Hello, blog readers! I’ve actually lifted my head from my mass media law textbook to show some long-overdue TLC to The Darcy Diaries. The countdown to graduation is just about as nail-biting as it gets, but I’m remaining optimistic as I keep my eyes peeled for post-grad opportunities and soak up my (numbered) months of college town life.

During these busy-but-exciting days and weeks, it’s sometimes hard to justify putting tons of thought into my fashion decisions, but that doesn’t mean I can’t have a little bit of fun with my ensembles (even if I’m hunched over my computer most of the day). Here are some of my favorite style staples as of lately that I feel will withstand my looming closet purge/apartment clean-out session and will carry me into the rest of the semester — and the next chapter.

1. Tortoiseshell anything and everything

There’s something about tortoiseshell that speaks to me on a spiritual level. I snagged this pair of tortoise earrings (pictured below) at a weekend street fair somewhere in the West Village this summer, and they’ve translated seamlessly to my campus attire. From sunglasses to purses and all kinds of accessories, tortoiseshell looks chic no matter how it’s styled. (Honestly, if you told me I could get a tortoiseshell kitchen utensil, I probably would.) Needless to say, it’s good to know this pattern isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

2. Fun blazer

A blazer that isn’t reserved for class presentations or formal meetings? What a concept! If you told me during my freshman year that I would wake up and make a conscious decision to walk around campus wearing a blazer *for fun,* I probably wouldn’t have believed you — but the tables have turned, and turns out, you can look professional and put-together while being comfortable and keeping the effort level realistic.

3. Jumpsuits > Dresses

Just like Van Halen said “Might as well jump,” I usually say “Might as well jump(suit).” (Just kidding — I’ve never actually said that out loud.) But in all seriousness, ever since jumpsuits made a comeback, I’ve been hooked. Most of my weekdays are a combination of classes with meetings in the evening, and I sometimes don’t have time to go back to my apartment during the day. Jumpsuits are the perfect solution to even the craziest days, because they make a for a sophisticated look — but, in my opinion, they’re way more comfortable than wearing a dress all day.

4. Versatile tote bag

On days where I simply don’t need to lug around multiple textbooks or notebooks, opting for a tote bag (like this one pictured below) instantly makes me feel like a, well — grown-up. Sometimes, my backpack can seem like a black hole where I end up storing loads of unnecessary things (or tchotchkes); By the end of the week, I’ll have stacks of Post-Its in every color at the bottom of the bag, or pieces of gum that got smooshed by pens or notebooks. However, with this (reversible!) tote bag, it’s easier to stay organized (and not overload it with extra items). This baby will definitely be staying by my side after graduation.

5. Tennis shoes that aren’t for working out

It’s 2019, which means (a lot of things, but mostly) it’s now socially acceptable to wear sneakers with non-athletic clothes! Honestly, thank God — because happy feet = happy life. This cloud-like pair from Adidas has held up incredibly well, even after I wore them almost nonstop this past summer in NYC, which is impressive.

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Here’s to ~making it work~ in the home stretch of my time as an undergrad!

Until next time,

Darcy

PS: What would you like to see next on The Darcy Diaries? Leave a comment below.