https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-as-an-adult-student Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 27 Apr 2026 08:27:31 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-as-an-adult-student#post-1652216 Thu, 28 Apr 2016 23:02:34 +0000 Cococat 1652216@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would dress in a more polished version of the younger students. I think it's important to fit in with your student peers and seem approachable particularly as you will likely do group projects and other work together. I was a mature student and now a uni lecturer. Younger students can be very intimidated by the older students and can react in a negative way if you don't seem like one of them. Its silly but I've seen it happen on many occasions. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-as-an-adult-student#post-1652152 Thu, 28 Apr 2016 21:05:47 +0000 abc 1652152@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congrats. Nothing to add but you go girl. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-as-an-adult-student#post-1651514 Wed, 27 Apr 2016 21:15:41 +0000 Kaelyn 1651514@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You. Are. All. Wonderful.</p> <p>I'm going to take some time to absorb everything you've all said and figure out my approach. I habitually collect images already and I've started going through and looking for the best ones to serve as inspiration for my student look. I'm thinking that things that can be dressed up or down are going to be best. Most of you said that jeans are good as long as they look nice, which is great because I prefer polished denim anyway. I need to get a couple of good toppers that aren't too hot for the beginning of the semester and for the spring, because I live in Georgia and it gets HOT. Perhaps a vest, or a topper with shorter sleeves?</p> <p>lisap, exactly, it's a networking opportunity as well as an educational one.</p> <p>Great advice, Aziraphale. You have an interesting point about dressing slightly differently for different occasions. I'll keep that in mind.</p> <p>Greyscale, interesting point about "together" vs "dressy." You're absolutely right--that's what I'm going for. I think that will be a good mentality to have in order to keep myself from overdoing it.</p> <p>Angie, thank you! The support is appreciated.</p> <p>Ledonna, I have a simple pair of black combat boots already that are perfect for lots of walking. I'll keep an eye out for more boots because I LOVE wearing them.</p> <p>DonnaF, yes, I need to figure out the right balance. Especially because l think I give off a "leave me alone" vibe. I wonder what I can do to look more approachable.</p> <p>Runcarla, I will definitely check out Astrid's and Suz's posts when I get a chance. Thanks for the recommendation! </p> <p>marble, thanks for the suggestions. Smart casual sounds perfect.</p> <p>rachylou, yes, I'll try to avoid flip flops and sweatshirts. Except maybe a sweatshirt with the mascot on a Friday. Most people look favorably upon school spirit, I think. I'd just need to dress it up to still feel put together.</p> <p>Janet, that sounds lovely. I'd love to he a perpetual student, too! I already have plans to continue on to grad school whenever possible (I HAVE to if I want to become a counselor). I want to travel and learn about as many subjects as I can. Can I just be a Renaissance woman? ;-)</p> <p>Suz, no problem at all! There are worse things to be addicted to than learning, for sure. I'll keep that in mind, similar formula but better pieces. Quality and longevity is one of my main shopping goals already! </p> <p>Jane, oooh, Spanish influence sounds good! I'll have to look into that. I actually already have the perfect bag, which my sister in law gave me for my birthday last year. My laptop fits inside of it perfectly, and I think it'll hold books well, too. I'll have to test it to be sure, but I'm planning on using it daily. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-as-an-adult-student#post-1651330 Wed, 27 Apr 2016 15:28:10 +0000 Aziraphale 1651330@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just chiming in again to agree with everything Janet said. I am a 43 year old among (young) 20 year olds. The woman I hang out with most at school is a "mature" student of 26. So I am <i>really</i> a lot older than everyone else! And I wear very much what Janet says she wore -- mostly jeans still, but with more attention paid to the supporting act. I often look casual but never grubby (not even for drawing class), and I normally dress up a little more for presentations (i.e. a blazer instead of a leather jacket with my jeans, and smart heeled booties). I also dress up more on the days I have academic classes -- I might even wear a skirt to a media history class. Janet says she was in design; I'm in illustration. Similar fields of study, so similar approach to style.</p> <p>I do wear Converse sneakers and a sweatshirt on the days I've only had a couple hours' sleep, though. (In my 20s, that used to happen because I'd have been partying and left my lab report to the last minute...now it happens because I'm a full-time student as well as a mom, so it's kind of like working two shifts!).</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-as-an-adult-student#post-1651192 Wed, 27 Apr 2016 06:36:28 +0000 Jane 1651192@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How lovely to be a full time student again! Well done! Very exciting!</p> <p>I think I would go for abit of a spanish influence. I love how the Spanish dress, slightly formal, classic and chic. I'd think about a good bag, comfy to carry and good for A4 papers. A satchel? Comfy shoes, possibly trainers rather than boots. </p> <p>Layers probably and something that looks good but casual. I'd think I'd go for jeans, but dark and a really good fit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-as-an-adult-student#post-1651184 Wed, 27 Apr 2016 05:05:11 +0000 Suz 1651184@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations on your new adventure!