When does comfy chic become too comfortable? - Mia Alfaro

When does comfy chic become too comfortable?

mia aLFaro

Last year, after the London, Milan, and Paris Fashion weeks, Vogue published an article expressing that it was time to start embracing pyjama dressing. The chic look of oversized satin button ups, wide leg trousers, contrasting linen pants, the newly popularised Bottega Venetta sandals, and intricate bags and belts took the streets by storm. This new trend allowed people to wear their comfiest clothes at all times of the day and still look dressed to the nines. A year and a half later, people may not be daring enough to execute the bold move to wear silk satin pyjamas on a night out. Yet TikTok’s viral Oodies and Y2K inspired UGGs have definitely not stopped people from opting for comfort over style.

What we have posed to us, as students, is whether it is acceptable to wear these house clothes and winter warmers on campus. Yes, we are STRESSED, and yes, sometimes it is easier for us to roll straight out of bed and into our next tutorial without having to make these hard style choices. Do I go with my 501s and a retro Cool Cats tee - or cute mini with an oversized crew neck? Don’t even get me started on what sneakers to wear. Despite it being so chaotic at times, I am still a firm believer in making sure that the process is good for us: that it adds to the routine of getting ready for the day and into the headspace of “let’s get shit done!” Changing out of my pyjamas or my comforters is just as important as grabbing a coffee from Rocket Fuel. Student life needs to have a stressed/not stressed fashion balance and wearing your pyjamas on campus is where that line should be drawn. When I see people wearing their Oodies on campus, I think to myself - how do you manage to stay awake and what is your ‘time to chill’ kit? On the other hand, maybe I’m a masochist who thrives off my clothes being uncomfortable but looking good.

“It’s how I express myself” is also a phrase I hear A LOT when it comes to fashion. You can express yourself in fashion through so many different avenues. Social media has provided us with that wealth. University, unfortunately, is not that space; it is a place where workplace professionals and prosperous employers are often perusing the grounds for events or guest lecturing. I personally would be distraught if I turned up to a job interview in two years’ time and the person on the opposite side of the table was someone who I interacted with whilst wearing my finest Peter Alexander threads. Presentation unfortunately does matter more than we want to admit. Ask yourself...would it leave a bad taste in your mouth if you were on the opposite end of that experience?

Although it seems as though I am someone who would cringe at the thought of a PJ parade on campus, I have been hypocritical to my own criticisms. Being so overwhelmed during Semester One exams, I proceeded to wear my bed track pants to campus on a double exam day and then...the Tav. We all fall victim to it at one point in our life. Sometimes, it really is all too much and when you have to cram three lectures and four weeks’ worth of tutorial notes into thirty minutes; making a fashion statement is the last thing on your mind. In the end, those days are few and far between. You can be comfy and cozy on campus without having to show everyone your latest avocado-covered Oodie. We also have Instagram stories for a reason! Go flex your maximum comfort levels on there.