Fall 2009 Style Resolutions
Most of us are headed back to school this week or next, and of course, the smell of new beginnings is in the air – new classes, new friends, new… wardrobe!
Even though we’re nowhere near January and the start of 2010, back to school is a perfect time to make some new resolutions. All the new fall clothes are just starting to hit the stores and chances are that money from your summer job is burning a hole in your pocket, screaming that wonderful phrase, “Back to school shopping!”
Because it’s the start of a new school year (and a new you), I put together some style resolutions for fall to kick off a great semester for you and your wardrobe.
I encourage you all to print this out and sign it – hang it on the wall in your room to inspire you when you’re struggling with your wardrobe!
MY FALL 2009 STYLE RESOLUTIONS
1. I hereby vow, for two days out of every week, to not wear jeans.
This resolution is key to one of my main wardrobe goals this season: to encourage myself to think outside the box with my clothes and develop a reputation for versatility.
I need to break out of the jeans-and-a-shirt mentality that runs rampant across campus. The goal is to stand out, not blend in!
2. To keep myself from straying from rule #1, I hereby vow to plan and set aside my outfits the night before, with the exception of Saturday and Sunday.
The truth is, real fashion magic takes work. Celebrities may have a stylist to make the magic happen for them, but most of us don’t, which means we need to put in some effort when thinking outside the box.
How to do this? Play around in your own closet! Try out new combinations of clothing at night when you have the time, not in the morning before your 8AM class. Picking out your clothes last-minute will only result in you scrambling about for the aforementioned jeans and t-shirt you’d previously sworn off.
3. I will never, ever, ever, wear sweatpants to class.
The activity of wearing sweatpants will be confined to going to/from the gym and doing homework in my apartment.
Aside from the fashion viewpoint of sweatpants as generally unflattering, from a professional standpoint, sweatpants are just a big no-no. Does your professor show up to class wearing his or her pajamas? You should show the same type of courtesy to them – it can’t hurt to let them know you care about the class.
4. I will never wear the same rainy day outfit twice.
Let’s face it, when it rains, being a girl is a huge disadvantage. It’s admittedly tough to look cute when your hair is frizzing every which way and your jeans are sopping wet up to your knees. But instead of letting the weather get you down, why not take the time to rise to the challenge?
Cute rainy day gear is easy to find now, and the best part is that functionality is FINALLY a part of the equation. Everything from patterned rain boots to clever umbrellas and even stylish ponchos are available in stores. That means there is no excuse to look frumpy on a rainy day when you can brighten the skies with your outfit and keep dry at the same time.
5. I will do my best to differentiate myself while in “uniform”.
Being a college student often means spending a lot of time being part of the crowd – whether this means wearing a work uniform, blending in with a typical college outfit (think ugg boots and north face) or even fitting in with the general dress at a party. One thing I have learned, however, is that it almost never benefits you to blend in.
Whether you want that cute guy to notice you or you need to be remembered in a group interview for an internship, you must take measures to stand out in people’s minds. Add a pop of color to your outfit, put a bow or unique headband in your hair, try an unexpected pair of shoes or wear some distinctive jewelry – whatever you can do to stand out is almost always going to benefit you in the end.
6. I will try at least one trend that has caught my eye.
Whether it’s bandeau bras, shredded v-neck tees, vintage inspired sundresses or even neon doc martens, I guarantee there is at least one fashion trend you’ve been admiring lately. I encourage you to try it!
Fashion is about having fun and being original, and trying out new trends is how you discover more about your own personal style. In all honesty, after college, you’ll never probably never have this much freedom with your day to day style choices again, so take advantage now! Be bold and try new things!
7. Finally, I will do my best within my financial and personal constraints to be fun, original, and enthusiastic with my wardrobe.
It’s easy to feel bad about your wardrobe as a college student – believe me, I’ve been there. Monetary constraints can get you down when you feel like you have nothing to wear, but again, be creative!
D.I.Y.’s, though daunting at first, can add a whole new dimension to your wardrobe for very little money. A box of dye from your local craft store can turn that dingy old blouse into a bright new show-stopper, while a two-dollar seam ripper and a cup of bleach can do amazing things to an old t-shirt, a la Alexander Wang. Trust me, you’ll be amazed at what you can DIY with less than ten dollars!
