Dressing for class (with class)

I don’t wear sweatpants outside my house. I think I own one hoodie, which is worn only when working out.

When I dress for class in the morning, my idea of comfort is stockings and skirts, leather boots and blouses. My logic behind getting what some might consider “dressed up” for class is simply, why not? I am going to be spending a large portion of my week in class, so I at least want to feel good about what I’m wearing.

I’ll meet hundreds of new students whose impression of me will be partially derived from what I wear to class each day. When I meet a professor who could potentially become a reference, I don’t want to be remembered as the girl in the frumpy T-shirt.
In the midst of parties, anonymous hook-ups and tailgating, it can become easy to forget there is a life after college, one that might be made of 8 a.m. rush hour traffic and stuffy office clothes. But it’s not too early to begin projecting yourself as a professional. You don’t have to wear a suit and tie. Looking put together is as simple as thinking of comfort in a different way.

This fall, don’t opt for leggings as jeans (it never looks good, ever) and wear oversized T-shirts. Instead of hoodies, try large wool sweaters with scarves or an elegant necklace, or put on a cardigan, which never fails to make even V-necks and tank tops look put together.

Also, don’t forget your favorite pair of jeans. A dark-washed, hole-free pair of skinny jeans is a staple for any woman’s closet because of its versatility. The jeans look smart during the day and translate to a slimming complement to a lace or tribal-print top in the evening.

Finally, break the bad-boot cycle. It’s easy to find a stylish and comfortable pair of boots to replace your worn-in favorites. A new pair is probably more durable. For added comfort, go vintage with a pair of once-loved boots that someone else took the time to break in for you.

This semester, some of us will spend 16 to 18 credit hours a week in the clothing that we pick out on weekday mornings. Throughout the day, we’ll grab coffee, run into friends between classes and give presentations in the outfit we may or may not put time into choosing. Putting extra time into your clothing choice shouldn’t just be reserved for weekends. This semester, consider getting dressed for class with class.