Sprucing up your Style in College: Comfortable but Elevated Outfits
We’ve all been there: midterms stack up, the hangover lingers, and the weather turns grey. The moment that first downpour hits, campus transforms into a sea of groutfits. We get it—putting in effort feels impossible. But comfort and style don’t have to be a trade-off. We’re here to help you find a few reliable go-tos so you can stay cozy and put-together. Read on for easy combos that do the work for you.
The Clean Girl Combo
This combo of baggy jeans, a tank, and a simple cardigan seems to be the go-to for girls on my campus– and it’s easy to see why. Loose and comfy with an extra layer to keep your shoulders from getting cold in the library, it’s both chic and feasible. I recommend a dark wash jean and sticking to more form fitting, vibrant knits. Add in a claw clip and a fun pair of flats or loafers to tie it together (a trending sneaker will do too!).
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Elevated Sweats
Even though I used to be the biggest sweatpants hater, I’m realizing they are undeniably comfy and have more styling opportunities than one would think. Opt for a wide leg, mid to low rise silhouette- avoid styles with cuffed hems or cargo pocket details. Track pants are also another sweatpant- like alternative that add a sporty, retro kick. If you’re in a warmer climate but still want the cozy vibes, try out a sweatshort!
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The Art of the Baggy Tee
Channel your inner messy girl with this effortlessly cool combo. I love cutting one of my classic University tees off the shoulder and pairing with a pair of baggy jeans and a messy bun. I find that Bostons or Uggs really complement this look– maybe even add in a pair of corded headphones and an oversized slouchy tote!
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Jeans and a button down
For some, a button down may conjure thoughts of coffee chats and IB recruiting visits…but hear me out. The combo of an oversized button down and a good pair of jeans is classy partially because no one else is doing it. ! Layer a tank underneath, tack on a belt, or add on some chunky jewelry. (Also a piece you can grab from your dad/brother/bf’s closet or thrift!).
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the white tee trick
The most underrated wardrobe staple? A simple white tee. Layer it beneath a crewneck or hoodie, let it extend just past the hem, and you’ve got instant dimension and effortless style—with zero effort.
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LAYered jackets
When the temperature drops, you can stay warm without sacrificing style. Try layering a leather jacket over a hoodie or crewneck sweatshirt for a look that feels comfortable yet refined. Pay attention to fabric weight—choose a slightly oversized leather jacket and balance it with a slimmer, lighter hoodie or knit underneath to avoid looking bulky.
To finish the outfit, keep the comfort going with footwear that’s both practical and stylish. Boston Birkenstocks add casual ease, while Blundstone boots offer a rugged edge that’s perfect for trekking through half-melted snow without looking sloppy.
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The Go-to:
Sometimes the strongest outfits are the most straightforward. Pair a solid colored crewneck hoodie with baggy jeans (bonus points for an interesting wash) and a pair of trending sneakers. Consider Sambas or Onitsukas, a trending Japanese sneaker that’s gaining a lot of leverage in the market.
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if you truly hate jeans…
Ok I get it– the thought of wearing jeans seems more like the effort you’d put into a first date, not what you’d wear to the library to lock in for finals. Avoid cuffed hems and opt for white or grey crew socks to maintain visual continuity. Build on the layering strategy above, and introduce color through sneakers or accents to create a look that stays comfortable without defaulting to a grout-fit.
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