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Style

How to Revamp Your All-Sweats Look for Fall Classes

Sarah Shiang

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As many of us probably agree with, putting on a pair of jeans nowadays can feel like a chore. Though I normally try not to wear sweats to class, the past few months of embracing comfort has felt really soothing. Returning home to sunny Los Angeles from upstate New York during this pandemic reminded me of the importance of recharging my batteries — also, staying true to who I am, clothing choices and all. After hastily throwing on a polo shirt before my morning classes, I gradually succumbed to tuning into lectures in full pajamas.

Whether you’re going back to campus or will be attending Zoom classes in the fall, here are some cute ways to jazz up the sweats you’ve been living in all season. 

Make a statement

Who said that you can’t make a statement in sweats? Whether you’re wearing a cropped college sweatshirt or you found your Pink Floyd shirt from high school, dress with pride and comfort in mind.

Mix up a monochrome all-sweats look with a floral bomber jacket or elevate your outfit with a classic trench coat for a business casual look. 

World Tour ’72 Juniors T-shirt, Pink Floyd, $25, shop now 

Mix ’n match tie-dye pieces

Whether you remember the Juicy Couture tracksuits of days past wistfully or cringe at the idea of wearing sweats outside of your home, tie-dye is here to stay. Bonus points if you tie-dye your clothes yourself! 

Terry Cropped Raw Edge Hoodie, Alternative Apparel, $64, shop now

Rock a blazer or denim jacket

Either way, you’ll look like you spent more than five minutes putting together your outfit. Tuck in a blouse or button-down shirt for a business casual look. You can never go wrong with a white tank or crop top with a flannel tied at the ends for those casual-chic summer-meets-fall vibes. If you simply want to feel more put-together, throwing on a blazer or denim jacket adds extra oomph to whatever you’re wearing.

The Remi Denim Jacket in Light Wash, The Pink Desert, $60, shop now

Glam it up

Don’t be shy! Rock a fierce red lip with a top-knot, or show everyone how you finally mastered the perfect cat-eye over quarantine. Pop on some blush to the apples of your cheeks for a touch of normalcy. Camisole tops with lace or a satin finish may not be the best for Zoom interviews, but have fun with different fabrics and textures as you create your look.

Cosmo Lipstick, The Lip Bar, $13, shop now

Red Matte Lipstick, Mented, $18, shop now

Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color, Fenty Beauty, $25, shop now

Strap on those summery sandals

Maybe you’re back on campus and want to show off your toned legs from working out all summer. Sandals aren’t just an iconic summer staple — they can totally be worn into the fall. Try pairing a loose neutral shirt with a blazer and fitted sweats, then add in the strappy black sandals for something more business-casual. 

ROOLEE Santorini Flat Sandal, ROOLEE, $15, shop now

Women’s Josie Lace Up Sandals – A New Day, $20, shop now

Embrace loose-fitting clothing

If you want to keep the comfortable feel of sweatpants and still be presentable, hop onto the oversized clothing bandwagon. Pair a loose-fitting tee or oversized crew neck sweater with fitted sweatpants, or a rock your favorite hoodie with baggy sweats. 

Ruched Air Blouse, $30, shop now

AE Oversized Crew Neck Sweater, $45, shop now

Show don’t tell

Whether you’ve been binging Schitt’s Creek or you’re rewatching Euphoria, recreate some of your favorite outfits and allow the makeup look to inspire you. Now’s a better time than ever to experiment with new looks — cut your hair super short, try swapping out your black eyeliner for navy blue, or crop your old sweatshirt to make your wardrobe feel fresh and new. 

Denim Jacket with Puff Sleeves, Zara, $13, shop now

Knot Front Top, Zara, $19, shop now

Berlin Underground Intense Eyeshadow Palette, NOMAD Cosmetics, $37, shop now

Though it’s pretty common to see college students show up to class in leggings and sweats, after COVID-19, dressing in sweats will probably become even more relevant on campus. Though I will never sacrifice my comfort in my clothing choices, I can’t wait to see how fashion evolves this fall. At least for now, I’ll be enjoying wearing sweats all day, every day.   

Sarah Shiang is a freshman studying Economics and Science, Technology and Society at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York. The former Her Future mentee aspires to pursue law, and is excited to start writing as a Her Campus National Writer. As a staff writer at The Polytechnic, Sarah enjoys exploring what upstate New York has to offer and sharing her experiences. She has also written for the Los Angeles Times High School Insiders. When Sarah's not reading or writing, you can find her enjoying playing chamber music with friends or curled up with a good book!