Ace exam day style with our guide to outfits, hair, and makeup!
Even though you will have a break at the midway point of the semester, midterms and final examinations are still coming up!
Every college student knows that when it comes to exams, fashion is usually the last thing on the list of concerns. After all, who has time to choose the ideal outfit when they could fail their biology final?
And it ought to be that way. Fashion cannot take precedence over completing your coursework and earning your degree when you are a college student!
Having said that, we have gotten several emails and comments from readers looking for attractive, comfy, and time-efficient wardrobe suggestions during exam week.
For my best advice on what to wear on test days, continue reading.
Tip: Plan Your Outfits In Advance
As if you were preparing for a trip, assemble a wardrobe full of essentials for the coming days on the Sunday before exam week.
Seek out pieces that complement one another and may be combined in a variety of ways. In this manner, you can just put on some clothes from that pile when it is time to get ready and ace the test! No more concerns.
Exam Week Capsule Wardrobe
A sample “exam week clothing list” could look like this:
Exam Week Bottoms & Accessories
Products: Sweatpants, Jeans, Bootcut Leggings, Sneakers, Boots, Hat, Bag
Exam Week Tops & Outerwear
Products: Hoodie, Sherpa Jacket, Long-Sleeve Henley Top, University Graphic Print T-Shirt, White Long-Sleeve Top
3 pairs of bottoms– Every other day, rotate these. Here, you want to keep things simple and comfortable—nothing too ostentatious or unpleasant that would be difficult to coordinate with your other outfits. I adore roomy jeans, jogger sweatpants, and flared leggings or black bootcuts. Any kind of short will work if the weather is extremely warm; consider biker or sporty shorts. Comfort is crucial, so avoid selecting anything that you would not want to spend hours sitting in.
Comfy tees, tanks, and long-sleeved shirts are wardrobe essentials that come in handy when you are pressed for time. Think about wearing giant t-shirts, loose-fitting henley tops, and short- and long-sleeved tops in solid colors. You can combine all of these with almost anything! You do not want to be fussing or worried about any wardrobe malfunctions during an exam, so stay away from tops that are too cropped, tight-fitting, or low-cut.
1 or 2 oversized jackets and/or a hoodie! Another one of my staples. Although almost any big jacket will work, I especially adore fleece and sherpa coats because they are as adaptable as they are comfortable and go well with both casual and sporty attire, such as jeans and leggings. A sweatshirt or hoodie is also always a good choice, and you may wear it underneath an enormous jacket.
Sneakers, slides, or comfy boots -If you want to be comfortable and arrive to your exam on time, you should wear comfortable boots, slides, or sneakers. Cozy Ugg boots or athletic shoes are popular choices that are comfortable and simple to wear.
A little tote bag is the most convenient choice if you are only taking the test and have no other lessons. Simply bring a water bottle or cup, your ID, cash, phone, and additional study materials. Exam days are a terrific time to have less to worry about and less to carry!
A baseball hat– Since I do not have much time to style my hair during exam week, I am a huge admirer of baseball and trucker hats. Caps are ideal for hiding greasy hair, bedheads, and undereye circles—all of which are unavoidable after staying up late.
Sample Exam Week Wardrobe
As you can see, you may mix and match any of the aforementioned pieces to create a variety of go-to looks for exam week. Basics are your friends because of this! The combinations are unlimited, even if these are only a few examples of clothing.
Tip: Don’t Wear Anything You’d Sleep In
Even while it can be tempting to study all night and show up for your final wearing the same clothes, dressing normally—or at the very least, changing out of your previous outfit—will make you feel more alert and prepared for the test. It can be hard to focus when you are in your pajamas for a test, and it is not a fashionable option.
Wearing jeans before your test is no longer a challenge, and it will significantly impact your test-taking mood, too. I believe the outcomes will surprise you if you give it a try.
Exam Week Hair & Makeup Tips:
Keeping your hair and makeup basic is the best advice I can give you during exam week. Exam weeks are one of the most stressful periods of your college experience, so the easier you can make it for yourself, the better.
Here are some ideas for looking stylish throughout exam week with little to no effort spent on hair and makeup.
Makeup
Products: Rhode Lip Tint, Glossier Mascara, Saie Tinted Moisturizer, Merit Blush
Despite the fact that you are under no obligation to wear makeup to your tests, it may help you feel a little more put together and awake.
(Of course, you should do whatever makes you feel good; it is okay if you want to wear more makeup or none at all.
Choosing items that are simple and quick to apply is crucial. Saie’s Slip Tint, for instance, is an SPF 35, lightweight, tinted moisturizer with sheer coverage. In addition to shielding you from the sun’s damaging rays, this will help to even out the appearance of your skin.
A hint of blush will give your face a more vibrant appearance, and Merit is a cream blush that blends off quickly, unlike some other blushes that apply heavily pigmented. You will look flushed (in a nice manner) right away if you apply a little with your fingers to the apples of your cheeks.
Glossier’s Lash Slick is a lightweight, natural-looking mascara that will accentuate your lashes without being overly dramatic. During your long days on campus, its smudge-resistant and long-lasting composition will hold up well for up to 12 hours.
Lastly, without lip balm or a lip color, no makeup look—or even a makeup-free look—is complete! In addition to keeping your lips hydrated, Rhode’s Peptide Lip Tint will give a subtle, buildable pop of color to finish the look.
Hair
When you are heading to a test, I suggest avoiding complicated makeup like lipstick, eyeliner, and eyeshadow. Looking presentable without spending more than five minutes on your face is the aim. You have last-minute studying to do, so save the intricate makeup for another time!
Your hair should be out of your face so that it will not obstruct your ability to concentrate on the exam. When I am attempting to pull my hair back all the time during an exam, I detest it!
Once more, avoid complex hairstyles and opt for something simple, such as a claw clip or one of these simple college hairstyles. You will not have to spend your day adjusting a complex hairstyle; you will be ready in no time.
Additionally, a baseball cap helps conceal the fact that you may not have cleaned your hair recently and controls unmanageable hair.
Another short hair tip: if a headband or a tight ponytail gives you headaches, avoid wearing them. I occasionally experience this, and I would not want to be trapped with a bothersome headache during a crucial final.
The Most Important Thing:
With any luck, this post will help you seem cute without stressing about it, allowing you to concentrate on performing well on your tests.
Even if it should go without saying, how you perform on your test is ultimately more significant than what you wear during exam week.
I wish everyone the best of success in this year’s midterms and finals!
More Tips for Exam Days
If you need more help preparing for exams, we’ve got you! Here are some other CF articles to give you more information:
- 12 Steps to Acing Those Final Exams
- Test Anxiety Tips: How to Deal With Anxiety During Exam Week
- How to Overcome Procrastination When Studying for Finals
- 4 Ways to Pamper Yourself During Finals Week
- Finals Outfits for Every Sense of Style
- 4 Outfits for Every Stage of Finals Week