Thread Count: Being busy is no reason to lose style

Sometimes it feels like university exists only to torture us. No, I’m not talking about assignments and term papers. I’m talking about fashion. Between the late nights studying and the crack-of-dawn classes, looking stylish can be a course in itself. We shouldn’t have to choose between good marks and good looks – and we don’t.

Visit campus any given Tuesday, and you’ll hear the sighs. As much as we try to avoid the 8:30 am class, sometimes it’s a necessity. Most of us aren’t fully awake until noon and the idea of showing up to class in our sweats is a tempting one. But we have many other options that feel just as comfy, and look much more polished.

Girls, the keyword here is boyfriend. Boyfriend fits are meant to hang loose. You might be familiar with the boyfriend jean, but what about a boyfriend shirt? They have roomy fits and sleeves which beg to be rolled up. These boyfriends were definitely meant to be together. Slip on your favourite pair of ballet flats and grab your early morning Tim’s with flair.

Night classes are slightly more tolerable than their early morning cousin. However, now that we’re moving full-speed-ahead into fall, the evenings are getting colder and darker. I could wax poetic about how I miss the evening sun, but I choose to be an optimist. Chilly fall nights are ideal for blazers and jackets – you know, before December comes and we’re stuck wearing our parkas until exam week.

A blazer, a pair of skinny jeans (or jeggings) and high boots is the go-to look for fall. It’s simple, and perfect for mixing and matching. Try something different and go for a double-breasted jacket. This season is seeing unique details like extra zippers and metallic buttons.

Oversleeping – it happens to the best of us. Sometimes we can’t help but hit the snooze button a few too many times. Suddenly you’re scrambling to pack your bags, make breakfast and catch a bus in time. In all the commotion, dressing takes a backseat. But before you throw on that t-shirt that’s been on your floor all week, reconsider.

A dress can be just as easy, if not easier to pull off on a hectic day. Before the weather cools off, a knee-length dress and a breezy denim jacket are the perfect combo. If height is on your side, switch it up with a maxi dress. No matching, no fuss!

It’s a general rule that weekend attire is more casual than what we wear from Monday to Friday. And as the semester winds up, more and more of those weekends will be spent studying in the local coffee shops. Make your look practical, comfortable enough to sit for a long period of time but nice enough to be seen in public. Your best bet? A long graphic tee or a big cozy sweater with a pair of leggings. Sit back, relax and sip your skinny caramel macchiato. Oh, and don’t forget to study.