&nbsp;</p> <p>As others have noted, I am also a (very) mature student. I've done this lots of times. I went to law school in my late 20s, went to education school in my early 30s, did an MFA in my 40s, and now in my 50s am in the midst of a PhD! &nbsp;(Gee, do you think I have a problem?)</p> <p>I don't actually worry too much about how the others dress. I just dress for my own comfort and satisfaction. That mostly does include jeans, as it happens, but that's because I like them and they are practical. For the rest, I wear knits (in winter) and nicer tees/ tops in warmer weather, with blazers or leather jacket or puffer coat or trench (depending on season) and boots, booties, or sandals (depending on season). It's a similar <b>formula </b>to what many younger students wear, but the individual pieces are typically better quality and more interesting cuts.&nbsp;</p> <p>I don't often wear skirts/ dresses to school but that is mainly due to my subject (I am in the arts and often am on the floor or otherwise getting dirty). I would gladly wear more feminine garb if it were practical.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-as-an-adult-student#post-1651155 Wed, 27 Apr 2016 03:11:39 +0000 Janet 1651155@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great suggestions so far. I've been in your shoes a couple of times -- did grad school when I was 25-28, and then later went to school for interior design and architecture not long after I turned 40. Due to my mother's death, I never finished another degree, but I did get hired by one of my design professors to work in her design firm. I think that my professional approach to the coursework and my professional demeanor -- which extended to my wardrobe -- helped me stand out from my classmates. I wore jeans most of the time, but I took a polished casual approach to dressing for class: no grungy tees or sneakers. I wore nice tops and blazers or nice jackets, and refined boots, flats or even pumps. For presentations, I edged towards the more professional end of things; for lab or drawing classes I would tone it down. It was always going to be obvious that I was a 40yo amongst 20yo students, so I figured there was no need to try to make myself look 20. What's more, I didn't want to do that. I wanted to represent who I was, and at that point in my life I had a lot of professional experience so it felt natural to present myself that way. </p> <p>So...a long-winded response to say 1) stay true to who you are, while also 2) putting your best foot forward. I think approaching this time as "job training" is really smart. You are networking with your professors, no doubt! </p> <p>Good luck and have fun! I'm a little envious -- I love going to school and could easily be a perpetual student! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-as-an-adult-student#post-1651136 Wed, 27 Apr 2016 02:32:01 +0000 rachylou 1651136@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'd dress like I was going to work, like lisap talked about...no shorts and flip flops and sweatshirts, like you've come from the dorm showers, lol. But I'd take advantage of the fact that being more fashionable and creative is OK at school... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-as-an-adult-student#post-1651060 Wed, 27 Apr 2016 00:18:34 +0000 ma 1651060@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'd go for smart casual...i agree with DonnaF, you would want to make a good impression to faculty, but also look approachable to peers. Good jeans, no distressing, casual skirts or trousers, chinos, nice shoes... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-as-an-adult-student#post-1651043 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 23:54:58 +0000 Carla 1651043@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kaelyn, check out Astrid's outfits - she does great academichic! Suz hasn't posted as much since she went back to uni, but she would be a great role model, also. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-as-an-adult-student#post-1651035 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 23:28:28 +0000 DonnaF 1651035@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you don't wear pj bottoms or sweatpants during finals, and if your clothing isn't rumpled from the bottom of the laundry pile, I think you will look adult!&nbsp; </p> <p>You may have group projects, so you will also want to look approachable. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-as-an-adult-student#post-1651031 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 23:21:42 +0000 Ledonna N. 1651031@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You should pull you some inspiration photos. How about slacks printed graphic tees and knit jackets. Retro punk you need two pair of really punk boots 1 brown and 1 black or grey.</p> <p>Congrats on being accepted into university </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-as-an-adult-student#post-1650980 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 22:17:51 +0000 Angie 1650980@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have no suggestions Kaelyn, but am cheering from the sidelines nonetheless. I'm sure you'll make quite the impression.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-as-an-adult-student#post-1650955 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 21:17:13 +0000 Greyscale 1650955@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Such an exciting opportunity!