In between the reading, highlighting, procrastinating and making notes that come with this time of year, it seems that fashion takes a backseat. If you’re too stressed to shower in regular intervals the idea of picking out a socially acceptable outfit doesn’t even cross your mind. Exams can bring out the best and the worst in people, in terms of clothing. Every outfit reveals something about a person, so continue reading to see what your final exam style says about you. (You’ve already made this far so you might as well keep procrastinating).
The first look is seen in the girl that comes dressed to impress. You know the one I’m talking about: flawless makeup, an outfit that makes you question whether you should have paired your grey hoodie with your grey sweatpants, and heels. Yes, you read that correctly. She struts in like she was born ready.
As stunned as we may be at this girl, we may be – dare I say – jealous? However dressing nicely on exam days can translate to better grades, if you look good you feel good. So throw away your resentment towards the well-dressed student; if wearing your prom dress meant that you would ace all of your exams, best believe you’d strut into Monpetit’s gym fully decked out with no regrets. If you fall into the category of the impeccably dressed, it’s incredibly admirable.
The second look is significantly more relatable: comfy and cute. The oversized sweaters and shirts that you got from the men’s section of your favourite store, a multi-functional blanket scarf and the ever so essential leggings. This says that you’ve studied and are definitely prepared (relatively), you still value your appearance, but you understand the stressful nature that is the exam period.
The third look consists of head to toe GeeGee gear. Whether you’re rocking the grey on grey, maroon on maroon or a mix of both, dressing entirely in school colours is a great way to show school spirit. This person is the eternal optimist. While the rest of us are silently (or not so silently) cursing our classes, seriously look into the jobs we can get without a degree and sweating about future professions, they proudly display their love for their school. If this is you, we are slightly jealous that you’re still this positive during such a nightmare, but on the other hand please keep your positivity over there and let us stress in peace.
This outfit could stem from an optimistic outlook or because it was laundry day. But realistically everyday is laundry day during exams. Monday’s outfit quickly becomes Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s- after all you see different people every exam right?
The fourth look is brought to us by the student who either studied too much or decided to wing the exam. The one you didn’t notice all semester because this may be the second time they’ve shown up to class- apart from the midterm. They roll up in their plaid pajamas, or better yet a onsie, with what can only be classified as “bed head”. 90% of the class is thinking “they don’t even go here” and their student card begs the question of the validity of their identity. If this is you, make sure your pajamas are presentable i.e no holes and finger comb your hair at the very least.
The final look is something I’m sure we’ve all seen before: the students that dress entirely in black. They are channeling the Grim Reaper and they cannot be bothered. They may have accepted that they are going to fail the exam and that writing it is just a formality. Their walk into the gym is an equivalent to a death march and their final will and testament is tucked in between their reading notes and lecture slides.
If this is you collegiette take pride in knowing that you can never go wrong with all black everything, so while you may be dying inside, you actually look fantastic.
Exams serve to test our knowledge but also our mental and emotional strength. We pull all nighters, force our bodies to adapt to strange diets consisting of the many flavoured Dorritos and a wide range of energy drinks. Fashion may be the very last thing on our minds but if there’s one thing that you should take away from this all is to take care of yourself during this hectic time. Take breaks, wear whatever makes you feel confident, and leave it all on the desk. Good luck and happy studying!