Wearing comfy clothes to school (while still looking fashionable) doesn’t have to be an impossible feat, especially on those mornings when all you can do is lie in bed and count down the hours until spring break and warmer days arrive. It makes sense: Amidst cancelled classes, brisk weather, dress codes, and general spring semester malaise, getting ready at the crack of dawn and trekking across campus seem less than ideal.
However, layering closet staples can go a long, warm way, not only for braving outdoor conditions but also for oftentimes-unpredictable classroom temperatures. Will you sweat with the heater on blast or be jolted awake by the cold in math class? It’s a question as old as time.
Whether you opt for a well-loved oversized hoodie, pajamas you claim to be cozy yoga pants, or cozy socks that are actually shoes, wearing cross-seasonal basics you can bundle up is the way to go. Below, Teen Vogue spoke with three students on their go-tos and never-agains for dressing comfortably to class, rain or shine.
Malia Vazquez, 17, High School Student
Teen Vogue: Tell me about your ideal comfy outfit.
Malia Vasquez: I have this huge knit zebra-print sweater that’s really warm. I usually put that over my black turtleneck because the knit sweater has a lower neck line, so I have to compensate for that, but it looks pretty cute together. Then, I’ll just wear jeans.
TV: What’s one piece of clothing you’ve got to have for class in the winter?
MV: Turtlenecks. I’ve gotten a few different ones this season in different colors, because [they are] versatile in terms of how you can style them. Also, I hate my neck being bare in frigid weather. It’s dangerous out here.
TV: What would you say makes an outfit perfect for cold weather?
MV: Definitely something that covers your neck, ankles, hands, [and] ears. I have the worst circulation ever, so it’s always my toes, my fingers, and my ears that get the worst of it during the winter. Plus, wearing cotton socks is the equivalent of dipping my toes into cold water. It’s so bad. It’s like your feet are cold [but] they also feel weird.
TV: Any layering mistakes you’ll never make again?
MV: I’ve biked in the cold before and it was horrendous. I was like “I’m invincible and I don’t need a scarf.” Don’t do that. Don’t be me.
TV: Share one tip for dressing comfortably to class, especially on the days you want to stay in pajamas.
MV: Get at least two sweaters and jeans that are exactly the same. I mean, the sweaters and jeans can also be different colors. Whenever you’re really tired, you can throw them on and go out the door. I guarantee that’s happened to me at least two times per week because I can’t always put together something that’s really insulating and also super cute, I don’t have enough pieces in my closet for that. Just be practical.
Caleb Kelly, 17, High School Student
TV: What’s one article of clothing you’ve got to have for class?
Caleb Kelly: Whatever keeps me the most warm, whether that be a wool jacket or puffer.