I think my least favorite part of quarantine was having no excuse to dress up because I had nowhere to go. I lived in sweatpants for almost five months, which if you know me, is completely off-brand and out of character. Under normal circumstances, I’m the one who wears dresses to class and jeans to the airport. Don’t get me wrong––I’m not compromising comfort for chic-ness, but I feel most like myself when I’m wearing a solid outfit. I grew up always hearing the phrase “when you look good, you feel good.” Now, at 20 years old, it’s my mantra. For so many, fashion is a means of self-expression; what I wear is totally representative of who I am as a person.
As someone who has struggled a lot with mental health since coming to college, it’s important to me to get up and get dressed every day––I don’t feel put together unless I look put together. Not only does wearing a great outfit give me a boost of confidence as I walk to class, but it also helps maintain a sense of normalcy during a semester that is anything but normal. I am five weeks into my Junior year and still struggling to establish my routine. As someone who thrives off of structure, having a set schedule makes a real difference for me both mentally and physically––getting up and getting dressed is a fundamental part of my day.
Now that the school year is in full swing and we no longer have to hunker down at home, these are the pieces I’m finally getting the chance to wear. Here are ten outfits to try this fall, whether you’re going to class, hosting a socially distanced dinner party (capped at 15 people, obviously), or going to happy hour with friends.
Cover photo: Carolyn Ellis