</p> <p>I wonder if a really put-together capsule wardrobe would work for you. I've never quite managed it... but it might be a way to make every outfit look more intentional than the usual undergrad not-quite-pajamas look. Instead of thinking 'dressier', maybe think 'together.' The other students, and the professors too, probably won't be dressy / professional in a business world way. An example that comes to mind is really great oxfords and jeans and the perfect white oversized button-down, for instance, if that's your style.</p> <p>Of course, at my university there are undergrads who dress far better than the faculty. So you might find some inspiration from the students, too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-as-an-adult-student#post-1650948 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 21:02:30 +0000 Aziraphale 1650948@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OK, that helps, Kaelyn. So, if I were taking a liberal arts-type degree at a typical university, I'd still probably wear jeans and a tee shirt, but with a blazer over top and good, stylish shoes (classy flat oxfords!) or short boots. And I wouldn't wear jeans with holes. And the tee shirt would have to be a nice one -- not a boxy gym-shirt type thing, but more of a blouse.</p> <p>If my goal was to fit in, I probably wouldn't wear anything that required nylons. Not unless the outfit was really funky, anyway. If you look too conservative you'll stand out. An oversized, untucked button-front shirt would be ok, but not a tailored, classic one.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-as-an-adult-student#post-1650932 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 20:50:21 +0000 Anonymous 1650932@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I viewed my time as a grad student as practice for the work world, as it where. You know, that old adage of dressing for the job you want? &nbsp;I wanted to stand out from the 18 year olds, and be seen as a professional - so I dressed like what I thought one would . Now I wasn't wearing suits or anything crazy, but I wasn't wearing hoodies and jeans either. &nbsp;Whatever that was at that time - I did my version of it. &nbsp;Those profs and other colleagues could be potential employers, mentors or references at some point - so standing out is a good thing. I go for business casual, if you can - with a creative edge. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-as-an-adult-student#post-1650929 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 20:44:45 +0000 Kaelyn 1650929@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aziraphale, I'm planning on double majoring in psychology and Spanish. I think of psychology as my main field because I want to become a multicultural counselor.</p> <p>unfrumped, those are all good ideas. I'm still developing my personal style, but being around YLF has helped me narrow it down. I feel like I'm 2 parts modern and 1 part retro, a bit punky, and polished hard edge. Mostly I need to figure out how all of that translates to dressing like the classy adult I've become. I do like classic smart casual, provided that all the pieces are unique. I like classics that have a touch of personality. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-as-an-adult-student#post-1650896 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 20:03:56 +0000 unfrumped 1650896@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, this would be so fun!<br />You could either have a strict "me" style if you already have a firm sense of that and want to hone it, or you could use this as a great low-stakes opportunity to experiment with an array of styles that wouldn't be out of place on campus but would still be a notch (or 2) above what students usually wear and get your own wear-feedback on what you like and why.</p> <p>So, you could do classic smart casual using jeans with upgraded footwear and some kind of jacket--knit blazer or leather or good cardigan. Or you could try Spory Luxe with sport items--sneakers,&nbsp;hoodies, bomber jackets--&nbsp;in better fabrications and details. Or do a more sophisticated Athleisure, such as trackpants or soft cargo pants with&nbsp; better footwear and accessories. <br />You could search this forum for some of those ensemble styles and search the web as well.<br />See what's in your wardrobe now that can be dressed up, or down, depending on what gets it to that college + level. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-as-an-adult-student#post-1650888 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 19:56:23 +0000 Aziraphale 1650888@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hey there Kaelyn. I'm an adult student too (albeit a much older one than you!) and I wondered the same thing three years ago when I started. I can't offer any suggestions until I know your field of study, though. (It matters). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-as-an-adult-student#post-1650880 Tue, 26 Apr 2016 19:46:22 +0000 Kaelyn 1650880@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hey, y'all!</p> <p>I recently found out that I've been accepted to transfer to the university I applied to and will be returning to school this fall. I'm still in my 20's so I'm not all that much older than the majority of students, but I still feel that, as someone who dropped out once and has gained some life experience, I should approach everything more professionally. I consider this opportunity more of a job training experience than anything because I already did the whole "go to college and figure yourself out" thing and all I need is a diploma. So one of the things I want to do is dress well. I want to do better than the jeans and a t-shirt every day style I had when I was a teenage student. I want to step it up and go mostly smart casual (I figure that's a happy balance between dressing well and blending in).</p> <p>What I need from all you wonderful people are ideas. Anything. Give me lists of essentials, give me Pinterest boards, give me pointers on finding a good balance. Absolutely anything you have. I'm all ears! </p>