In an era of baggy fits and denim, it can be hard to decide just where the line gets drawn regarding style over comfort. However, in college, where first impressions are key, it can sometimes feel as if you don’t have much choice. While this can be suffocating, we don’t have to feel boxed in by the weather. Whether it be shorts and a T-shirt or jeans and a long sleeve, you are going to be drenched by the time you walk from the Center for Science and Innovation (CSI) to Coates Library. So if sweat is inevitable, you might as well wear what you want to wear and look your best while you try not to melt.
There are plenty of ways to stay fashionable despite the heat. If the heat ever gets too much, there are a few practices you can utilize without having to change much about your wardrobe. It’s a situation all too familiar to Trinity students. You wake up for your first class of the school year, you put on the outfit you meticulously curated the night before, and you’re feeling great about it. That is until you make it to your first class and you’re covered in sweat stains before 10 a.m. It can leave you wondering if the sacrifice made to look good was really worth it. At the end of the day, however, a good fit should be worth the struggle.
No one likes being sweaty. It’s an unpleasant feeling that is far too common here in Texas. This can often lead one to think less is more when getting ready to take on the day, however, this neglects one major truth — it’s so hot outside you’re going to sweat anyway.
While it is wonderful to be able to express yourself regardless of the heat, it is also important to take the necessary precautions to ensure that you are doing it correctly. When it comes to styling an outfit for warm weather, a few practices can help you to stay cool. In San Antonio, a 75-degree Fahrenheit morning can quickly become a 95-degree Fahrenheit afternoon, so it’s important to always be ready to adapt by layering. Practicing layered outfits can help to ensure that if needed you can shed and still look stylish.
In the summertime, I like to base my outfits around something simple and light like a tank top. From there, I will choose something light to pair with it — like a short-sleeved button-down or a baseball jersey — that I can wear on top to create some layering. This leaves me feeling happy with my outfit but also content with the temperature outside. If I get too hot I can shed a layer for a little bit without compromising the outfit and put the top layer back on once I’ve cooled down some.
Accessorizing can also be a super effective way to look your best without wearing anything too warm. A few necklaces, rings or bracelets can elevate your style and help bring an outfit together. I like to have set necklace “stacks” or pairings of different necklaces that I keep handy to pair with certain outfits. Rather than wearing just one necklace, I will grab a few that work well together to throw on with an outfit. This can help to create some fashionability even with something as simple as shorts and a T-shirt.
It’s also important to remember that regardless of what you’re wearing, you should do your best to stay hydrated throughout the day, especially if you are prone to sweating or wearing an outfit that may cause you to do so. I sweat quite a bit, so I like to make sure that I wear more hats when the sun is out and undershirts when I’m wearing a lighter-colored shirt that is prone to showing off sweat stains.
Some might argue that putting one’s personal fashion sense over their own comfort is silly. It is true that your comfort should always be a top priority, however, it is possible to dress in a way that doesn’t compromise either. An outfit doesn’t have to be thick or hot to be fashionable — something as simple as color matching your shoes or adding various accessories can be what makes your wardrobe pop in your day to day, which can be a wonderful reflection of you. I like to wear bandanas with my outfits as it keeps my hair out of my face. I am always sure to match my bandana to my shoes, and then have that as an accent on my shirt.
For example, I’ll pair a red bandana with my red converse and a shirt that has some sort of red accent on it, such as red lettering. This creates a look of uniformity and shows that I put some thought into my outfit, which can go a long way.
College can be daunting socially, but looking your best can go a long way in boosting your personal morale and confidence. An outfit says a lot about a person. Whether it be repping your favorite musicians or keeping up with modern trends, what you’re wearing is a small glimpse into who you are before words are even exchanged. Seeing as your outfit is an extension of you, you should be able to show off who you are regardless of how hot it is outside.
