How to Look Your Best When You Don’t Feel Good

With midterms behind us and finals ahead of us, the semester is kicking into high gear. You know what that means: more tests, more projects…and it all starts to take a toll on your health.

Sometimes, no matter how early you go to bed or how much tea you drink, there will be days when you don’t feel your best. Maybe you feel bloated, tired, or are recovering from horrible allergies, and can’t summon the energy to shimmy into skinny jeans or a crop top.

Of course, sweatpants are always an option on these lazy days. There’s no shame in dressing to be comfortable when you need to. But if you’re like me, and dressing up for class is part of your confidence-boosting routine, you’ve got to get creative.

Here are some cute outfit ideas for those “I’m just not really feeling it” days. 

Outfit #1: T-Shirt Dress

Products: Dress – Asos, Sandals – Lucca Lane, Lip Stain – Smashbox, Earrings – Gilt, Sunglasses – Express, Denim Jacket – Nordstrom Rack, Eyeliner – Revolve, Bag – ShopBop

Dresses are a lazy way to look like you’ve dressed up, but so many are body-hugging. This can be a major confidence-booster on your best days, but is downright uncomfortable on your worst. An embroidered T-shirt dress is a trendy alternative to a more form-fitting style. Throw on a denim jacket and slip on a pair of slides on your way to your 8 a.m. (For other ideas see our 8AM class outfit ideas!)

If you want to go the extra mile, add a stylish pair of sunglasses and gold earrings. Because this outfit has more neutral tones, add a pop of color with a red-hot lip stain. Finish off with a swipe of eyeliner and a cute cross-body purse.

Outfit #2: Flowy Blouse

Products: Red Blouse – Vince Camuto, Liquid Lipstick – Net-A-Porter, Mascara – Lash Food, Sandals – Saks Fifth Avenue, Sunglasses – Diane Von Furstenberg, Earrings – The Outnet, Backpack – Jessica Simpson, Shorts – Asos

Warmer weather = figure-baring silhouettes. But how can you dress for warmer weather if you don’t want to squeeze into denim cutoffs? Two words: Elastic. Waistbands.

These comfy lace shorts will go with anything — including this flowy top that bares your shoulders and not your stomach. Shades and gold jewelry are a subtle nod to summer weather (or chilly spring weather that needs some encouragement). Next, keep makeup simple with red lips and mascara. Lace up your comfy espadrilles, throw on your leather backpack, and you’re ready to go!

Outfit #3: Palazzo Pants

Products: Sweater – Boohoo, Purse – Oasis, Lip Gloss – Stila, Slides – Macy’s, Choker – Bloomingdale’s, Bralette – Shoptiques, Pants – Nordstrom Rack, Earrings – Target, Hand Cream – L’Occitane En Provence

We’re continuing the elastic waistband theme of the last outfit — but this outfit is for all of us still dealing with temperamental weather (70 degrees one day and snow the next). A monochrome outfit looks put-together — even if it’s just an off-shoulder sweater and palazzo pants. I chose blush tones because, well, spring. 

Bralettes are more comfortable than bras — so layer this adorable lace one under your sweater. If you want to do more, add a choker and earrings. Swipe on nude gloss, and this cherry blossom hand cream (spring!). Finally, grab this studded clutch and slip into comfy slides.

What Do You Think?

What do you wear when don’t feel your best? Would you wear any of these outfits? Let us know in the comments!