Sincerely,
X________________________
What do you think?
Hopefully this list has inspired you to create your own set of style resolutions for fall.
What do you think of my list? Are you going to make a list of style resolutions? If so, what will be on your list? Leave a comment and let us know!
Posted on on September 1, 2009 / Filed Under: College Life / Tags: Clothing, Inspiration, Resolutions, School, Style
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Jen
Great list! I agree so much with all of these. I especially love the first one.
Sarah
I just found your blog and I love it! Great list! The jeans thing especially…oh and the sweats!
Narsha
I love Love LOVE this post! You hit on so many points that have been in my line of thinking since classes have started this semester! I have DEFINITELY vowed to not wear any sweats/gym-ready wear to class unless I simply HAVE to hit the gym RIGHT after so I would at least cover those leggings-like pants with a long top and cute belt! And you have inspired me to improve my rainy weather gear!
+++ on this 1, girl! :D
Lainey
One of my resolutions is to make more of an effort. Sounds dumb, but I just throw things on without thinking about it when I’m in a rush. I know if I put more thought into what I wore, I’d look better. So that’s my plan for this fall!
Julie
love love love this, especially the advice about picking out your outfit the night before. I’m totally doing that from now on.
adela
LOVE this list.
and number one, is the best goal.
Ana
totally perfect! specially the jeans and sweats thing. I’ve always been a jean and t-shirt girl, and I’m so trying to be a bit more dressy. great advice
Kat
I don’t like picking out my outfits the night before. I consider it a waste of time because usually I’ll end up wanting to wear something else when I wake up. I don’t think it’s a sin to want to live in comfort for the most part. Jeans + tees FTW!
Cara
This list is perfect. Only one thing I would add, especially to my fellow Southern girls – put flip-flops with jeans, and swear off them at least twice a week. Better yet, swear to wear them ONLY twice a week, if that. It can be done! I was once a flip-flop addict, but I wear them only for swimming or around the dorm now, letting my heels (though cute flats work just as well) complete my every outfit and image.
Bryannah
Err. I’m guilty of the first one. :O
But I’m taking the resolutions to heart and I’m gonna try one of my favorite trends I’ve been eyeing for a while now….. the over-the-knee boots! Oh, how much I want a pair of those. (:
Welcome to CF! (: I love your post! :D It’s just in time because I am starting school tomorrow. :O It was nicely crafted. :]
And am I ever so jealous of you 10x! I’ll love to write for CF one day. :D The only problem is, I’m not in college yet. :O
xoxoxoxoxo
Jenny
Thanks for this list! :) I’m going to put it on my fridge for my roomie and I.
One of my personal fashion goals for this semester (I make new ones for each semester) is to take five items that I’ve had for over five years and use them in my looks. The semester hasn’t even started, and I’ve done it three times already (school hasn’t even started for me yet!), so it looks like I might have to revise this goal. :P
Rania
Ay..The first rule is a tough one. But thank you for the amazing list..Could you please write something about what to wear on a rainy day in more details…Thanks in advance :-)
Jennifer
This list has expressed my thoughts about my own current state of dressing up to a T. The ideas you have presented to be resolutions are definitly things I need to follow for the coming school year, and it has been copied into my moleskine for this year.
Sarah
i’m going to adopt that list and then add in a rule about wearing heels more also!
Julie
I’m with Sarah, all that plus wearing heels a lot more. Today I had a presentation and wore heels and almost died in the process. I also want to wear more skirts n_n.
Ally
thanks for this. great resolutions- it really is sooo easy just to throw on a pair of jeans in the morning. any specific ideas on how to stand out in small and simple ways?
Chelsey
I love this and I couldn’t agree more with number 3. I never wear sweats to school! And I love number 1 too, I’ve bought a bunch of skirts in an effort to relieve my jean overload. I also agree with planning the night before. Makes the morning that much smoother. Great first post!
SupaWaifu
This is a seriously great list. I’m really going to try and stick to this. I lamented for a year that I had no where to wear anything not pajamas pants to (i stayed home all the time, housewife!).. now with college I have good reason to put my best foot forward.
