Dressing for Class: Things You Need to be Told
That’s right, folks. School is right around the corner…no really, classes start in two days. Whether you’re a freshman newbie or maybe even a college veteran who needs a refresher, what you wear to class will make or break your back and forth commute. Here’s your guide to making the most out of your back to school attire:
Perhaps the most obvious tip that freshmen will soon learn: most people don’t dress up for class. Normal pants and skirts are a rarity among the shorts and leggings, and uncomfortable sandals are certainly not popular college commodities. However, you can certainly dress however you want depending on whether you want to blend in or stand out (both of which are acceptable for class). If you choose the former, you can always wear your cute clothes to all the fun activities around Lexington, instead!
Another big one: comfortable shoes are a must. Yes, we’ve said it over and over again, but it’s true! Sneakers and tennis shoes (and Birkenstocks and Chacos when it’s warm) are campus favorites. You can even invest in some Yeezy’s, although you should wear them wisely and definitely check the weather beforehand. Take it from the campus Snapchat story: rain + $300 Yeezy’s = walking back from class barefooted (to protect your Yeezy’s, of course). Maybe you should just opt for rain boots.
Unfortunately, hair styling isn’t really a thing for class. Sure, some people curl or straighten their hair and look fabulous, but most people go for ponytails or natural hair out of comfort and hair health. Think about it: heat based styling every other day really adds up with the time it takes and the damage it causes your hair. Not to mention the Kentucky humidity will most likely ruin it within 10 minutes of being outside. My favorite go-to hairstyle is braids because they’re simple and cute, yet out of the way to maximize comfort (and they’re totally in right now!).
Hats and caps can be acceptable, especially for all those sunny walks, but some professors don’t like for students to wear them since they make it difficult to see faces.
As for makeup, you can either wear it or not, whatever makes you feel comfortable. Either way, wearing sunscreen is still hugely important to protect our young (for now) skin as we continue this hot and sunny season.
If you have an interview or presentation where you’ll have to wear professional clothes to class, don’t sweat it. Sure, it’ll definitely be more uncomfortable than your usual shorts/t-shirt combo, but no one will really notice and if they do, they’ll understand. Be sure to pack a change of clothes for after the event though; it’ll be much more comfortable for your other classes and it’ll be a physical and emotional sigh of relief.
Say goodbye to the days of cool backpacks that hang down and look oh-so laid-back. Since you’ll be carrying around a laptop most days, as well as textbooks, notebooks and whatever else your classes require, you’ll need a backpack that not only can hold all of those materials but that will also support your back. Trust me (well, trust our parents), your back will thank you in 30 years. Waterproof backpacks are advised since rain isn’t necessarily rare here, and a spot where your laptop is secure and can’t move around will prevent any hardware problems.
If you tend to sweat a lot, particularly when it’s 90+ degrees with 100% humidity, t-shirts that don’t show sweat (white, black, navy, dark grey, and other dark colors) will be your friends for the first few weeks. Or you can just wear tank tops and live life carefree.
Rain jackets can be useful, but they can also get hot and sticky, so I usually just opt for an umbrella. That way, you can actually enjoy the cool air and protect at least some of your backpack without feeling sweaty or constricted. The only downside is that the wind may present some obstacles, but if you can masterfully maneuver your umbrella and have one with a windbreaker, you’ll be good to go.
As a final tip to those incoming freshmen, lanyards simply aren't hip. While they're totally convenient for getting in and out of your dorm building and flashing your student ID for those coveted student discounts, I learned the hard way that lanyards are a tell-tale sign that you are a freshman.
For more insider tips to know before we get into the swing of things, check out the video below!
