Library Chic – How Dress Like You Care And Still Be Comfortable

Freshman year I always woke up early before class to get ready and occasionally do my hair. These days, I find myself rolling out of bed with 5 minutes until class and throwing on a t-shirt. At Rhodes, more and more girls are doing the same—embracing what I like to call “library chic attire.” With growing athletic wear lines—as it becomes its own fashion category—there is a more definite line between what’s appropriate and what’s not. Here’s some tips to make your casual “library” days easier.
 
Running shorts are the best option; miraculously, they are short, but never too short. With a t-shirt and sneakers, you have a class-worthy (and comfortable/easy) outfit. If you’re not feeling like dealing with hair, pull it back into a ball cap. (Little known fact: it’s not rude for women to wear hats indoors. This dates back to the time when it was customary for all women to wear hats). The most popular library chic sneaker is the Nike running shoe—it’s not too bulky, and is good for walking around campus and getting to class quickly.
 
But right now, it’s a bit cold! So leggings are always a good option. However, this can go astray. When choosing leggings, it’s essential to choose leggings that are not inappropriate and don’t reveal too much of your derrière. A thicker spandex can easily solve this problem.  No panty lines, please!
 
If you’re one of those people who is not interested in wearing athletic gear to class, don’t fret. You can still dress comfortably. Wear jeggings (yes, they’re still in style), a white v-neck, and your favorite winter scarf. Turn your athletic spandex into an outfit by throwing over a large sweater, pairing it with a big necklace and wearing your most comfortable flats.

Biggest rule of library chic? Never wear pajamas…no matter how late you will be in the library. Whether it’s full on flannel, or oversized sweatpants, just stay away. There are many reasons for this, not all fashion related. Wearing baggy sweatpants or PJs actually can make you feel—and look—unprepared for class. People tend to perform better on tests when they look and feel composed. If you need another reason not to wear them, professors don’t like them. Most aren’t crazy about athletic gear to begin with, but by dressing it up library chic-style, you can make it look more composed and less lazy.
 
Though library-chic makes it easy to look cute, there are some non-negotiable times when wearing library-chic just isn’t appropriate, such as meeting with a professor, the first week of classes, an on-campus lecture, or a networking event. First impressions are important! And unfortunately, there will come a day when there’s no library in which to be chic, so we must prepare for that too!
 
Pictures:
Nike Running shorts, Dick’s Sporting Goods, $19-$32
Nike Shoes, Dick’s Sporting Goods, $79-$119
Under Armor Spandex, Dick’s Sporting Goods, $29-$59