By Kaitlin McDowell
As temperatures drop and skies get darker earlier, the urge to live permanently in sweatpants or pajamas grows stronger. It’s much easier to choose comfort over style, especially when walking from class to class throughout the day. Gen Z, having grown up attending school from their bedrooms during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, may find it especially hard to break the habit of throwing on sweatpants and sweatshirts every day.
However, there is truth to the phrase “dress to impress.” According to psychologists, dressing professionally can lead to a stronger sense of self and increased confidence. Simply putting a little more effort into your daily outfits may lift your mood for the entire day—something we could all use during the upcoming winter months.
As full-time students, switching to business suits or heels for class isn’t realistic, but there is a middle ground between professional attire and full-on pajamas that can help boost confidence.
Here’s a list of stylish yet comfortable outfit options to keep you feeling your best as you head to class.
Cardigans
Cardigans are always popular during the fall. These comfortable pieces are paired well on their own or layered over a long sleeve. Layering cardigans, allows us to hold onto our summer tank tops or dresses for a few more weeks. Cardigans are essentially the same as sweatshirts, but tend to look much cuter and help one look put together.
Skirts
Skirts are not always a feasible option when the temperatures drop, but in the final months of fall, they are a great way to spice up an outfit. Skirts can be a cute and comfortable choice to add style to an outfit. This can be an athletic skirt, jean skirt, sweat skirt or pleated style. An added bonus is built-in shorts, which adds more comfort.
Knit Pants
Knit pants are another comfortable option that maintains an effortless and trendy look. These pants are as cozy as pajamas but add a touch of style to any outfit, thanks to their more tailored fit compared to sweatpants. They come in a variety of colors and are often available in matching sets.
With diverse stitching and patterns, knit pants make an excellent transition piece from fall to winter. Many popular retailers have embraced the knit pants trend, offering a wide range of options to suit every style.
Sweat Sets
While I began by suggesting that sweatshirts and sweatpants might not be the best option for feeling our best, there are days when bundling up is a must—and sweat sets are a great way to do just that. When paired with the right accessories, such as jewelry, sweat sets can even look trendy.
The secret to why sweat sets make people appear more put-together lies in their matching design. These outfits require minimal effort, yet the coordinated pieces give the impression of intentionality rather than looking tired or lazy.
Sweat sets are a perfect way to stay comfortable while looking effortlessly cute!
Below is a curated wish-list of places to shop for these class essentials!
Skirts
Knit Pants
Sweat Sets
However you choose to dress to class, you should feel confident! There is no reason to save all of your best outfits for the weekends. There is no better feeling than wearing your favorite clothes, but make sure to prioritize your own comfort and style as well!
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