I do have to determine as an Art student though if there is a potential for clothing being ruined by accident. Two days in, I’m thinking about wearing a dress to school tomorrow~
Ana
Ahh I loved this list! The first one *vows to do it* And I’ve been planning to put my outfits out the night before I’m actually going to get around to doing it this time :P
Sarah
I’d like to hear more about the DIY projects for under 10 bucks!
Katie
I love this list, although I’m feeling a little resentful about the “no sweats” rule! I agree though, but I love my boyfriend’s football sweats. ;)
If you need ideas for a blog, I agree with the other girls about writing how to stand out in a crowd! I just transferred to a college of over 70,000 people! I really need to learn how to stand out, especially to make some good friends! Also, I loooooove when you put outfits together, it always gives me great ideas with my own wardrobe. :)
Michelle
Such a great post! Putting it in my Evernote!
I’m definitely guilty of #1, but I get way too cold if I wear a skirt or something.
I will never ever wear sweats to class. I just feel gross.
#6. I am finally going to buy that sequined top that I have been eyeing for all summer!
Ashley
Great post! I must confess that I am never ever guilty of number one, because I am always guilty of number three! I always have dance class in the morning and never have time to change after! What would you suggest?
Jeanie
im so happy that we have new people on the cf community! i have become addicted to this site and check it daily. and i love your list! my favorites are number 1 and 7. i have started trying to wear jeans less often. also do you think you could maybe expand on 7 and give us cute and cheap ways to update old clothes (dyi)?
Ruth
I love tip one – take two days out a week from wearing jeans! I basically LIVE in my jeans and manage to convince myself that because today I am wearing my skinnies rather than my boyfriend cuts that actually I am wearing something totally different from normal. This is bollocks – and thank you for helping me realize this fact!
Is it over the top to wear a fringed grey and silver skirt to lectures? lol
xxx
Gen
I found the cutest plaid skirt at Old Navy the other day, and so that’s going into my wardrobe. I’m also kinda digging the fancy tights trend this fall, as well as polka dots and the bow-headbands you see everywhere. My biggest problem is, of course, lack of money, but if I need inspiration, I always like to come here.
Gen
PS. There are some really cute v-neck pullovers on sale at Old Navy right now for a whopping $12 and they’re very comfortable. So if you can get to ON before the weekend is out (and the deal is over) I’d go there.
Rayna
I love this!! Definitely going to keep number one in mind. :D
Heather
Awesome! they are very similar to things I would like to do, especially #1.
I never wear sweatpants, but my boyfriend always wears pjs to school. Any advice on how to get him to dress a little nicer to school?
Kelly
I love this list! I’m saving it. I can’t wait for your future posts, you have a great insight into fashion for the everyday student.
Do you have any suggestions for how to look ‘cute’ to a class where you know you’re going to get messy? For example, at a painting class where you have to wear pants and jeans, it’s hard to dress up because everything could get paint on it. Advice?
lulu
I COMPLETELY agree with the sweatpants rule. So many of my friends wear sweats to class all the time, and alright it may have been okay, even cute in high school… but we’re in college now and we’re old enough to be conscious of how we present ourselves. Sweat pants are NOT for class. Ever.
Veena
Sweatpants are hot. They may not be classy but if you got good figure, they look good.
Steph
I think wearing sweatpants is no big deal. especially if u go to school like i do in the north east where it gets snowy all the time. when its cold and have long walks to class sweat pants are the best. they keep u warm.
Steph
@ kelly,
about wearing clothes to class where ur going to get messy, just buy a lab coat or a smock. like an old button up. i am an art student and know what u mean. when i would be in the dark room i would wear clothes that are cute but i dont mind getting messy. sometimes you have to sacrafice style for passion.
Alicia
I love love love love this post!
I will definitely print this and post in on my board!
The Everyday Minimalist
Done. I prefer wearing dresses and trousers anyway.
Then again I am no longer a college student. But I really ought to get on a trend somewhere.
Dance_Stars
I love it. Your rules are so true. And you have inspired me to try a trend I have been admiring lately. Super thanks for this post :)
Great job
gabby
i love this article (:
i soo agree about sweats; i never wear sweats to school for the fact that they can look sloppy or lazy.
i love # 1 ; i recently am trying that trend and since its chilly i have to wear tights and i love my colored tights