What to Wear There: Spring Semester Events Part-2 - Woman Campus
Cook-outs, harbor cruises, fairs and activities fairs – the end of the semester is the time when colleges take advantage of the nice weather and make one last impression on their students before we all head home for the summer. The weather is often unpredictable, the venue will vary and you're stuck with the challenge of finding an outfit that is the perfect amount of casual co-ed and stylish student.
Layering is key for unpredictable weather – especially when you'll be outdoors all day. Shirt dresses and tunics are great go-tos for any daytime event. "Both are very comfortable and casual, and pair well with just about any layer," says Kamm. "They can be worn with footless tights if it is cold outside" and "with simple flip flops, flats, or Hunter boots, depending on weather."
For warmer weather opt for a fun, colorful skirt or tank top. After surveying the Her Campus staff, tank tops were definitely an overwhelming favorite. Kara Ktona, HC Public Relations Intern, also suggests a versatile piece like white jeans. "I have a pair that I've had for a few years and they're my favorite things to wear to events like those. I can pair them with a nice black top for more formal events or with a cute, bright t-shirt for more casual things."
Move-Out Day
Whether you hated or loved your semester, packing up your home-away-from-home in May is always a little bittersweet. That little room saw laughing, crying, countless hours of studying and reality-television watching. When the end of finals week rolls around, you're forced to pack up those memories and wheel them out to your family's awaiting car. While it's tempting to throw on a pair of sweats, chances are this'll be the last time you see a lot of people until next semester – you want to leave on a good style note!
Comfort and layering are key when figuring out what to wear on move-out day, especially since you'll probably end up a little sweaty by the end of it. Unlike exam week, on moving day you can totally get away with gym shorts and sneakers. Her Campus's CTO Annie Wang suggests "cute gym clothes so that moving out looks and feels just like any other workout." Remember practical shoes and layers that you can shed as the day gets warmer!
Not a gym-shorts and sneakers kind of girl? Kamm suggests a comfy fitted tee, "Gap makes great ones in super thin cotton, almost sheer like a vintage t-shirt", paired with "leggings or short cargo shorts." Denim cut-offs are also a favorite of the Her Campus team. HC Branch Manager Danai Kadzere agrees, "jean shorts and a cute tank are definitely my go-tos for moving day." Denim or khaki shorts are a classic wardrobe staple almost every college girl has in her wardrobe. Tailored shorts are the perfect balance of style and comfort for moving day.
Remember, it's all about comfort and practicality – and remembering to leave your chosen outfit unpacked until the last day!
Dinner with Parents
Whether they're the parents of your roommate of four years, or your boyfriend of four days, going out to dinner with another family is always a little bit nerve-wracking. It's always tricky to find a balance between looking put-together, and looking like you're trying too hard.
Mid-semester is the time when a lot of families pay a visit to their kids at school, and luckily for us that usually means a free dinner or grocery trip. While you don't really need to worry about dressing for your parents (they love us unconditionally!), when your roommate's family invites you out, you should look your best. An easy no-fail outfit is pairing your favorite pair of dark-wash jeans with a great blazer. The Lucky magazine team advises, "Choose a blazer that's narrow through the shoulders, long in length, and swingy through the body; a fabric like silk will keep the structured shape feminine." Keep your accessories minimal and natural. A simple "rope-handled bag lends an organic touch" say the Lucky editors.
Obviously, dinner with your significant other and his or her family is a little bit more nerve-wracking, and thus requires a great outfit. Celebrity fashion stylist Nina Garcia advises, "Dress as safe and conservative as possible…clean hair and makeup." A basic, structured Little Black Dress is a perfect pick – and you can accessorize with different colored flats and unique jewelry to really let your personality shine through.
The Key Style Takeaways
As busy college students, sometimes it's hard to balance style, comfort and practicality for every occasion. The trick is to keep your wardrobe pieces classic and versatile. You'll be able to wear that great pair of denim for a dinner date, studying in the library or road tripping across the country. Resist your yoga pants and UGGs and spend a few extra minutes to put together a look that you'll feel great in all day – it'll boost your mood and self-confidence!
Sources
Jovana Mirabile, Parsons School of Design
Elizabeth Kamm, Personal Stylist
Kara Ktona, HC Public Relations Intern
Annie Wang, HC CTO and Co-Founder
Danai Kadzere, HC Branch Manager
http://www.luckymag.com/style/howto/2010/howto_blazers_jeans
