sucking, back-from-the-dead kind...the kind that wears a gigantic hoodie, pink sweats and UGG boots to class every. single. day. (Note: Was guilty of this this past semester, no lie. Especially during dead week. But we all slip up from time to time, that's life, isn't it?)
College dressing poses an interesting dilemna - it's the one time you can express your true style without the restriction of dress codes, but you still have to dress comfortably because you'll be walking everywhere, a lot of times in unforgiving weather. Lots of cute pieces aren't practical for everyday. And while I agree that it's really easy, especially during the winter time, to roll out of bed, pull your hair back into a bun tuck a pair of sweats tucked into heavy-duty boots, I know I started to feel really gross after wearing the same thing over and over again, day after day, week after week. So here are some tips that you can follow to pump up your style so you stand out, not blend in.
*bonus: I have also included special DO NOT DO (DND) tips!
1) Leggings, meet reader. Reader, meet your new best friend.
Honestly, jeans are uncomfortable, in my opinion. They pinch and squeeze, and when you sit down if you're wearing a pair of low-riders the entire back row of your chemistry class gets the delight of seeing your thong (or worse, your floral granny panties!) So what's a warm alternative that will still allow you to look cute? LEGGINGS, of course! I personally like them paired with a fitted sweater dress or cardigan. I also like them paired with knee boots, or booties with a kitten heel.
*FEELING DARING? Try leather leggings and motorcycle boots paired with a long t-shirt for a fun edge. Don't forget to cover up with a coat when you're outside, though!
Examples:
Outfit #1 - oversized sweater, grey leggings, and a wooly hat for fun. A pink tote is girly and cute, and adds personality. UGGs for added comfort!
Outfit #2 - A nice long grey cardigan, white ruffled button down, grey leggings and black riding boots for a more classic touch. Add a cute tote for youthfulness.
2) Three words: Flat Thigh Boots
They're bold, daring, and will be the cherry topper to any outfit you have on because face it - they won't go unnoticed. EVER. These will INSTANTLY add jazz to any outfit you have on. These tend to look best with skinny jeans or big sweater dresses with leggings. Hot, hottie, hot.
*FEELING DARING? Pair them with an oversized boyfriend blazer, leggings, and simple boyfriend t-shirt underneath.
Example:
3) Pull from your summer wardrobe.
What I like about winter is how layering can be the key to dressing up style AND keeping warm. That said, I really love the concept of pairing shorts with tights. It'll keep you warm AND it's cute. I have a pair of shorts that are made of a thicker material, so I think they're actually meant for wearing in colder weather (that's what I tell myself, anyway.) Again, replace the flip flops with knee-high boots, or booties. They'll add additional warmth and extra style.
Example:
*Note: I know I said no high heeled boot shoes for the winter, but this is all I could find on Polyvore. Aim for something with a lower heel, or no heel, if you want to maintain comfort.
4) If all else fails, keep things classic.
I am a firm believer that nobody ever goes wrong with Ralph Lauren. Polo sweaters paired w/ pearl necklaces + jeans w/ riding boots will forever be in style - they're classy, sophisticated, and timeless. There is also a great variety of colors when it comes to these classic sweaters, so by all means, throw on some pink or purple if you'd like! It will always make a good impresson on your professor, too, if you dress clean and crisply. Layer on a heavier coat (like a peacoat) if you live in places where it gets especially cold.
*FEELING DARING? Wear a full-on blazer with a tie, like below, to add extra sophistication to an outfit. This menswear-inspired twist is extremely preppy and sexy in it's own way.
Examples:
Outfit # 1 - a black sweater is classic, but a little puff detailing along the sleeves makes it a little different. Pair it with a classic black peacoat, skinny jeans, black riding boots and cute pearl necklace to top it off.
Outfit #2 - The ultimate preppy outfit. Striped polo, white skinny jeans, and brown riding boots make for a classic "riding" outfit. Add some special touches, like a full-on polo blazer and a tie to add a more masculine, school-girl look. Gorgeous and classy, with a twist!
Now that I've given you some ideas for how to play up your winter wardrobe, here are some tips on what NOT to do during the winter time.
The DO NOT DO (DND) Section
1) Leggings as Pants.
Ok....seriously? I don't know why girls think they can get away with this, but I'm going to have to report this to the fahsion police if I see this continuing to happen. Who said this was ok? This isn't Yoga class - cover up that bum! Nobody wants to see your butt jiggle when you walk up the stairs or run across campus to catch your next class. They're meant to be worn under pieces that specifically are tailored to go below the waist. Somebody please put an end to the regular shirt and legging trend!
2) Super High Heeled Boots
When you're trudging through snow or working a slippery sidewalk, on your way to a classrom 20 minutes away from your apartment, the last thing you want to worry about is your height. So while these do add a couple inches for shorties like me, it's just not practical. Save them for a night out, not to class.
3) Choosing Style Over Comfort...aka Freezing over Feeling Toasty
Ladies, PLEASE wear outfits that make sense. I don't know if it's just on my campus, but seeing girls wear nike shorts and UGG boots paired with a giant sweater makes NO SENSE. So the bottom half of your leg and your body above the waist is all warm and your thighs are freezing? What's the point? It looks ridiculous and FEELS ridiculous too. I've been guilty of trying to pull off "cute" by wearing a giant sweater and boots...but I ended up shivering as I waited for the bus because I couldn't stand the wind whipping against my legs while everyone else stared at me like I was a maniac. Be smarter than that!! No shorts, flip flops, stand alone t-shirts...save 'em for summer!
In Conclusion...
I'm not going to lie - I will have days when I'm decked out in my sweatpant and UGG glory. Let's just try not to make it every day next semester.
HAPPY DRESSING,
Mani
