Figuring Out Fashion
Morning Pick-me-ups
We here at Figuring Out Fashion know how hard mornings can be. Mornings are a time for the ring of a monotonous alarm clock, grumbling showers, and the unpleasant jolt of cold air in our faces upon leaving our dorms. Dragging ourselves to class is far from an easy task, and when combined with brushing teeth and eating breakfast, the challenges of the typical morning seem insurmountable. Most mornings, the last thing on our minds is fashion. Yet, we found it was no coincidence that the mornings we dressed well and felt good about ourselves led to our best days. In the interests of our own future happiness and that of our audience, we’ve collected a set of morning tips from our most stylish friends and acquaintances. The plan? Doing just one of these every day to make our lives more positive and fashionable.
Tip 1: Choose flattering and tastefully bright outerwear — Go for fitted sweaters and coats with exciting silhouettes rather than sweatshirts, because, after all, you’ll have to wear warm outerwear all the time thanks to the Boston weather.
Tip 2: Do a quick work out in the morning — Nothing makes you feel good like tight muscles and blood pumping in the morning hours. Try stretching and crunches to keep it simple and not too tiring. If you’re very ambitious, wake up earlier every morning and run on the treadmill for 15 minutes.
Tip 3: Use perfume/cologne — Choose something light and informal for daytime. Guys could use Axe, while girls could use light perfumes, body sprays, or lotions. We all know how important a great cover-up can be when there’s no time for a shower.
Tip 4: Accessorize — Nothing spices up even the dowdiest sweatpants/sweatshirt combo like an awesome pair of earrings or a bright patent leather purse. For guys, consider a bright hat or an unusual scarf to liven things up.
Tip 5: Exfoliate at least once a week — An exfoliating face wash and all over body wash can rejuvenate the skin by taking off dry winter layers and leaving you feeling fresh. Follow with a moisturizing cream to lock in the smoothness.
Tip 6: Ladies, a touch of makeup — A little bit can bring that polished edge even on the dreariest days. We recommend nail polish because of its lasting power and concealer to deal with circles under the eyes. The post-pset raccoon look is definitely not flattering.
Tip 7: Drink a glass (or more) of water — Dehydration is the most common reason for lack of focus, headaches, and other plagues. Don’t start the day by falling victim to it. Compliment it with whole fruits to improve complexion and moderate blood sugar.
Tip 8: Check your posture — Even the most stylish outfit can be ruined with slumped shoulders and a curved spine. Try to pull your spine straight with the muscles in the middle of your back and relax your shoulders for a natural look.
Tip 9: Look in the mirror and say “I’m a strong, attractive MIT guy/gal.” — It may sound silly, but you’ll be amazed by how well it works. Just being reminded that you’re a red-blooded human will allow you to act and dress more comfortably. If you love the way you are then it will show in the way you present yourself to others.
Tip 10: Wear one exciting piece of clothing that you really feel good about — Try a pair big gray sweatpants with a bright patterned tank top, or a boxy sweatshirt with your best fitting jeans. Even consider wearing your favorite underwear/boxers. It’s a lot easier to get by if even only a part of you feels stylish.
We love these tips because none of them take much time or effort, so there’s no excuse not to pick one and try it out today. One day, we hope to get them all incorporated in our morning routines, but that’s far in the future when there’s time to get ready and no last minute psetting to do in the wee hours. Until then, we’ll keep scavenging for tips that make it easier for us all to be stylish. In the mean time, here’s to taking care of ourselves — something as important as our academic lives.