It’s almost the end of the semester, and while break is coming up, that also means final exams are approaching!
As every college girl knows, fashion is pretty much last on the list of priorities during exam time – who has time to pick out the perfect outfit when you might fail your biology final?
And that’s how it should be. When you’re in college, fashion can’t come before doing what you’re there to do — pass your classes and graduate!
That said, I’ve received lots of emails and comments from readers who want some ideas on what to wear during exam week – outfits that are comfortable, stylish, and easy to put together when you’re pressed for time.
I think I can help you guys with that. Just because you’re super busy, it doesn’t mean you have to completely abandon your style. There’s definitely a middle ground; it just takes some planning.
Here are my top tips for deciding what to wear on exam days.
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Plan your outfits out in advance.
On the Sunday before exam week, put together a wardrobe full of basics for the days ahead – as if you were packing for a vacation.
Look for pieces that all go together and could be mixed and matched in a bunch of different ways. That way, when it’s time to get dressed, you just need to throw on some clothes from that pile and go ace your exam! No extra worries.
A sample “exam week clothing list” could look like this:
Products: Tupac Graphic Tee – PrettyLittleThing, L’Amour Graphic Tee – Boohoo, Hoodie – PrettyLittleThing, Denim Jacket – Levi’s, Moto Jacket – Macy’s, Tanks – Topshop, Bag – Saks Off Fifth, Watch – Amazon, Sneakers – Adidas, Loafers – Steve Madden, Leggings – Kohl’s, Mom Jeans – Topshop, Skinnies – Topshop
3 pairs of bottoms – Rotate these every other day. You want to go basic here, nothing too crazy looking that would be hard to pair with your other clothes. I love mom jeans, a stretch skinny jean, and a basic legging. If it’s very warm where you are, a short of some type would work. (Bike shorts are comfy options that are trending right now.) Comfort is key – don’t choose anything you wouldn’t want to sit in for hours at a time.
Comfy tees and tanks – My wardrobe staples when I need a cute outfit in a hurry. I love basic tanks in black and white and oversized boyfriend-style graphic tees (so comfortable)
1 or 2 oversized jackets and/or a hoodie! – Another staple for me. Oversized jackets are so chic and they dress up a plain tank top or tee. Even better, they keep you warm! I’m also a fan of a clean white hoodie as an alternative to the campus logo hoodie. You can even layer it under one of the oversized jackets.
A simple watch – An easy accessory that will make a huge difference. If you’re going to be writing a lot or just bubbling in ScanTron sheets, having a bunch of bangle bracelets on your arm will annoy you and everyone else around you! Skip the bracelets and wear a simple watch instead.
Sneakers or loafers – You want to make sure you’re comfortable and at your exam on time, so those 4 inch heels are out! Some chunky sneakers or loafers are on-trend options that are comfy and easy to wear.
A small purse – If you’re just taking a test and don’t have any other classes, a small purse is the easiest option. Just bring your ID, money, phone, and some extra study materials. Less stuff to carry and less to worry about are both good things to have on exam days!
Don’t wear anything you’d sleep in.
While I know it’s tempting to stay up all night studying and go to your final in the same sweats, you’ll feel more awake and ready for your test if you’re dressed normally. Going to an exam in your PJ’s might make it difficult to concentrate, not to mention that it’s definitely not a stylish choice at all!
It’s no more difficult to throw on a pair of jeans before you go to your exam, and it will make a huge difference in how you feel during the test. Try it for yourself – I think you’ll be surprised at the results.
Exam week hair & makeup tips:
The best tip I can give you for doing your hair and makeup during exam week is keep it simple. There are few times in your college career that are more stressful than exam weeks, and the easier you can make it on yourself, the better.
Here are a few tips on how to look cute while still spending little or no time on hair & makeup during exam week.
Makeup
Here are my makeup essentials – this is all the makeup that I usually wear on busy days.
Note: I have bad skin so foundation is a must for me to feel confident, but this is just what I do. If you don’t feel you need this much makeup, or you want to wear more than this, do what makes you feel best!
- Foundation – It Cosmetics Bye Bye Foundation is great for quick application. If I have an extra minute or two I instead apply my Holy Grail foundation, Revlon Colorstay.
- Under eye concealer – I love Tarte Shape Tape
- NARS Laguna bronzer
- Fill in my brows with NYX micro brow pencil
- At least one coat of mascara – my current fave is L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise
- I might do a swipe of basic lip balm on my way
My advice is to skip the eyeshadow, eyeliner, lipstick, and complex makeup when you’re going to an exam! The goal is to look presentable without spending more than 5 minutes doing your face. Keep the complicated makeup for another time – after all, you have last minute studying to do!
Hair
Your hair should be out of your face so when you’re working on your exam it doesn’t get in your way – I hate when I’m constantly trying to pull my hair back during a test! Again, skip complicated styles and go with something basic, like one of these easy hairstyles for college. You’ll be ready in a flash and won’t be fixing a complicated hairstyle all day.
