By Cassandra Vega (‘20)
School may not be the most glamorous of places, but it is important to, at the very least, look presentable from day to day. There are a variety of easy and fun ways to look nice without breaking the dress code or putting on a full face of makeup at 5:30 in the morning.
Here are just a few tips to up your fashion game to look and feel like your best self!
Section One: How To Wear Hoodies
Hoodies work for any season and can make or break an outfit. The most important part of any look is confidence- even the cutest dress can look awkward if you don’t feel confident in your outfit. Hoodies are extremely versatile and can work for a number of styles, from lazy to casual to a night on the town, depending on how you wear it.
Wearing A Hoodie When You’re Tired:
When wearing a sweatshirt for a lazy look, you want to emphasize the fact you are not trying for anything besides comfort. Pairing the sweatshirt with sweatpants and comfortable shoes (for girls, you can add a pop of lipstick and a messy bun to accentuate your facial features) is more than acceptable, however, you cannot, once again- can not- wear the same sweatshirt every time you don’t have the energy to dress up. It’s repetitive and begins to reflect on your laid-back personality in a negative light. In addition, matching colors are essential. If you have a graphic sweatshirt, you should wear solid color sweatpants, preferably one with colors that match those present in your top. If your favorite pair of sweatpants are red and black plaid patterned, please don’t wear your purple Thrasher sweatshirt. Being comfortable is important, but looking like a functioning human being is as well.
Wearing A Hoodie For Daily Life:
Most people wear hoodies as a casual look, which can work in many ways. Ladies, pairing a cropped hoodie with high waisted jeans is a classic, as well as an oversized hoodie and leggings. For either of these suggestions, hairstyles and jewelry can vary depending on your preference, and Converse, Vans or ankle boots would work best for shoes. When wearing a normal sweatshirt for a casual look, it is important to take time to focus on your face and hair to elevate the level of the outfit, no matter your gender. For boys, jeans and sneakers will work best with a sweatshirt (no one wants to see your Adidas sweatpants for the 85th time).
Change Up Your Night Out:
Wearing a sweatshirt for a night out is easiest for girls since it can be paired with more items. A cropped hoodie can be worn on top of your LBD (little black dress) or styled with a tight-fitting, above the knee skirt. Since the top is a looser fit, the bottom should be more form fitting- this rule goes for all styles.
Section Two: Trends Do End
Trends are an integral piece in the puzzle that is mainstream fashion. From Silly Bandz in elementary school to patterned leggings in middle school, popularity -in any sense of the word- does determine how most of us go about our lives. In high school, most of us are closer to entering the real world than going back to the days of light up Sketchers, so it’s important to dress the part. You may not see SBHS as a runway, but these people lining halls are the same people who are entering society with you, who will be going after the same jobs and the same opportunities. It’s important to get familiar with the expectations the world is going to hold for you and begin preparing now.
You Cannot Wear The Same Thing Every Day:
Are you one of the aforementioned people who only wear Adidas sweatpants or consistently choose the sweatshirt and shorts trend, no matter what season it is? If you are- please stop. These trends ended back in eighth grade and it is time to revamp your wardrobe. No one is saying to come to school dressed for prom every day, but it is no longer acceptable to wear the same outfit every day and expect people not to notice because fashion just “isn’t your thing.” In the real world, your co-workers and bosses will expect a high level of efficiency on your part, and that cannot be done in the wrinkled and stained clothes you wear day after day. Today you are going to learn a secret that many people in this school don’t know about- there are other clothing options! That’s right, there is a whole world outside the same pair of Adidas sweatpants and Nike basketball shorts: jeans, khakis, joggers, even cargo shorts! However please note, the idea that sagging is still cool has not been even slightly true since 2012.
Section Three: Quick Tips
There is a lot to cover when it comes to dressing up, so here are a few rapid-fire tips to you can use from day to day!
Mix and Match:
No matter the format -makeup, clothing, accessories, jewelry- matching color palettes are essential to look put together. Too much of any color, especially neons, can be overwhelming and not a pleasant sight. Pairing bright colors with neutral tones (for example a bright red shirt and washed out blue jeans) is far more balanced and versatile. The same philosophy goes for patterns, the only exception being jumpsuits as the full body pattern is unique and stylish. Too much of any pattern, especially ones with multiple colors involved, can drown the senses and be the downfall of an outfit. A big point is to remember that shoes are part of an outfit- if you have a black and yellow shirt paired with white sweatpants, pastel blue Converse sneakers do not work.
Break Up the Makeup:
Makeup is a fun and exciting way to express yourself and no one should be pressured to or to stop wearing makeup. Confidence is essential to wearing makeup, but it is not a necessity every single day. A pop of color, whether it be on your lips, eyelids or cheeks, can add flair to a look and set you apart. The matching rule applies to makeup as well, though it is far more flexible since your face is its own canvas to decorate. If your outfit has a lot of metallic colors going on, silvers and golds can be great accents for highlighter and eyeshadow paired with a lip shade you are comfortable in- personally I think everything goes with purple lipstick. For full face looks, finishing off with a strong setting spray can ensure it stays on all day and avoids cakey makeup.
How To Avoid Daily Bedhead:
Managing hair of any length can be problematic and time consuming, but managing your locks is highly recommended. Step one in taking care of your hair is buying shampoo and conditioner that works with your hair type. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to determine whether your hair is fine, thick, curly, wavy, straight, oily or dry. Depending on these characteristics, you can purchase the best shampoo and conditioner combination for your hair type. For both boys and girls, you should be using a spray or leave in conditioner after your shower to let your hair settle overnight. Hair primer, frizz spray or a coconut oil hydration treatment are all options to treat your hair so it will be healthier and more manageable the next day. Hair gel and hairspray are great for sealing your hair in place, but it can damage your hair if you use it too much.
Final Thoughts:
Everyone is beautiful in their own way and it’s important to feel comfortable in your own skin and the clothes you wear. Next time you get dressed, try to be more aware of the outfits you put together. That way you can present yourself in the most positive light with the most minimal effort.