This article was previously published by CollegeFashionista on MTV.com
The only thing standing between you, Netflix binging and a few weeks of home cooked meals is our least favorite F word: finals. Instead of letting your bio exam and lusting after your mom’s lasagna get the best of you, take this time to crush your finals on more than one level.
Check out these Style Gurus’ fashionable finals looks that will inspire you to switch out of those sweats ASAP.
1. Nata Lopponen
School: Arcada University
Year/Major: Senior/International Business
Why This Outfit: It’s important to be comfortable during finals but I’m also a strong believer in the statement “dress for success.” That’s why I chose to wear a collared white shirt layered with a collegiate-like sweatshirt and camel coat. I can maintain a casual look without looking sloppy, while still feeling comfortable and cute. Paired with the right glasses and jeans, this look is perfect for finals.
2. Laurise McMillian
School: University Of Baltimore
Year/Major: Senior/Digital Communication
Why This Outfit: Tight pants during finals just ain’t happening! When I’m sitting down for 2 and a half hours straight completing my HTML exam, I need to be comfortable so I can relax and focus on the test.
3. Holden Powell
School: University of Connecticut
Year/Major: Junior/Double Major Journalism and Communications
Why This Outfit: Comfort while still remaining true to who you are in a finals outfit is key. Style is important as well as making a statement for yourself. It doesn’t matter if your exam is early day or late night, dress where you plan on going in life not where your current state is.
4. Tegan Davis
School: University of Florida
Year/Major: Sophomore/Advertising
Why This Outfit: I always make sure to look collegiate and comfortable during finals. Looking stylish in a chunky sneaker and collared shirt make me feel A-worthy.
5. Allyson Kramer
School: Kent State University
Year/Major: Sophomore/Fashion Merchandising
Why This Outfit: A finals outfit should be something comfortable so you can focus on the best way to not fail your exam and not on how tight your jeans are. Or how the shades of black you’re wearing don’t match.
6. Silvia Dykstra
School: University of South Florida
Year/Major: Junior/Mass Communications—PR
Why This Outfit: Since finals week is already stressful a hat is a must, since it covers any and all bad hair days. Also, a knit cardigan is extremely comfortable and warm, while still making some style and class.
7. Shea Renusch
School: Oberlin College
Year/Major: Senior/Studio Art
Why This Outfit: Comfort and confidence are key when choosing an outfit for finals. I want to wear something that I feel good in so that I can focus on the task at hand and put forth my best work. I always throw some glitter on my face when getting ready before finals–it gives me the extra little confidence boost I need.
8. Paulina Latacela
School: Hunter College
Year/Major: Junior/Psychology
Why This Outfit: Finals week means lack of sleep and rushing to exams. In this case, I like to be comfortable and aim for a casual look. Sneakers are a must and a bold lip color helps me feel alive!
9. Nicholas Park
School: Fashion Institute of Technology
Year/Major: Sophomore/Advertising and Marketing Communications
Why This Outfit: Finals week is about going crazy without looking like you’re going crazy. Keep it clean and calm.
10. Mandisa Shields
School: Syracuse University
Year/Major: Junior/Public Relations
Why This Outfit: In a finals outfit, I want something that’s going to boost my confidence while being comfortable and low-key enough to allow me to focus on my exams. If I look good, I feel good!
11. Madeline Rafferty
School: Western Kentucky University
Year/Major: Freshman/Graphic Design
Why This Outfit: A finals outfit should always be comfortable, but not too slouchy. If you look better, you’ll feel better, and when you feel better, you do better—it’s all about confidence.
12. Kelsey Cadena
School: Savannah College of Art and Design
Year/Major: Sophomore/Fashion Marketing and Management
Why This Outfit: Comfort and warmth play an important role when it comes to choosing the perfect finals outfit, especially when all you want to do at that point is roll out of bed and hope for the best. Throwing on a sweater or a textured cardigan with a cool pair of sneakers is the best way to achieve that effortlessly put together look that is still comfortable enough to wear through those endless hours of exam taking.
13. Julianna Paul
School: University of Southern California
Year/Major: Senior/Global Medicine and Spanish
Why This Outfit: When finals season rolls around, I tend to wear my glasses, a casual shirt, and my comfiest pairs of shoes and pants. Keeping it casual and comfortable is definitely key to accommodate my study schedule; however, I try to be cute when I can, so that finals won’t think that they’ve won.
14. Clarissa Marchia
School: University of San Francisco
Year/Major: Senior/Media Studies/Journalism
Why This Outfit: Finals week is the last hoo-rah of the semester and I want to go out with a bang. It’s important for me to dress my best.
15. Cherileigh Co
School: Ryerson University
Year/Major: Junior/Journalism
Why This Outfit: During finals, I like to keep my outfit simple, because it looks effortless on a day when you have to focus. Plus, wearing a coat and beanie are the ultimate pieces to transition into winter.
16. Charity Gates
School: Emory University
Year/Major: Senior/International Studies
Why This Outfit: An oversized sweater with a slim pant or leggings can keep you comfortable and chic. After all, the library is where you can have the most eyes on your outfit.
17. Cassandra Neely
School: Kent State University
Year/Major: Senior/Fashion Merchandising
Why This Outfit: I’ve found that for finals week, it’s best to develop a sort of uniform—something that you know you’ll look good and be comfortable in, and that will take very little time to pick out in the morning (save that extra time for studying!). Beanies (or hats of any sort, really) are also beneficial for finals week because it’s easy to skip a hair wash or two when you’re spending long hours in the library.
18. Victoria Chardie
School: Pratt Institute
Year/Major: Freshman/Industrial Design
Why This Outfit: Unlike most people, when the stress of finals week hits me and my mind is going crazy, I pay more attention to my outfit. The more put together I look on the outside, the more I feel like my life is together and I will make it through finals.
