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 Maddie Bowles, a junior at Virginia Tech who lives in a sorority house.
Name: Maddie Bowles, 21
Year: Senior
School: Virginia Tech
Where do you live? On campus in a house
These responses have been edited and condensed for clarity.
The Closet Check
Honestly, I don’t like my closet at school. It’s tiny, and there’s barely any room for shoes at the bottom. I don’t even have that many shoes, and all of mine don’t even fit. There’s not much hanger space, and the shelf above only has room to fit my extra sheets and purses. I can barely look through my clothes when figuring out what to wear because there is no space to flip through the hangers. At the beginning of the year, I tried to organize my clothes by categories — tops, dresses, coats, etc. — but after a few weeks, I realized it wasn’t quite feasible. Living in a sorority house at Virginia Tech calls for little space. I live in a dorm-sized room with not much space to walk around. It’s extremely difficult to organize, but it’s worth the experience! When it comes to closet space, I take what I can get. It isn’t luxury, but the college lifestyle isn’t really supposed to be. I don’t have that many clothes, either, so it could be much worse when I really think about it.
Creating The Fits
It honestly depends day to day. Normally, during the school week, I like to be comfortable. Before getting dressed each morning, I check the weather and what clothes I have that are clean. Some days, laundry is necessary! I tend to gravitate toward athletic leggings or yoga pants with a T-shirt or basic tee. I have been loving the SKIMS Fits Everybody Long Sleeve T-Shirts because they slightly dress up the class fit without being uncomfortable. I feel more put together when I wear them! If I have something that requires a more dressy outfit, I will be sure to pick it out the night before to limit stress. My process is really just styling myself and assessing the occasion or event in order to choose the best attire.
What I’d Wear: To Class
On a warmer day, nine times out of 10 I choose to wear an athletic skirt paired with a tank top to class (and a sweatshirt in hand because I always get cold). I think it’s the perfect way to dress up a sporty outfit while keeping it girly and comfortable. I always seem to get compliments on this skirt from Aerie, and its the most lightweight, comfortable skirt I own. I don’t care if it looks like I am going to play tennis! The brown halter tank top from Athleta is extremely flattering on my chest and keeps everything locked in! This outfit is breathable, which is necessary for when I walk to and from classes. On a colder day, I would go for leggings!
What I’d Wear: To An Internship Interview
This, to me, is the perfect interview fit. Instead of jeans, I would maybe wear tailored pants, but I don’t own any as of now. Jeans are good for more casual interviews, though! A turtleneck is sophisticated, flattering, modest, and classy. I always grab one for an interview. If it’s an in-person interview, dress it up with a trench coat. I would definitely pair this outfit with black boots and gold jewelry to accessorize. For interviews, I normally choose between a blow out or a slick-back bun for my hairstyle. I choose based on outfit, and what I’m feeling in the moment!
What I’d Wear: To A Winter House Party
For a winter party, I always gravitate towards a dress! They’re comfortable and allow for some movement. I have been loving green. I am in my green era, and I think it goes well with my skin tone and hair color. I recently purchased this dress, and I think it would be the perfect option for a winter party paired with tall, knee-high black boats, a black leather jacket, and gold jewelry to accessorize. I love the cut of this dress and how it’s flattering, dressy, but also doesn’t make me look like I am trying too hard. The bows attached at the wrists elevate the look, and the twist around the chest makes it different, and allows for more coverage. It’s comfortable, loose-fitting, and gives you the perfect “wow” moment.
What I’d Wear: On A Date Night
Date night calls for a black dress — enough said. I love wearing my long sleeve SKIMS dress paired with a long coat, like this brown Abercrombie trench. Chef’s kiss! It gives sophisticated yet sexy, and that’s exactly what I want on date night. I would wear black boots and jazz it up with gold jewelry (like I do every outfit). Sometimes, I like to wear my hair down, but other times, a slick-back bun pairs perfectly with the outfit. This Coach shoulder bag is perfect to tie in the black and the gold jewelry. I don’t want to look like I’m trying too hard on date night, so this outfit is perfect for dressing up but not going over the top. This outfit is most definitely giving a “wow” moment, and the SKIMS dress adds a little spice, which is always fun!