Head of the class

Though leaving the carefree days of summer behind can be a drag, even the most reluctant students have to admit that there’s nothing quite like the promise the beginning of a new schoolyear holds. It might have something to do with purchasing a fresh batch of school supplies that represents all your mid-year resolutions. Maybe this time you’ll actually write notes in those shiny new notebooks, organize your reading materials in neat little folders and meet deadlines without procrastinating. But if that tiny bit of anticipation in the midst of all that dread is not enough to get you excited about all the book learning that will soon occupy your every waking moment, you might want to try updating your wardrobe with a few key pieces bound to bring out your inner Patty Simcox.

Though a quick mid-semester survey of any campus will suggest an unspoken dress code that’s something between "casually disheveled" and "too harassed to care," making more deliberate choices about what you wear doesn’t necessarily mean sacrificing comfort or breaking your budget. What it does require is some foresight: if you start planning as early as now, you’ll be able to throw together a decent ensemble even when it’s the last thing on your mind. If you think that’s not as important as how well you perform in class, you’re right, but consider that some teachers will perceive the way you present yourself as a reflection of how you feel about a subject, even though your appearance might have more to do with how much sleep you got the night before. The stereotyping is subtle, but it does occur on some level. If addressing such a concern is within your control, why not pull yourself together even during classes at the most ungodly hours?

Since you’ll probably be seeing the same people day after day, acquiring separates that you can mix and match will make your clothing seem less monotonous and ward off cries of "outfit repeater." Look for garments in soft, washed-out tones perfect for pretending it’s autumn or at least for embracing the rainy season. Library lurkers should opt for cropped jackets for girls, or thin sweaters or hoodies for guys to combat aggressive air-conditioning or the occasional light breeze. If you need to make a strong impression, stroll around campus in flouncy pleated or balloon skirts paired with jackets in unusual fabrics for a feminine silhouette. Guys can make the grade with slouchy pants marked by interesting details like paint splats, fitted collared shirts or a few quirky printed tees thrown into the mix for more casual days.

One thing you will be using every day is a bookbag. Thinking about retiring that beat-up old backpack? Try a sturdy tote instead. With a range of inexpensive options available, you can use several different colors and styles depending on your needs for the day. Add a splash of color to an otherwise muted palette with versatile canvas shoes. They may not have much going for them in the way of arch support, but they’ll work for the trek between classes.

Whether you’re waiting out a long break, loitering in the library, haunting the corridors or even actually going to class, looking pulled together just might give you that edge you need to at least look forward to going to school. Dressing up won’t make you a better student the way buying new school supplies won’t force you to use them to enhance your academic performance, but being open to inspiration in all forms won’t hurt you in the long run.

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Bench and Human are located at Glorietta, SM Department Stores and Robinsons Malls. Playhound is located at Glorietta.