Despite the 70-degree forecast for this weekend, the transition from fall to winter is inevitably approaching. Holiday cups are back at Starbucks, Thanksgiving is a short three weeks away, and finals are drawing near. College finals can be a time of stress and all-nighters for students, making appearances the last thing to worry about daily. With three English classes dominating my course backpack, I have been up all-night writing various essays, inducing stress and my under-eye bags. My main concern has been grades and post-graduate goals, neglecting my love for fashion.
As someone who always loves to get ready for class, yes, I am that person, finals and cold weather seem to hinder that routine. I grab my sweatpants and sneakers before rushing out the door to my 9 am, neglecting all care into my outfit and personal style. When I have 20 minutes to get ready, the last thing I want to style is my hair – it takes forever.
For the cold weather months and slow school days, I am here to list some basic yet essential pieces to up your wardrobe and beauty ante, even before 9 am.
1. Vests
 From Artizia to Lululemon, oversized vests are everywhere, and rightfully so. They are the perfect addition to any legging and long sleeve or jeans and sweaters convo. I am also obsessed with bright-colored vests, from red to cobalt blue; they are the perfect outfit pops of color.
2. Chunky Scarves
One of my favorite quick-fall outfits has been adorned with a chunky scarf, and the bolder, the better whenever you find yourself wearing a boring outfit. Adding a scarf masks the look’s simplicity and provides comfort and warmth. When in New York this past October, I made a black long sleeve and jeans look effortlessly chic with a cobalt blue chunky scarf from Anthropologie.
3. Headbands (workout)
Alo Yoga offers all of your best workout essentials and pieces to look cute while exercising. An incentive for me to hit the gym stems from a matching set. Recently, I have accumulated two of their black and french vanilla headbands. Not only do they save my hair from sweating during a run, but they also mask my second-day hair!
4. Claw Clips
From EmiJay to SelĂłr, I could rant on and on about the adorable clips I buy online. From the color selection to the designs, I can never get enough new claw clips, especially when I feel lazy. I always feel like my outfit is more complete with a matching or fun hair accessory like a claw clip. To shop my two favorite brands, follow the links:
5. Headphones
Prominent yet efficient: headphones, not AirPods. The original headphones look is back, giving AirPods a run for their money. People have varying Beats and Airpod Max’s everywhere I go, and even the original Apple earphones! Not only do you look too busy to talk, but you look stylish while doing it.
 6. Leg Warmers
Outdated? Maybe. Are they making a comeback? Yes. Leg warmers, although meant for warmth, are a stylish addition to any simple outfit. Do leggings and Uggs look too basic? Add a pair of scrunched legwarmers over them to add a ballerina-esque look. Free People has a great selection of legwarmers right now.