4 Easy & Stylish Last-Minute Outfits for Busy Mornings
We’ve all been there — maybe you were up all night studying, or maybe you went to the bar on a night you really shouldn’t have. Your alarm buzzes — it’s 8:30 am, and you have to be at class at 9:00. It’s at least a ten minute walk — and that’s after you find a parking spot.
I know none of you smart ladies are guilty of skipping class or showing up noticeably late (myself excluded), but there’s a better way to deal with this situation than scampering out the door in the t-shirt and sweats you slept in! Spending the extra minute or two putting on a decent outfit will help you a) feel more awake and alert for class, b) show respect for your professor, and c) feel more confident for the rest of the day!
Below, I’ve created 4 easy outfits that require a minimal amount of effort to put on. Feel free to watch those extra segments on the Today show, or stop by Starbucks on your way to class — with these fast outfits, you’ll never have trouble getting dressed on the fly again!
1. Button-Down Shirt + Shorts + Sleek Hair
Shirt, Shoes, Shorts, Earrings
Flannel shirts are awesome for several reasons: They’re comfortable, always fashionable, and will go with just about everything.
If flannel isn’t really your thing, try another sort of button down — a cotton dress shirt would look preppy and chic! Next, add a pair of shorts, and a belt – if you have the time or energy. After that, add casual sneakers — they’ll look stylish, but still be perfect for power-walking across campus in. If Converse sneaks aren’t your style, boat shoes, Vans slip-ons, or Toms will serve the same purpose.
To make this look seem polished, part your hair on the side and brush it into a neat, low ponytail. Fishtail or regular braid your strands if you have an extra few minutes. Finally, add a simple pair of stud earrings — it’s a tiny accessory, but can make a world of difference when it comes to how polished you look for the day.
2. Bright Shirt + Bright Pants + Headband
Shirt, Pants, Shoes, Cardigan, Headband
Something as simple as the colors you’re wearing can affect the level of energy you have for the rest of the day. An easy way to lighten up tired-looking eyes is to come up with a simple color-blocked outfit. You’ll feel great, and look on-trend, too!
A solid-colored v-neck will go with any other solid-colored pair of pants. Add a cardigan, blazer, or denim jacket if it’s chilly outside. Ballet flats will look polished but won’t sacrifice comfort. Mask unwashed hair by dusting it with dry shampoo and adding a headband (bonus points if it’s brightly colored also!).
3. Chic Activewear + Ponytail
For all you sporty girls, this outfit is perfect for hitting the gym after an early morning class! Some of you might not agree with this, but I would SO much rather be seen in workout clothes than in that awful cut-off-pirate-sweatpants-and-flip-flop combo I see so many girls (and guys!) fall victim to. At least this way people understand that you’re going to or coming from the gym. And since you’re already dressed for it, you have no excuse not to fit in a quick workout after class!
Though Tim Gunn may not agree, I love yoga pants for the gym. They’re not only practical but inexpensive – you can find cheap pairs at Target, and they’re even comfortable enough to sleep in! Finish the look with a cute tank and jog bra combo, add your running shoes, throw your hair into a high ponytail and you’re ready to go. The best part about this look? It won’t look weird at all if you don’t want to do your makeup!
4. Dress + Sandals + Hat
Dress, Hat, Sandals, Bracelets
Another fast-and-chic outfit combination is to rock a relaxed-fit dress! Since you technically will only have one thing to put on, it might even be the fastest option you have.
Strappy sandals might take, what, 30 seconds to put on, but that half a minute is well spent because they look much more put-together than a pair of flip flops would. Greasy roots? Solve this problem by rocking a fedora — not only will your unwashed hair be hidden, but you’ll also make a bold fashion statement. Finish the look by throwing on some bangle bracelets if you have time. Watch out, though — with an outfit this cute, people will probably think you spent an hour getting ready!
Thoughts?
