Dressy Thursday & Casual Friday

Last Thursday I was dressed to the nines in a hip-hugging black dress and statement necklace. While I know that a day of class is no reason for getting all dolled up, throwing on a pretty frock simply never gets old. An advocate of the motto “dress to impress,” it never hurts to don an especially nice ensemble. In fact, it’s strongly recommended! I’m not saying that you should come to class wearing a dress suit and pearls (that would be blah!), but appearing pulled-together can really be a confidence booster. When you feel good about what you’re wearing you will have an “I can do anything” mentality and thus be more likely to succeed.

I’m not sure that any of what I just said is legit, BUT it does work for me! On test days and weeks that I’m especially swamped, I always try and wear something especially nice. With the stress that accompanies studying for exams, writing competent essays and juggling loads of school work, the last thing that I want to have to worry about is what I’m wearing.

Cardigan from Club Monaco, dress by Leifsdottir (from Eloise)

This is my favorite LBD by Leiffsdottir (now exclusively sold at Anthropologie). The modest length and gathering of fabric in the back are so lovely. Moderately cut in the front, this dress is the epitome of classy chic.

Flats by Sam Edelman- This is the very first pair of Sam Edelman shoes that I received. Not only am I a fan of Sam Edelman’s fun designs, great textures and up-to-date styles but they are also affordable. With a classic plaid print and silver hardware, they match everything from my dark washed skinny leg jeans to a LBD!

Ring from Ann Taylor- Finding rings that fit my small fingers is not always easy. Ann Taylor, however, is one store that carries rings in a range of sizes (including size 5!) and styles. Aside from some of the gold paint coming off, it’s held up pretty well.


I’ve lost count of the number of times that I have worn this necklace. The combination of black and gold beads and chains seems to match everything. Whether I pair it with a dressy ensemble or something more casual, it never fails to make a statement.

TGIF (September 2)

So we’ve finally arrived at the ensemble that I wore a week ago from today. It took long enough, didn’t it? Unlike previous semesters, I unfortunately have a Friday class. Such a bummer, I know! After having the luxury of being able to sleep in on Fridays and relax, it’s going to take me a few weeks to grasp the fact that lazy Fridays are a thing of the past. On the bright side of things though, at least the one class that I have on Fridays is super interesting.

With only one class on Fridays, I’m left with the lingering question of what to wear. Because my Fridays are fairly low key, I don’t typically want to wear my most fabulous of ensembles. Not to say that I want to be uber casual either though. Sweatpants and a tee shirt or running shorts and a sweatshirt will never be part of my wardrobe for school. I guess you could say that in my life, everyday’s a fashion show.

At some point or another, everyone’s heard of the so-called “Casual Fridays.” Although this day is probably more associated with work attire, I loosely use the phrase to describe my clothing on Fridays. Each Friday, my goal is to appear pulled together and effortless. That being said, shown below is my first casual ensemble for the school year – let me know what you think!

Cardigan from Anthropologie, tank top from Express, shorts by 7 For All Mankind

These shorts by 7 For All Mankind are wonderful. Ever since my senior year of high school when I bought my first pair of Sevens, I’ve been hooked. Superlative quality and impeccable fit are two reasons why this particular brand of designer jeans has become one of my favorites. Unlike shorts that I’ve purchased in the past from stores such as Hollister, this pair is the perfect length. It’s not too short or too tight. It fits like a glove without creating bulges! The fact that I got them on sale for about $37 (they were $149!), is icing on the cake. In a navy blue corduroy fabric, they are very versatile. Although it’s still summer, I’m already thinking about pairing them with black tights, a heavy knit cardigan and oxfords come this winter.

Whether it’s winter or summer, I always swear by an extra long cardigan. Although long cardigans can sometimes be too warm and stuffy to wear outside on hot and humid days, they are practical for frigidly cold air conditioned buildings. Right now, I am in love with this cardigan from Anthropologie. Its cross-hatching pattern and vivid sky blue make it so artsy and mesmerizing. Unlike your typical cardi, this one is dynamic with multiple layers of fabric at varying lengths. Whenever I wear shorts, I have a tendency to pair them with super long cardigans. Just shorts by themselves is too casual for me; I like to make them more girly and fashionable by wearing eye-catching cardigans.

Tote Bag from Banana Republic- After nearly four years of using the same school bag, I thought that it was about time that I bought a new one. Although I was very fond of my colossal-sized Michael Kors see-through beach bag, this semester I wanted something smaller. In choosing a new bag, I wanted a bag that would be conventional (in terms of matching my outfits) and compact. Opting to carry the bare minimum number of books, I thought that this tote from Banana Republic would be the perfect size. Covered in sequins on the front, it will surely add oomph to every outfit. The fact that I got it on sale for a mere $15 (it was $59.50!), makes it perfect.

Now that you’ve seen all of my outfits for the week, which one is your favorite?

Do you ever “dress to impress” for class?

What do you think of “Casual Fridays?”