A Collegiettes Guide to a Timeless Wardrobe
Think back to what you wore to class last week… I am sure each and every one of you wore yoga pants and a sweat shirt at least once in this already unmotivating, chilly Orono weather. Heck, that is probably all that was clean and stocked in your closet! A collegiettes wardrobe is all about comfort and convience, of course. As we all progress through the school year, some of us are quickly approaching the time we never thought would come — life after college. It may in fact be the time to start accepting the fact that the real world is coming (fast) and our wardrobe is not prepared for the looming real-world we are frantically prepareing for in every other aspect of our lives.
What is the difference between dressing for the real-world and your current college style: timeless classics that last. I am not in any way suggeting it is imperative that you trash your enitre collection of clothing and start from scratch. In fact, you may already have timeless pieces hidden at the bottome of your stacks of less-favorites that you have long forgotten about. Before you do anything hasty, take an inventory of what you have and what you need using this handy checklist. Begin rebuilding your closet to withstand the sands of time by investing each month in one investment piece, without breaking the bank. Fast-fashion stores are great for that inepensive little party dress you need for the next football party, but be honest with yourself, will you ever wear it past your time here at UMaine?
Switch out the body-con dresses for your new go-to, a little black dress that describes your personal stype. It could be a flirty and flowy little chiffon number or a chic sheath; choose whatever it is that calls to you. Maxi-dresses have also been very trendy the past few seasons but are quickly making their way to being a staple item in everyones closet. A long, solid colored maxi-dress is perfect for a cool fall day and will elogate and slim every body type.
Showing your school or althetic team spirit with the college classic duo of sweat pants and a t-shirt may seem acceptable for a casual class outfit, but in actuality, it is just lazy. What a lot of students do not realize is that their professors are their biggest asset in the after-college job search in that they often will be the ones to write you a reccomendation. Impress them by showing you care about your appearance and their impression of you by wearing something more put together to class. A simple white or black tee are already a collegiettes style essential you probably already have sitting in your closet. Pair it with a fitted blazer and dark skinny jeans to show them you mean business.
Anyone who has spent a full year here at UMaine knows that come late October straight until March, the staple outfit for everything and anything besides a night out is North Face fleeces and Ugg boots. Yes, it is easy and warm, but so is a wool peacoat and some knee-high leather riding boots. Instead of buying another cheap wool-look-alike jacket that just screams “poor college student“, ask for a well-made peacoat these holidays. Another switch every college student needs to make is from your favorite shiny raincoat to a sophisticated tan trench coat that hits at the mid-thigh length.
The key to reinventing your closet to mature with you is loading up on basics, avoiding the overly trendy items that will be heinous within a season, and investing in quality, timeless staples. As you search for the items on the checklist, be sure to stay true to your own personal style as this is only a guideline. Dress to impress and keep it true to you!
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