Another quick hair tip: don’t wear a headband if they can give you headaches. This happens to me occasionally and I wouldn’t want to be stuck wearing one during an important final.
The most important thing:
Hopefully this article will help make it easier to look cute without worrying about it, so you can focus on doing your best on all the tests you have to take. I know it’s obvious, but at the end of the day, what you wear during exam week isn’t as important as how you do on your exam.
Good luck to all of you on your finals this year!
More Tips for Exam Days:
If you need more help preparing for exams, we’ve got you! Here are some other CF articles to give you more information:
- 12 Steps to Acing Those Final Exams
- Test Anxiety Tips: How to Deal With Anxiety During Exam Week
- How to Overcome Procrastination When Studying for Finals
- 4 Ways to Pamper Yourself During Finals Week
- Finals Outfits for Every Sense of Style
- 4 Outfits for Every Stage of Finals Week
Your Thoughts?
Since most of you probably have exam week right now, what have you been wearing? Do you wear your pajamas to take exams, or do you wear jeans? Leave a comment and tell me what you’d wear.
Editor’s note: This post was originally published in 2008; it was completely updated and revamped in 2019 with new photos and information.
I always find when I make a tiny bit of effort in my appearance, like making the effort to wear jeans and not my lululemons or sweats, it makes me FEEL better and more confident, and I usually do better on tests.
Totally know what you mean by the bangles, they are so irritating sometimes.
i would wear just a plain dress under tights for exam days (if it is in the summer) or winter, just jeans, a shirt and a jumper over it(in the winter!!) How about wearing haviannas on exam days?? I find that they are comfy. Plus i cannot stand wearing sweats and pjs in an exam room!!!
makeup wise, i just wear tinted moisturizer and that is it. I will not go into an exam room with a cake face (imagines a caked face melting in the exam room..not cool). And hair wise, i just leave it out!
What you said couldn’t be more right! If I wore sweatpants or my PJs to an exam, I would fall asleep through the test! I think that giving yourself that preparation time in the morning can clear your mind a little before you dig into however many exams that you have. Plus, looking better just makes you feel better about yourself, which ultimately could affect your exam performance! Good blog! =D
Oh these are totally great tips!
I actually did wear a pair of cute earrings, and they were the diamond earrings my fiance bought me from www.idonowidont.com and I wore them for luck.
They helped me feel more confident when I took my SAT’s and got a decent score in the end, so all these tips help ladies!
youre going to hate to hear this, but although i usually look quite pulled together, i come to exams with no makeup, a 2-second ponytail, and sweatpants. I really cant waste time worrying about my looks on a day that tests my intelligence.
I hear you on the Starbucks! That’s one of my favorite accessories at exam time too 🙂
i find that putting a little bit of effort into my outfit on exam day, as much i don’t want to, really helps my confidence. as you said, i go for basics – (bascially everything you listed) but i feel better about myself when i’m dressed nicely.
when i wear sweat pants, i feel blah! except when i’m lounging around the house or whatever.
jeans, a t-shirt, cardigan, and boots or flats (depending on the season) and i’m ready to go!
This is all good. Yea, any chance we can get recommendations for holiday parties? They can be tough to dress for.
I always wear jeans, but with a hoodie, so much more comfy if you ask me! and also i tend to feel really cold when i didnt sleep much, and hoodies are warmer then cardigans…
On exam days I stick to something comfy but still stylish. If I feel confident about myself I tend to perform better on exams. I’m usually low key with make-up and carry a big purse to keep track of notebooks & flashcards and accessorize with a venti starbucks haha.
🙂
I don’t even want to think about what I used to wear to my exams! It’s true, if you shower and dress – you’ll feel better and perform better. Good luck!
If I’m wearing a cute, well put together outfit with my sweatpants, I still feel just as confident! I am just more comfy, so I usually do better. I have always worn sweats on testing days.
Good point, but I’m still gonna wear sweatpants!
I usually wear yoga pants or anything that will keep me cozy and warm here in Iowa in the winter. No makeup or anything just hair up out of my face. I will probably be wearing leggings tomorrow, boots, a long sleeve shirt and an oversized hoodie. And backpack. 🙂 I like to be comfy and I do just fine on exams, whether or not I’m in pjs, yoga pants, sweats, leggings or jeans.
Great tips, definitely going to help me focus on exams versus style(: I would also add to wear cute, but comfy panties and bra. I don’ know why, but I’ve found that if I wear my sports bra and bikini panties, I feel less awake and focused than I would with a nice (but comfy) bra and panties. Even though no one’s going to see it (during exams anyway), you’ll feel more confident and less cautious of your looks.
Thanks for the article<3
I would wear jeans, leggings or if I’m really lazy, then shorts. As for hair and makeup, I wouldn’t even think that much. Hair just goes into a pony tail and I don’t wear any makeup usually, much less during exams.