By Liv Barry
Lifestyle Editor
Picture this: it is a dreary February morning, and the previous night’s rainfall is made clear by deep puddles all over campus. You hit the snooze button a few times too many and now you are late to class. The last thing you want to do is get out of bed, but you throw on a pair of sweatpants and roll out the door.
On days like this, putting effort into your outfit is the last thing on your mind. Maybe you wish you could dress up for class, but do not have the time or even know where to start.
Fear not — there are dozens of ways to spice up your daily looks without sacrificing convenience and comfort. Here is a list of the easiest ways to return to spring semester classes in style.
Layers
It is time to retire the puffer jacket. While the item is well-beloved, its bulky size often inhibits movement and is too warm to wear indoors. Layering your clothing will help you to stay warm without weighing down your outfit.
Pairing a turtleneck with a cozy sweater is one of the best ways to look dressed up with minimal effort. Layer a light-weight jacket with a thick lining over the outfit to avoid looking like a marshmallow.
Statement accessories
A single accessory has the power to elevate an outfit from boring to a blast.
While everyone has different tastes in accessories, some stand-out pieces include statement belts, colorful earrings, oversized scrunchies, and ribbons — which are one of the biggest trends of 2022 according to InStyle.
To put a twist on the ribbon trend, try tying them in unconventional places; belt loops, chokers, and even backpack straps are all fun, unexpected spots to add bows to.
Monochrome
This styling tip comes with only one prerequisite: you must own two or more pieces of clothing in a similar color.
Monochromatic clothing is one of the easiest ways to make an outfit look thoughtfully chosen. Just pair a top and a bottom of the same color — no worries if they are not the same exact shade — and your ensemble will have people turning their heads.
If this feels too intimidating, try breaking the colors up with a matching belt or bag in a complimentary hue.
Focus on the feet
While you might not always pay attention to other people’s footwear, your sock and shoe combination has the power to completely upgrade your look.
Even if you leave the house in leggings and a sweatshirt, a fun pair of socks adds a sweet detail that will likely win you some compliments.
If you already have a pair of statement shoes, like Nike Dunks, Doc Martens, or platform Converse, coordinating your socks with them makes all the difference. Try layering a pair of sheer, patterned socks over your regular socks for an additional punch of detail.
Whether you love them or hate them, legwarmers are another one of the biggest trends to emerge in the past year. By throwing on a pair, you can give a feminine edge to your outfit while keeping your ankles warm.
Comfort items
Having fun with fashion is rewarding, but for many college students, comfort is a priority.
If you want to experiment but are not sure how, keep your most comfortable clothing item, like a simple t-shirt or blouse, as a wardrobe staple to build off of. This will act as a grounding force in the first steps in your fashion journey.
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Photo caption: While you might feel inclined to wear darker colors during the winter, daring shades like red are a surefire way to catch someone’s eye.