Exam time is upon us once again, and that means a lot of long days spent buried in textbooks at home or in the library. The stress and preoccupation that comes with weeks of studying usually results in little time spent worrying about personal appearance. It is infamously the season where every girl on campus is sporting a messy bun and a variation of the leggings/sweats and bulky sweater combo.
Something can be said for being comfortable while cramming. However, I’m sure you’ve all heard the expression ‘dress for the job that you want, not the job that you have’. The same mentality can be applied to being successful in school. Sure, you may love the lounge look, but looking like you have it together can help influence your mindset and propel you to success.
When wearing sweats, we tend to feel lazy, groggy and slightly less present than when we’ve put together a proper outfit. People who work in professional environments have rules on how to dress for success, and to some degree, it is effective.
Recently, The New York Times has reported the way we dress can actually influence success. Scientists working for the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, have discovered that clothing can have effects on cognitive processes, after studying a phenomenon they call ‘enclothed cognition’.
“We think not just with our brains but with our bodies… clothing affects how other people perceive us as well as how we think about ourselves,” said Dr. Galinsky.
Consider this next time your gearing up for a long day at Morisset or heading to an exam. Getting ready as soon as you get out of bed makes the task seem much less daunting later on in the day. Trading in your sweats by putting on a pair of pants will do wonders in helping you feel productive.
We’re all busy studying with full workloads and consequently very occupied minds. That’s why Her Campus uOttawa has compiled an awesome list of exam time staples that will be sure to brighten your look and increase your productivity:
Hoodies
This staple is a must during exam season! A classic, well fitting zip-up can do no wrong: it is versatile and a slight fashion step-up from a bulky campus hoodie.
Basic V-necks
V-necks are not just for hipsters! This staple can be worn in many different ways and has the ‘look-good’ and comfort factor! V-necks can be worn under a blazer or cardigan and also looks good on its own.
Dark-wash Denim
This is a fool-proof style that flatters all shapes and styles: you’ll be a real smarty-pants in these! Make sure to find a pair that’s comfy enough to spend hours upon hours studying in morisset.
Glasses
Trade in your contact lenses for your glasses to achieve an instant bookish look. You will look and feel the scholastic part, plus not putting in your contacts will be a real time-saver and give your precious eyes a break.
Accessories
Key accessories during exam time include scarves & legwarmers! These accessories are not only cozy for the rather chilly exam period, but they also quickly style up any outfit. Wearing a boring shirt? Use a brightly colored scarf to sophisticate your look! Wearing leggings for the 10th day in a row? Throw on a pair of cute legwarmers to change up the look!
So there you have it, there are plenty of options to put together comfortable, casual and yet collegiate ensembles come study season. Good luck!
Picture Credit;
http://www.carahamelie.com/outfit-ideas/?currentPage=15
http://www.collegefashion.net/fashion-tips/what-to-wear-during-finals-week-3-basic-outfit-formulas/
http://www.hercampus.com/school/bucknell/study-guide-cute-outfits-finals
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/03/science/clothes-and-self-perception.html?_r=0