Comfy and Cute Study Outfit Inspo

Let me set the scene.

It’s 8:00am and you walk to your closet to change out of your pajamas. Today is going to be a LONG day- you have 2 exams this week and the bulk of the day will be spent taking notes and doing practice tests (we’ve been there too- we get it.). You’re excited to sip that latte at the cafe you’re going to… but as you stand in your closet, you realize… 

• You want to feel ‘put together’ today so you can stay productive during your study session

• And of course, sitting for long hours means comfort is KEY. No uncomfy clothes, itchy sweaters, etc. 

And you’re still staring into the abyss of your closet. What do you wear on a lengthy, busy study day like this? Or a class day? Or perhaps a class-presentation-turned-study day? Lock In A Latte is here to help you find the perfect outfits to lock in with, no matter what ultra specific situation you’re in. Let’s get into it!

For when you’re not leaving the library till 1am:

• The situation: The key here is staying comfortable. You might have a lot of work to do but stress over an uncomfortable outfit is not the way to go!

• Our recs: Stretchy non-sweatpant wide leg pants + matching comfy blosue. Tank top + cozy cardigan and wide leg trousers. Tshirt , sweater, and trousers work too.

  • Wear socks and tennis shoes (you can sit criss cross with your socks on if you feel like it) and if you want, put on some matching jewlery too.

For when you want to feel put together at a cafe:

• The situation: Sometimes at cafes it can be nice to dress a bit fancier. Wearing a slightly elevated outfit to a cafe also might pave the way for a cute study break... pictures with your latte, of course!

• Our recs: Sundress with cardigan and tennis sjoes. Off the shoulder top or sweater with soft strechy jeans.

For when you have a formal presentation, but are heading to a study spot soon after:

• I've been in this situation... I have an evening club or event with a business casual dress code. You don't want to be in a heavy blouse and dress pants all day with high heels on - we got you. Business casual attire is easy to pull off in a comfy way, and might even make you feel more productive and formal in your classy attire.

• Our recs: Clean white/neutral tennis shoes, stretchy slacks or plain long maxi skirt, short sleeve/spagetti strap silk bouse. Pack a professional-looking cardigan. No neutral tennis shoes? Swap for ballet flats.m

For when you’re staying at your desk but still want to feel productive:

• The situation: Sometimes it can help to put on a full outfit even when you’re at home to mitigate the “I’m at home, let me chill) feeling! Swap out the pajamas or sweats for some wide leg pants, softer-side jeans, and your favorite graphic tee. Get ready for the day just like you would if you were going out to a cafe- it can help set the tone for feeling productive if your style matches what you might be wearing outdoors. 

• Our Recs: Matching Sweatshirt, Athleisure, Stretchy/Comfy wide leg pants, jewelry and other accessories 

For when you’re studying but heading straight to a nice dinner/birthday after:

• The situation: Work life balance is important! If you’re making your way to a nice restaurant in Midtown or perhaps you’re surprising a friend at Cafe Intermezzo for their birthday. You’re heading there straight from the library, but don’t want to show up in sweatpants and a baggy tee… but you also don’t want to be studying in a fancy dress or dress pants. What do you do?

• Our recs: No-rip jeans and a sweater/non-tshirt-top, ballet flats, cardigan and wide leg pants etc!

For when there’s nothing clean but your sweatpants:

• The situation: Sometimes we have to make do with our sweatpant collection, especially if wearing jeans is not in the cards for some reason (like missed laundry day-oops). In this case, find a coordinating non-pajama top and a coordinating sweatshirt, or a tank top with a cardigan. Layering the other elements of your outfit based on your sweatpants can make your clothing feel more intentional and more outfit-like, rather than feeling like you’re back in pajamas ready to take a nap. 

• Our Recs: Sweatpants, tank top, light cardigan, jewelry, fun colored socks (for whimsy purposes), or a coordinated sweatsuit/mix and match!

For when the classrooms are freezing but the cafes are sweltering:

• The situation: College students are never without a jacket or sweatshirt in hand, but on hot days, wearing long sleeves can be a pain. Some cafes are without air conditioning, while many college classrooms go full blast. And if your day is spent going between the two… you need to plan ahead. 

• Our recs: Pack the "backpack sweater" that never leaves the backpack, and some leggings to function as thermals if needed. Layer clothes, with long sleeves, short sleeves, jacket, thermals, jeans, sweater vests, etc --> helps customize outfit to the location.

BONUS: What to carry in an emergency pouch:

• Our emergency kit to supplement your intentional study outfit selections:

  • lip balm, lip gloss, extra makeup if needed

  • study snack

  • hygiene supplies + hand sanitizer

  • leggings and sweatshirt

  • charger/cord pouch

  • pens, pencils, stationery, notebook, notepad

  • book, sketchbook, journal

  • medicine as needed/preferred

  • tide pen

  • tape / emergency sowing kit

  • band aid, neosporin, gauze

  • hand cream, lotion

Image graphics are from Canva.com on premoum subscription.

Conclusion

All that goes to say, a particular outfit is not a prerequisite for productivity, but it can help a latte! When we’re in the thick of studying, the last thing we want to think about is what to wear to feel out best, Having some pre planned outfit formulas and inspo for different situations can really take away the decision fatigue that comes with outfit selection (unless you're really into creative fashion as a student!). Studying doesn't have to be uncomfy. You can still be casul, cute, and put together for those long library lock ins or cafe sessions.