In Her Campus’ series Closet Check, we’re getting a look inside the closet of a college student and learning all about how they put together their favorite outfits. In this piece, we talk to Chloe Parkins, a recent American University grad, who put together a St. Patrick’s Day outfit using what she already owned.
Name:Â Chloe Parkins, 24
Year:Â Recent grad
School:Â American University
Where do you live? Off campus at home
These responses have been edited and condensed for clarity.
The Closet Check
This may sound silly, but I love the top shelf in my closet. I feel like sometimes, closets just have hanging space, but mine has tons of shelf space, too! This is great for bulky items like sweaters and sweatshirts that don’t fit well in a dresser. I also asked for a jewelry box for Christmas and I love it. It is so fun to open up the drawers and see all my jewelry in one place to pick out for my outfit. I had so many trays and little dishes before, and it was starting to feel very chaotic.
My entire life, I’ve had too many “things” for the space I’ve lived in. I consider myself a pro at folding, organizing, and making things fit. My biggest tip for people who have a lot of stuff in a smaller space — learn to fold really well.
Creating The Fits
I typically start by thinking about what I have going on that day. I work two part-time jobs and depending on which one I’m going to, my outfit will be very different. For my job at Barnes & Noble, I tend to stick to jeans and a simple top or sweater with sneakers or comfortable flat shoes. For my job at Anthropologie, though, I really get to have fun and experiment. I like to start with one piece I want to work with that day, whether it’s a top or bottom. From there, I stare at my closet for about five minutes and think about different ways I can style it. I’m not without my fail-proof pairings, but if I have the time, I like to experiment and see how styling can completely change the personality of an article of clothing. Without fail, my room will be a mess and my bed will be covered in clothes by the time I am done getting dressed!
What I’d Wear To: A St. Patrick’s Day Party
I don’t own a ton of green, and I don’t love to buy holiday-specific items that I can’t see myself using again. So, for holidays like St. Patrick’s Day, I find what works in my closet and spruce it up with makeup and accessories! I love this top from Free People, and it’s a green that flatters me more than the bright green typically associated with St. Patrick’s Day. On the day of the party, I would likely put my hair in space buns and add some gold glitter in my hair — glitter is my go-to accessory when going out! If I wanted to add some more holiday-specific details, I might grab some green beads, or shamrock sunnies from the drugstore.
What I’d Wear To: Class
For class, comfort is key. My go-to outfit would be a pair of leggings. I love Beyond Yoga leggings — they are so buttery soft! Or I’d wear these flared leggings from Athleta. Most of my simple long-sleeve shirts are from Aerie, and I always have a comfy sweatshirt with me because I am perpetually cold. I don’t ever have the patience to do my hair, so it’s always up in a claw clip (ponytails give me a headache)!
What I’d Wear On: A Date Night
A date night fit is all about confidence. I want to wear something that I feel great in, so that I don’t spend the entire date thinking about how I look in my clothes, but rather focus on the person in front of me. I love how a square neckline looks on me, and have a few tops in this style that I will pick from. I’ll normally just add a pair of straight-leg jeans and a boot, but depending on the vibe of where we’re going, I may do leather pants instead. While I hate styling my hair, I do try to leave it down on a date because I feel more feminine! I add my go-to simple gold jewelry every time. In reality and full transparency, I am trying on my whole closet before a date, and then rushing out the door despite starting to get ready an hour early.
What I’d Wear To: An Internship Interview
For interviews, I don’t like to reinvent the wheel. I want to look put-together and professional, and black slacks and a button-down shirt do just that. An interview outfit is one I would want my parents to look at and think, “I would wear that to an interview.” I love this silky, sage green button down because it tucks in very easily and adds some color. I’ll add small gold hoops and a dainty gold necklace to feel a little more put together, and I tend to pull some of my hair back in a little claw clip. For shoes, I will wear a heeled boot in the winter, or a pair of closed-toe heels in the summer.