As a college student, I’ve been there – cramming for exams late into the night and then crawling to class in whatever is still clean enough to wear.
While it might look like having a messy look is totally part of the college experience, it doesn’t have to be! Looking presentable in college can take you farther than you’d think.
Staying sharp makes all the difference – professors take you more seriously, classmates look at you with a bit more respect and it can even help your grades. Plus, when you look good, you feel great and that exudes confidence. So what does looking put together (in college) always mean?
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For starters, you don’t have to look like you just rolled out of bed – although that look is always in style. It’s about being conscious of your look and putting together an outfit that is comfortable, yet still shows you look put-together.
For instance, you don’t have to look overly dressy but you also don’t want to look like a slob. A simple pair of jeans, a nice shirt and some stylish shoes are usually all you need.
To give you an idea, I’ll tell you how I look presentable in college with minimal effort.
My go-to look? A comfy pair of jeans (I’m a big fan of high-waisted ones!), a cute and comfy t-shirt, and some stylish sneakers. On days when I’m feeling a bit more adventurous, I’ll switch up the look with a crisp white blazer or denim jacket to look more put together.
And when I’m in a rush and don’t have time to look for something new, I just look through my wardrobe for the classics. A neutral-colored pair of khakis and a nice blouse never fails to look chic and put together!
So if you’re looking to look great on campus without having to spend hours on your look every morning, look no further.
Follow these tips and you’ll look put together in college without breaking the bank or a sweat!
Fashionably Fresh in College: Why It Pays to Look Presentable in College
It’s true what they say: you should look good to feel good. And if you’re a college student, there’s even more incentive to look your best. After all, going to college is an opportunity to make a good impression and look like you know what you’re doing with your life.
1. Get noticed for all the right reasons: Who knows? You may just be spotted by that hot guy in your chemistry class!
2. Avoid the eternal look of “I just rolled out of bed”: Imagine the look on your professor’s face when they don’t look at you in disgust
3. Boost confidence: Nothing like looking your best to make yourself feel ready to conquer the day!
4. Look like a professional: When the time comes to look for internships and jobs, you’ll already look the part!
5. Feel more prepared: A look that is put together can make you look like an organized and efficient student.
6. Get compliments: Nothing like looking your best to get compliments from your peers and professors.
7. Have a look that reflects who you are: Showcase your own style with a look that radiates your own personality.
8. Make a statement: You never know who’s watching and what kind of influence you could have on them
9. Get ahead: Stand out in a good way! Looking presentable can help you stand out from the crowd and make a lasting impression
10. Have fun with it: There’s no reason why looking presentable shouldn’t be enjoyable—have fun expressing yourself through fashion!
Dazzle Your Way Through: The College Student’s Guide to Always Looking Presentable
1 . Invest in comfortable, stylish clothing
Investing in comfortable and stylish clothing should be your go-to look for college days!
Comfort is key, but that doesn’t mean you can’t look amazing. Invest in pieces that look great, but are also soft and stretchy enough for you to move around in all day long.
Related: College Closets: How to Create a Capsule Wardrobe That’s Classy!
For example, look for leggings with an elastic waist and a pretty top to look put-together but be comfy. Not a fan of leggings? Try a more traditional look with jeans and nice top.
Another comfy go-to look: slip dress over a T-shirt and pair it with some sandals. With a look like this, you’ll look super on-trend, as well look presentable in college.
When in doubt, look for timeless pieces (read well-fitted blazers, tweed skirts, classic blue denim jeans) that look put-together but are also comfortable.
2. Keep your clothing clean and wrinkle-free
Everyone knows that wearing clean clothes automatically makes you look more presentable and put together.
Make sure to do laundry regularly and if you don’t have time, invest in a good quality iron – it’ll be your best friend! Plus, you can look extra creative with some funky ironing designs (just kidding!)
3. Maintain your hygiene: Look presentable in College
You don’t have to look runway-ready every day, but taking the time to look presentable goes a long way.
Wake up a few minutes earlier each day to wash your face, brush your teeth, and style your hair – whatever it takes to look and feel your best.
Plus, you’ll look extra fly when you inevitably stumble into your 8am class looking like a fresh daisy – no one has to know you were up all night cramming for your final!
4. Don’t go overboard with makeup and perfume
A little bit of mascara, lip gloss, and a spritz of perfume or cologne can go a long way. Overdoing it could make you look like you’re headed out for a night on the town instead of attending class!
If you need some tips, look to celebrities for inspiration. You could try imitating Jennifer Lopez and rock a light foundation look with a bold lip color, or take cues from fashion icon Rihanna and go for an all-natural look with just a hint of mascara.
5. Pay attention to the details!
Even small touches like making sure your shoes are perfectly polished, your clothes look crisp from ironing.
Or getting a fresh new haircut can make a big difference in how presentable you look. For instance, imagine walking into an important lecture with scuffed shoes – it’s almost like telling everyone you don’t care about how you look!
6. Take care of your shoes: Look presentable in College
Shoes can make or break any look, so be sure to keep yours in good condition.
Clean them regularly, store them in a dust bag when not in use and look for quality pairs that are as stylish as they are comfortable.
7. Make sure you’re wearing the right size clothing
Don’t let your look be a reflection of your procrastination!
Make sure you’re wearing the right size clothing. Nothing says “I’m a slacker” like an ill-fitting shirt or pants. It’s important to look professional and polished – so make sure all your clothing is tailored to fit you properly.
Otherwise, you might look like you just rolled out of bed! For example, if you have wide hips and a tiny waist, invest in a pair of jeans that look great on your body type. Or if you’re tall, look for longer tops and skirts so you don’t look like your clothes are swimming on you.
Paying attention to the fit of your garments is key for looking presentable in college.
8. Stick to classic pieces in solid colors
Solid colors look neat and professional, while subtle yet on-trend patterns can be an easy way to look polished without being distracting.
For example, a classic striped long-sleeve shirt with black ankle jeans can look effortlessly stylish and stand out from the crowd. Or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, try pairing a bright polka dot blouse with denim cutoffs for a lively look that will have heads turning!
Whatever look you end up going for, make sure it expresses your individual style while still maintaining the look of being presentable in college.
9. Dress for the occasion: Look presentable in College
Dress for the occasion! If you’re attending lectures, look for comfortable yet smart pieces such as blazers, dress pants, and collared shirts.
However, don’t be afraid to have a little fun with your look! Add an extra touch of style to look more put together and show off your personality.
For social events, look for stylish pieces that make you look trendy and polished while also giving you the confidence to look your best. Try pairing a cute dress with some statement jewelry for a look that will definitely turn heads!
Don’t let the look of “I just rolled out of bed” take over you.
Rock the look that shows you know what you’re doing and look great doing it! Even if you don’t care too much about your appearance, there’s no reason why you can’t look put-together in college..
Get creative, look for fashion inspiration online, and let your look reflect who you are as a student.
After all, looking presentable in college is not only stylish but also a great way to make an impression. Let the world know you’ve arrived and look good doing it!
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