In 2007, tabloid magazines were covered in paparazzi shots of sedated young starlets out on the town. There are probably more photos of Lindsay Lohan entering and leaving nightclubs than from all her red carpet appearances combined. Considering her lifestyle, Lindsay probably had one of these off days every day in 2007, but still managed to define a generation with her Von Dutch trucker hats, bug-eye sunglasses and Juicy velour jumpsuits.
It’s important to recognize these off days because they happen to everyone, but not everyone has to know. With some simple accessory choices and texture play, an off day ensemble can start looking more regal and less ratty. With a little effort, gone will be the days of glorifying the “bummin’ it” movement.
First, I would be completely remiss if I did not acknowledge the most tried-and-true power color: Black. Somehow, the most powerful color is no color. The All-Black Outfit is a casual alternative to the Little Black Dress. Save the LBD for a date function and put together an ABO for when you oversleep on exam day. Essentials include black denim, layering pieces like light cardigans and scarves and an arsenal of black leggings. As far as footwear goes, the possibilities are endless. Buy a pair of tall black riding boots and add an elite, equestrian vibe or go grunge with some flat leather Chelsea boots. More importantly, don’t be afraid to overdo the layering, especially with the insanely cold weather. Black is a slimming color, so no one will know if you’re wearing one jacket or three.
Though classic black is a showstopper, off days are still no enemy to color. Dull days can always be revived with the incorporation of another power color like red, or a power color combination like red and black. Add a swipe of red lipstick to your all-black ensemble, and trust me, you’ll feel unstoppable. As well as the aesthetic advantages, wearing red and black also gives me great nostalgic vibes from past tailgates.
If you’re still feeling uninspired after mulling over some outfit options, then get out of your comfort zone: give fur a try. If it’s an ethical boundary holding you back, know that there are ways to wear texture without killing animals. Vegan clothing brands have been popping up left and right to cover that base. Otherwise, fur is my favorite way to shoot my confidence up a few thousand points. A simple fuzzy fur coat makes a big statement and wearing one oozes feelings of luxury, warmth and opulence. Hung-over? Pair a fur coat with sunglasses and everyone will wonder who invited the celebrity to class.
Since a true-blue fur coat is wildly expensive and pretty immoral, affordable alternatives come to the rescue. Cheap fur garments are usually painfully obvious when compared next to designer minks, but Forever 21 and H&M both sell furs that look luxe enough for street-style blogs. If you’re more daring and want to try a color, ivory and blush are two sophisticated choices. Fur and dusty pastels make a great pair when used strategically and carefully. When in doubt, let the coat do the statement-making and finish the outfit with cool neutrals.
It’s easy to wish to be a starlet in simpler times, but luckily, we’re a step ahead. We get the best of both worlds as college students; going to class all day and bar hopping at night. Plus, with today’s social media, we can be our own paparazzi. For some more off day inspiration, go to your nearest doctor’s office waiting room and pick up an issue of People from ten years ago. Remember, stars are just like Us.
