With school either back in session, one of the biggest struggles next to keeping up time management and project deadlines is keeping up appearances.
Ever since I went to Europe a few years back, my eyes have perpetually been ingrained with an imprint of the Euro-chic sartorialism—loose-to-tapered silhouette, sleek lines and, of course, the Converse! During an early day orientation prior to classes, among the myriad of meanderers in their grab-‘n’-go ensembles, my eye honed in on this Fashionista with her jewel-tone textured top and ultra Euro silhouette. Specifically, her ensemble reminded me of an outfit spotted in my time abroad. I just had to ask how the Fahionista managed to look so stellar and pulled together for the early morning.
Her styling secret? Prep. Not to dress as a prep, but rather to prepare yourself the night before—take the bit of extra time before going to bed to lay out your outfit for the following day. Even if you don’t have a morning class or appointment, you’ll be one step ahead in being set for the day and give a definite vibe of being put together. If you don’t have the time to set a full outfit down to the rings, at least a basic outline of where you want to go with it helps to at least have a set look. You could also grab a few options, such as multiple tops just in case of weather (or mood) swings in the morning.
It’s like writing an essay: Deadline crunch? No problem. So long as you have a good outline for your paper, you only need to plug in the information and add the extra bits—in this case, accessories.
This Fashionista said she laid out her base outfit the night before (two pairs of pants to choose from), but had the top, shoes and hat covered. With the time she saved in planning her morning look, she was able to take the time to accessorize with her boho bag and for her bra-for-show selection.
On a note from me, color is also key—If you find yourself in a complete time crunch, a block of color—even in just an accessory—always bring a je ne sais quoi to a look. Besides the silhouette as a whole, what really caught my attention was the blue of the top.
If you have time to check Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Instagram as a homework break at the end of the day, you also have time to treat yourself to a stellar outfit, and give off a shot of success and confidence to your peers, professors and yourself.
Maybe that’s how European women work their wears so well.
Here’s a tip: set up a Command hook, or, if you have it, a clothing rack, and put your outfit or choices out to both visualize and streamline getting ready for your day.
What is your STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK? “Take time to make time! It’s worth the extra five minutes.”
