Casual to Formal in Minutes: A Quick Style Guide for College Students

You were probably told that college would be fun. What you weren’t told was that college life would be demanding and hectic. Juggling friends, assignments, sororities or fraternities, dates, sports and what not requires more than 100% of your efforts.

As a student, you’ll have quite a few formal events to attend too. Probably it’s a sorority night out, a dinner celebrating your college’s win at a championship, or a formal date. You need to set your priorities in order and work accordingly. Managing time effectively is a necessity and can turn into a boon if you learn the art well.

It will help students to have their dorm rooms organized in a way that helps them find things they need quickly. Deciding what you want to wear to classes the next day and laying those clothes out before you go to bed will save time in the morning. Accessory hangers for jewelry will help girls find matching pieces easily.

Here’s a quick style guide that will help both guys and girls get ready in minutes for an important event that is right after class.

For Guys

You probably go to class unshaven and in a t-shirt and a pair of jeans. If you take a bath, you earn brownie points. If not, that’s your first step to getting ready for a formal event. Remember that no amount of perfume or deodorant can save you from stinking if you haven’t bathed in days. Spraying on perfume only makes your body odor smell worse than it already is.

Shaving is an absolute must too, unless you are growing a beard. But that doesn’t give you the license to look homeless. Trim and define your beard or moustache as necessary. Don’t forget to use after shave lotion. It will make you feel fresh and smell good too.

Guys need to exfoliate and moisturize too. So wash your face well. You don’t want to go to the event with oily skin. Dry and flaky skin doesn’t look good on anyone. So use a moisturizer that is appropriate for you. Of course, you need to stock up on these things well in advance so you’re ready whenever the situation calls.

Getting a haircut should be a part of your routine. If you haven’t had the time, you’ll just have to make the best of your hair. If you have to really hurry, forget shampooing. Use styling gels, hair creams or whatever you prefer to give yourself a sleek hairdo. This applies if you normally don’t care about what your hair looks like.

If going in semi-formal attire is okay, you don’t have to ditch the jeans. Just get into a nice looking blazer. Sandals won’t fit the occasion. You must wear a pair of decent shoes. The discounted mens nike air max shoes would be a good choice for students. If they need polishing but you don’t have the time, clean the shoes with a cloth dipped in a solution of mild soap and warm water.

For Girls

For girls too, it goes without saying that body odor can only be eliminated by taking a shower. If you don’t have the time to shampoo, use a dry shampoo or just use conditioner. Using a micro-fiber towel to dry your hair will save you lots of time.

If there’s nothing you can do for your hair, don’t leave it untied. Braids and buns are welcome at formal events. The quickest thing you can do is get your hair up in a top knot. If it looks messy, don’t worry; it will work. If you can spend a couple of minutes, you can go for a fancy low chignon or a fish-tail braid or a Dutch braid.

Clean and moisturize your skin well. It will help if you use products that can solve multiple issues. For example, use a shampoo with conditioner so that you don’t have to spend extra time to condition hair. You’ll find such products for your skin too. Instead of applying moisturizer and then using concealer, use a product that does both things- a tinted moisturizer.

Use a concealer only where you need to hide flaws. The quickest thing you can do is use two coats of mascara, a stroke of eye liner, and red lipstick. Though minimal, you will achieve a fabulous look with these three essentials.

If you can put in a little more effort, use your ring finger and dab some lipstick on your eyelids and cheek bones. Smudge well and use the same color on your lips. A monochromatic look is sure to get you attention.

If you go to classes in casual dresses, you can easily convert one into a dress fit for formal occasions. Just pull on a lace or an embroidered shrug. A dinner jacket will also do the trick. A shawl or scarf can be used too. A statement necklace or a ring will add class to your outfit.

Put aside your satchel or oversized bag and opt for a studded clutch or one in a bold color. Never make the mistake of taking something with straps to a formal event.

Step out of the flip flops and slip into a pair of heels. Pantyhose will also add sophistication to your look. If you don’t want to wear heels, slip into ballet flats or strappy wedges. Use shoe clips to instantly add life to otherwise dull shoes.

Conclusion

With a little forethought, you will be able to handle things well. Being prepared is the key to making things work when you are hard-pressed for time.

No matter how bad the situation, you must never show up at any formal event ill-groomed or wearing shabby clothes. Don’t forget to spray on some perfume. Make sure you don’t use too much of it though. And of course, enjoy yourself! College life will be over in the blink of an eye. Don’t let the pressure reach your head.

Millie Rainer writes on a variety of topics such as Fashion, Lifestyle and Home. Her core focus is on building her authority as a blogger and she is doing this by writing actionable, useful and engaging content. Follow her on Twitter @MillieRainer.