What to wear during finals week? For me, it’s a constant battle between “dress well, test well” and “my brain is so fried I may actually consider my pajamas appropriate to wear in public.”
What not to wear during finals week? Now that’s another story.
I understand that things like sleep and laundry can fall by the wayside in the midst of multiple tests and papers, but that’s no excuse for showing up to an exam or presentation uncombed, stained and smelling like the ZSR basement…
1. Pajamas – sometimes I sleep in sweatpants and a tee – totally acceptable to wear to a 9 a.m. exam. Other times I sleep in flannel bottoms and a rhinestone Victoria’s Secret cami…not so acceptable. Don’t wear slept in clothes to your exam! The wrinkles and crinkles give it away – trust me. If you must, at least put a sweatshirt on top to hide the evidence.
2. Slippers – Now I know it doesn’t take more than a second of effort to slip on a pair of Nikes. There is no reason you should be wearing Ugg slippers to an exam. They’re not shoes! WEAR SHOES!
3. Noticeable stains – As I said before, laundry can fall by the wayside during exams, but that doesn’t give you the excuse to wear something obviously dirty. Quickly check yourself in the mirror before you head out the door. If you have a giant glob of something on your sweater, change! Also, be considerate of those with sensitive noses. Perfume makes everything better…for everyone.
4. Tights as pants – I think this stems from the not-having-time-to-do-laundry issue. I have seen some girls trying to pass off opaque tights for leggings. Newsflash: We can all tell that they’re not pants. If you run out of leggings to wear, just wear jeans or something else.
Obviously, what you decide to wear is not correlated with how you perform on a final. Studying takes priority over clothing, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t dress cute while testing! Sweatpants and leggings with an oversized crewneck are fine (it’s important to be comfy during long hours of studying), but you don’t have to be bland and boring…
Add a scarf, sparkly earrings or cozy colorful socks to give your outfit some life. Take 5 minutes to put on mascara and blush – you’ll look more awake and in turn, feel more awake too. Spruce up your bedhead with a cute braid or high pony. Add an extra spritz of perfume to your wrist if you haven’t exactly had time to shower since…whenever.
Good luck on finals, collegiettes!