There will always be the girls who walk into their friday morning 8am looking like they just got in from NYFW. Their winged eyeliner is on point, and their curls look effortlessly beachy; too put together even for the most advanced walk of shamer.
Then theres the girl who walks in to class day-to-day in the same black sweatpants, gray sweatshirt, and salt-stained Ugg boots. I’m all for comfort but you don’t have to look like a bum to achieve that.
REDEFINING:”I WOKE UP LIKE THIS”
1.Braiding your hair when you go to bed post-shower / Dry Shampoo
If you’re a nighttime shower taker, this is the perfect solution for you. I live, eat, breath this technique. When you go to bed you may slightly resemble Tricia from Orange Is the New Black. But don’t worry, when you wake up you will be Shakira.
Your hair will have that beachy look in just a night’s sleep – you barely have to do anything, I promise. You may want to brush it out slightly so you don’t look like you crimped your hair (this isn’t 2002), but other than that you’re golden. When I had really long hair, I used to live by this method. No heat, no time, no problem. Also pro-tip would be utilizing the magic that is dry shampoo – no time to shower? No problem.
2. Leggings, leggings, and oh yeah did I mention leggings?
Anyone who tells you leggings aren’t pants isn’t your friend. You will never regret wearing leggings – unless you look in the mirror halfway through the day and realize your hot pink thong is totally visible, but then who do you really have to blame? Yourself.
Leggings are easy to put on (you can even sleep in them if you want…) They make your butt look perfect and no one has to know you slept in them for the past three nights. They’re just as comfortable as sweats, but look 10x better. My favorite pair is from Nordstorm, they were a pretty penny, but I regret nothing. Paying a little extra for leggings is a good idea too, because see through leggings are a total buzz kill #cameltoe. You don’t have to go cray and splurge on bunch of Lululemon leggings, a more affordable route such as from the Gap, works too.
3.Cardigans / Oversized Sweaters
Gain a little extra weight over the holidays? First of all – good, that’s what they’re for. An oversized sweater is the answer to this recent added weight. Cardigans are another great choice, because they add warmth and style to any outfit.
Both these options also are easy in the morning. They aren’t quite sweatshirts, but they also aren’t skintight shirts either. The sweater I’m rocking above is from Garage. It’s oversized and also pretty trendy if I do say so myself. I wear it weekly. Adding a cardigan or an oversized sweater with a pair of leggings and some little black ankle booties basically makes you a walking Tumblr post – and also requires little to no effort in the mornings, win-win.
4. Graphic Tee’s
A t-shirt is a t-shirt but add a graphic and your look is instantly x10 cooler – I promise. Whether you want to rock an inspirational quote or the logo of an 80’s band you only know a few songs by, you’re making a statement (as opposed to a plain colored tee)
You can get awesome T-shirts from Nasty Gal or UNIF, but you can find more affordable options from stores like Forever 21 and ASOS. Rock them under a flannel, cardigan, or chambray shirt– instafab.
5. Statement Necklaces
Go to Forever 21 buy all their cheap jewelry, thank me later. Specifically – buy a statement necklace or two. In the mornings on your way to class if you have a presentation this will literally save your life. A plain white shirt, nice pants (aka just not jeans) and a statement necklace, too easy. Learning how to accessorize is vital, but you don’t have to break the bank to do so.
Jewelry requires no effort (it always fits) and you don’t look like a total try-hard. Unless you’re rocking diamonds on diamonds – then I’d say re-evaluate, please. If you want to invest in something a little more expensive (but still affordable,) Senior editor Mackenzie swears by Gorjana and House of Harlow.
Wanting to look nice but also wanting to wake up 10 minutes before class starts is a real struggle. Adapt these five tips into your everyday life and you will find your mornings becoming a little bit easier. There’s nothing wrong with scrubbing it every now and then, and of course there’s nothing wrong with wanting to dress to the 9’s every so often (but lets not for our 8ams, shall we?) For a happy medium, these tips will save your life.
