What’s that smell? Ah yes, it’s the strong blend of Tim Hortons coffee and McDonald's burgers. The midterm season is in full swing and in the midst of it all, our normal routines can slip away. One of the first things to go is usually our sense of style. Tight jeans are left at the door and traded in for sweatpants — but it doesn’t have to be like this. There are some easy ways to dress during midterm season which are just stylish enough to make it look and feel like you have your life together. That’s right — you can fool them all.
Hoodlums and hues
The key to dressing for midterms is to make use of items that you already have lying around which are both comfortable and chic. Let’s start with what is most important for Vancouver weather — a jacket. If you are like me, you don’t like to lug around a heavy raincoat — so I layer-up instead. Pairing an oversized denim jacket with a cardigan will definitely add some depth and extra warmth to your look.
Super-sizing and layering items are all the rage right now. From Yeezy Season 4 to Justin Bieber rocking the dad style, layering keeps your look comfortable but notable. I suggest mixing up colours and textures. You can match flannel with denim, a knit piece over dark jeans or even throw in a faux fur jacket if you’re feeling especially boho chic. Neutral and darker tones will be pretty common during midterms because, well, ’tis the season. These are good because you will avoid colour clashing, but do not be afraid to go bold and let a pop of colour sneak through under those long layers. I suggest red or beige hues against blacks and greens.
Another easy item to throw over your shoulders is a scarf or shawl. It works perfectly as a statement piece around your neck, but also keeps you warm on those late study nights. Wearing one with a bold pattern will make you stand out in any library on campus and all you have to do is wrap it around your body. Easy!
The Steve Jobs
Of course, you’ll have to be wearing something under all of these exciting layers and for that, I would recommend the ultimate go-to top – the turtleneck. In any situation, you really can never go wrong with a turtleneck. All you have to do is pull it over your body and you’ve got yourself a sophisticated look. Turtlenecks work perfectly well on their own, but they can also balance out your over-sized hoodie with their form fitting structure. Who knows? Maybe some of that Steve Jobs genius will rub off when you are studying.
Let your legs be free
There are a couple of bottom items you can pair with this top. Wearing culottes allow for a chic but movable look. When it’s late in the library, sometimes you will feel inclined to stretch out your legs or pose in weird positions. Culottes can let you do that in style and shame-free. Another easy pair of pants to wear are the “sweatpant-pants.” Yes, I know sweatpants are not the most stylish thing, but I’m talking about the pants that are loose at the top and tighter around the calves. There is something bold in wearing everything long and oversized from top to bottom, plus your comfort level will be at its max.
Pick a pair
At the end of the day, looks all tie together with the shoes. Because it is midterm season, deciding what shoes to go with your outfit are the least of your worries, so it’s good to pick a few pairs that are versatile for the weeks ahead. Any kind of sneaker will add a slightly athletic vibe to your look and make it seem like you do more that just study all day. Converse or the classic striped Adidas will never let you down even in the rain. However, if the sport shoe is not for you, any low-cut boot will do because it provides structure and can fit with any look.
After all, we all need a bit of structure during midterm season and by playing with these key pieces in your look, you can still keep your fashion game going through the whole semester.