What is your go-to outfit for when you’re running late or need a few extra minutes of sleep? Do you plan your outfits out the night before, or do you always come up with outfits as you’re putting them on? What other strange fashion problems do you occasionally run into? Leave a comment and tell us what you think!
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Posted on on April 12, 2012 / Filed Under: Fashion Tips / Tags: Class, Getting Ready, Gym, Outfits
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Jenny
I adore the first and the final look…I NEED that dress in my life haha <3
crystal
1st and last my fav too. great job on this post. best i’ve seen from cf for a whle so congrats
Lydia Jones
Busy mornings? That’s me right there! I LOVE no. 2 outfit, since I’m all about bright colors. I just bought an American Apparel t-shirt from http://www.cottonage.com/American-Apparel-Women-s-Fine-Jersey-Tee.html, great price and now I’m going to look for some pants like that. Thanks for sharing!
Janette Miguel
write more “in a rush outfits”!!!
katie
Eeeep love this!!! every outfit is perfect- thanks for including something gym friendly too! :)
sachalee
i legit wear dresses all the times im not in leggings soo super easy and comfy . top with a high bun some pear earrings and your good to go :)
Phidias
That dress is the most adorable thing I’ve ever seen!!!
Asilia
I love these so much. Dresses are so easy to wear, I love them. The one displayed is amazing.
Taylor
“It’s at least a ten minute walk — and that’s after you find a parking spot.”
But if you’re walking, you won’t need a parking spot…but anyway, the last outfit is adorable!
Leira Zetroc
SO incredibly true! We definitely all need to find fashionable outfits that are quick to assemble! Thank you CF for posting such relevant articles to your audience!
C
My go to when I sleep in is the first thing I see when I look in my closet, I just throw it on brush my hair and go! Haha. Great post! This was super helpful ;)
N
Black on black with some glam flats a sleek bun and light make up. No time for matching colors and such
Arielle
I like all of them except the work out outfit.. gym clothes need to stay in the gym.i personally think even a colorful nice pair of victoria’s secret sweatpants are cuter than super tight yoga pants with a sports bra/big tank. but that’s just me.
i love the last outfit!! so pretty. a lot of girls don’t realize how easy dresses are. they’re like premade outfits! and the hat is a great idea. no need to do your hair! :)
lyndsay
taylor not sure what college you go to but i have to park no where near my class and walk everywhere lol
lovee all the outfits. the gym one looks like my usual combo and i also adore the dress!
abercrombieuk
I like these clothes with, I would not wear clothes
Juliëtte
Love it! I actually have some outfits ready in case I’m in a hurry, which also look put together and sometimes even chic. Even if these outfits are not your style, you can still use them for inspiration and try to add this to your own style. Sometimes I even manage to come up with new outfits as I’m getting dressed, but most of the time I have an outfits in my head of which I’m sure it works.
Vruti
I love the 2nd look! I always admire people who could wear this out in public. But I don’t think I could pull it off.
I would totally wear look number 1 though.
Marianne
Starting at 9? Lucky you! Here we start at 8:15 (and sometimes even earlier, or we have to change into hospital clothing first…urk).
Go-to: Jeans, converse or ankel boots (like Sixtyseven’s Sprinter, got like 4 versions of them and want more!), white shirt (or a university club sweater and my red satchel, depending on my schedule for the day.
SarahLily
This was super helpful! Awesome post as always!
Pauline
Nice outfits! I love the first one and the last one! I like this post!
Harley
I love this post so much because that’s me all the time. I wake up, thinking I have plenty of time to get ready so I take my time with makeup, breakfast, etc. But when it’s finally time to get dressed, I have five minutes before I need to leave. I absolutely love all of these outfit choices, except for the gym clothes one. I can’t wear sweatpants outside of the house unless I’m actually going to the gym, but that’s just me. I think next time in a rut, I’ll definitely go with the dress + hat + sandals combination. So cute!!
brandi
i love these outfits, but i want those nike shoes from outfit #3 and i can’t find them anywhere…i even checked nike, where did you find them?