One important thing to know about me is that I went to an all girl’s private catholic high school. For those of you who didn’t go to catholic school, this basically means that for four years, I rolled out of bed fifteen minutes before I was supposed to leave and threw on my uniform. I never wore makeup, I always knew what I was going to wear, and my hair was perpetually in a messy bun. Some things have changed since college, but not that much. I still roll out of bed fifteen minutes before I have to leave, and I pretty much never wear makeup to class. Now, my new ‘uniform’ consists of leggings and a steady rotation of the few shirts I have that I actually like. Though sometimes I would switch it up a little and wear my hair down, in a braid, or ponytail. To step outside of my comfort zone I decided to dress up for class for a week – and it was going to be a ~serious~ challenge.
Day 1: Monday
I was worried that it was going to take me much longer than normal to get ready, so I woke up a little earlier than usual. I showered, blow-dried my hair, and put on makeup. I wore a skirt, riding boots, a t-shirt, a sweater, some jewelry (which I always forget I own) and my winter coat. It did take me a bit longer to get ready and I hate blow-drying my hair, but it looked so much nicer. It was weird to be dressed up, and because I usually don’t dress up for class, people noticed. I had this strange experience of being very confident yet self-conscious at the same time. I felt good, looked good, and got some compliments. But, I was worried people were judging me for dressing up just to go to class. It didn’t help that people kept asking: “Where are you going today?” and “What’s the occasion? You look so nice today!?”
Day 2: Tuesday
I kind of cheated…Well, I just wore leggings. But I paired them with a nice blouse and my riding boots. Having done my makeup, accessorizing with jewelry, and blow-drying my hair also made me look put together. People still asked me, “What are you dressed-up for?” and “Did you give a presentation today?” but I was less self-conscious about it, thanks to the comfort of my leggings.
Day 3: Wednesday
Day 3 pretty much went the same as days one and two. I decided to go back to wearing a skirt. Thankfully, it was a bit warmer out so I felt less like a try-hard. I was, however, starting to overestimate my ability to get completely dressed up in a short amount of time. I had to practically run out the door to make it to class on time. Regardless of my time management, I was beginning to feel more comfortable dressing up for class. I felt less self-conscious and more confident.
Day 4: Wednesday
I admit, I wore leggings again. But I wore them with a nice blouse and boots like I did on Tuesday. I’ve been pretty good about keeping up with my make-up and hair routine, though. I’ve also decided I really like how I look with earrings, and that I should wear them more often. The only problem I have is that I haven’t been leaving enough time for makeup in the morning so I have to apply it quickly and dash out the door so I can make it to class on time.
Day 5: Friday
I kicked it up a notch for the last day and went with a dress, but made it more casual with a scarf and layering a denim shirt over it. Strangely enough I felt totally comfortable, but also very put together. I was almost late for class again because I grossly underestimated how long it would take for me to blow-dry my hair and put on makeup. You would think by day five I would have learned how to manage my time in the morning!
I really did enjoy dressing up for class this week. I think if I dressed up for class more often, I would get less people asking me why I’m dressed up. From now on I will make an effort to wear nicer shirts when I wear my leggings because it’s an easy way to look put together yet still be comfortable. Wearing makeup was a change for me this week, but it increased my confidence. I didn’t have to worry that people were staring at my latest break-out because I took the time in the morning to actually do my make-up routine. I don’t know if I will continue to wear makeup every day because my skin is very sensitive and prone to break-outs. However, if there are ever times when I need a quick confidence-boost, a little foundation can go a long way.
Even though I won’t be dressing up for class every day, this week made me realize that I should try dressing up for class at least a couple times a week. Dressing up for class made me feel and look good. So unless it’s a Monday morning, start looking for me dressed up for class every once and awhile!