The first day of school can be a little unnerving, even in college. A new year brings new opportunity but sometimes, the same awkward situations. There are tons of factors to consider such as where to sit, whether you’ll know anyone, if the class be skippable, whether RateMyProfessor.com came through for me this time. There will also be that inevitable moment when your professor asks everyone to say their name, their major, and a “fun fact” about themselves. When it comes to first-day-of-school impressions, this “fun fact” is your defining moment. (Who knows if this professor will end up being the one to write that killer recommendation you need for this summer’s internship?) But even if you choke in the moment and blurt something like, “I was front row at a Ke$ha concert last summer,” a sharp outfit could redeem you. (This may or may not have happened to the author of this article.)
This Fashionista opted for a polished look to kick off her spring semester. She pairs a millennial pink sweater with black cigarette trousers and textured Superga sneakers to keep it current. She cuffs the trousers to dress them down a bit. A closer look reveals a fun analog Mickey Mouse watch with a brown leather band. “It was my dad’s in the ’80s,” she explains. Instead of a backpack, this Fashionista opts for a black carry-all, perhaps a more professional and functional choice. The outfit is sophisticated yet casual and comfortable enough to rock around campus all day.
First impressions aren’t always everything, but they’re more likely to go well when you look good and feel good. When it comes to back-to-school worries, don’t let your outfit be one of them. Dress down a couple of professional basics with a pair of rad sneakers, add some quirky accessories and voilà, you have your perfect back-to-school look.
