College life is tiring. We are up studying until the sun rises. We have two exams and a presentation on the same day. We need to work in between studying to have a little money for fun. Then we come back to our dorm room or apartment to live off granola bars and Ramen noodles. As the semester goes on, you just really want to wear sweatpants and take a nap.

So, for those 8 a.m mornings, it gets easier and easier to sleep in then just throw on leggings and a sweatshirt for the day. At least that’s how it is for me. Anyone agree? Well, my housemates do too, so I know it just isn’t me.

For a week, I decided to make a change in my regular wardrobe. I swapped out my sweatshirt for a blazer. Traded my sweat pants for black slacks. Threw out those Ugg boots and slipped on a comfortable heel. I started to feel like I was Anne Hathaway in The Devil’s Wears Prada when she went through her stylish upgrade, I was just lacking the Prada. But still! Did it make a difference? Hell yeah!

The phrase, “You look good, you feel good,” was very true. I had to wake up earlier than I usually did to fix my hair and make-up. You can’t really wear a hat to cover your greasy head and pair it with a button up shirt. You just look half done, and if I was going to dress like I was going to the office every day, I was going to do it right. This gave me more time to relax in the mornings. My hair doesn’t take too long and I found myself not in a rush to get my coffee and toast. I could drink my coffee as I watched T.V. I had time to physically and mentally wake-up and I didn’t end up in class half disoriented.

Once I got to class, I got compliments! People said, “Ooh, nice blazer,” “Your outfit is so cute,” and “You look impressive!”

This did a lot for my class participation. I felt awesome.I was looking good and I was wide awake. I participated in class discussion way more than I did in the past. I was just more aware and wanted to match a professional attitude to the attire. The professor noticed as well, and even they gave me praise on my outfit choice. I stood out. Just by dressing up I got more participation points, and ta-da, a better grade in the long run.

After class, I just felt like I was looking good and wanted to go out and put this outfit to use. I wanted to be seen. So, I made a full loop around the college and downtown area. Studying in all the academic different buildings and coffee shops. And I most definitely did a catwalk down every sidewalk I could find.

I studied all day. By the time I got home, I could go to sleep at a reasonable time. I was finished with homework by 9 p.m on a Wednesday and was asleep by 11 p.m. Sleeping was such a gift. If there is any reason to dress better, it’s for the extra sleep time.

I also worked ahead in some of my classes. I read ahead like my life depended on it. Maybe it was all that coffee, but I was a study machine.

Overall, it wasn’t just the academic results that made dressing up worth it. I just liked to look good and not like a walking example of sleep deprivation. It added to my work ethic and confidence. I walked around with my chin held high and ready for anything. I am now making it a goal to get up and dress like I’m heading to the office every day. I’m realistic, some days I will let myself wear a sweatshirt and have hat hair. But, if I can help it, I’m going to be blazered up Monday through Friday.