Rush Hour Radiance

BY Hala Idrees

You open your eyes to bright sun rays, well rested, and roll over to check your phone. Huh? How did you manage to snooze your ten alarms? Waking up is a nightmare; your day's precedent has been set. With less than 20 minutes, you grab what you can and run into the elevator, only to meet someone who looks like they just stepped out of a Vogue editorial. All the while, your eye twitches as you continue to wake up. Sleeping in is a luxury Westphal students cannot have for their 9 AMs. 

Drexel's Westphal students are not here to play around. Walking into any URBN Center classroom and looking around, you'll find inspiration from about 25 perfectly curated outfits with no flaws whatsoever. Each ensemble is unique in its aesthetic, but the motivation behind each look is the same: the importance of self-expression. Your outfit is like a resume. No pressure… 

If you're anything like me, you'll never sacrifice thirty extra minutes of sleep for a non-rushed morning routine. I need my beauty sleep. But I'll never sacrifice getting ready for my 9 AMs, either. Why would I? I would rather look good and be sleep-deprived instead of being sleep-deprived. As your day continues after 9 AM, you'll be thankful you took those extra few minutes to take the time to get ready instead of wearing sweats.  

You don't need to sacrifice your comfort to look good. Ever. In fact, your mood and overall behavior will experience a positive boost by taking the time to uplift yourself. Don't have the energy to spend hours curating a look? No problem. I'll help you radiate your best self externally without compromising sleep or energy.  

1.) Rise and Shine

Your mornings start by snoozing your alarm approximately two times. Or maybe 5… you're not a morning person, no matter how much you try. But that's okay, no judgment here. You still need to make it to your classes, though, even if it is at 9 AM. An unconventional trick that forces me out of bed is refusing to completely stop my alarm so it keeps ringing every eight minutes with the same unbearable jingle. Bonus points if you get an extra eight minutes of sleep between each ring.  

No, but seriously, getting out of bed is no joke. It's also the most challenging part; the rest is light work once you conquer this. Put on a fluffy robe to help combat chilly mornings, and hydrate as soon as you wake up. Remember you're doing this for your future self, who will thank you for self-care. Being comfy as you get ready is a priority because you'll crawl back into bed if anything is off. Robes, matching PJs, and fuzzy slippers are your best friends.

2.) Makeup or Make It Up

Let's be clear here - no one NEEDS makeup. Your face is the one thing that does not need to be done because even eye bags can be an accessory if you present yourself with an attitude that shows you don't see them as an issue. But, for me, they simply aren't one. I WANT makeup.  

By low effort, I mean zero effort. You'll need four things. Mascara, a bold lip liner (I always go for a red or brown), a matching lipstick, and berry blush. A bold lip with perfect lashes and flushed cheek is the easiest way to look still like you tried when you didn't. You can start by taking the time to prep your skin with a good moisturizer. This will be the base for the rest of your products to glide on for the perfect non-effort makeup look. Then, use your fingertips to warm up cream blush on the back of your hand. Apply it softly on the high points of your cheek and then blend up. Even if you have no sleep, use your dark circles as an accessory for your eyes. There's no need to cover them up. Instead, curl your lashes and apply a lengthening mascara to draw attention to your eyes and make you look more awake. Finally, tie this look together by lining your lips with a dark brown lip liner, and then use your favorite pink lipstick in the middle. It may take five minutes to put together, but people will ask you for your lip combo all day.  

3.) Fluff It Up

Hair can often be the most challenging part of getting ready because it's sometimes impossible to get it to do what you want. With the right outfit, your hair won't even matter. But, when in doubt, volumize. Slap some dry shampoo on and use your fingers to volumize your roots while flipping it upside down. Your hair will look good as long as it has some texture.  

However, bad hair days are a thing, so if all else fails, a nice hat will fix it all. As someone with naturally curly hair, my hair has a mind of its own and only performs when it feels like it. No matter how tangled your tresses are, a fluffy hat will be the perfect solution to even the worst hair troubles. If it still looks and feels awful, you could always go for a quick claw clip updo or a low pulled-back bun. It's cozy and chic, exactly what we're going for, with the most minimal effort required.  

4.) Fitted Up

Some people decide their outfits the night before, and some throw them on five minutes before heading out the door. If you're reading this article, you clearly are the second type of person. My roommate swears we absolutely can't wear sweatpants to class. The reality is that we totally could. There's nothing rational stopping us. Who said sweats can't be an outfit in and of itself? Invest in cute sweat sets if you want a completely low-maintenance outfit. They're so easy to throw on, look amazing, and come in colors other than black, grey, and navy. Buy a soft ribbed light pink sweatsuit, then accessorize with a chain necklace and your favorite big earrings. To maximize comfort, throw on your favorite platform sneakers and then grab your sunglasses, ready to take on the day. You don't have to dress for show but do dress for your two pm selves.  

But, if you absolutely CANNOT wear sweats to class, you can still have an extravagant outfit and be completely comfortable. Staple shoes like colorful sneakers or long leather boots are essential; I always go for my platform Doc Martens, which goes with everything and adds a good one inch to my height. Even wearing just a simple white tee and jeans, you can easily dress it up with fun shoes, a skinny scarf, and chunky jewelry. Jewelry is another thing that can easily elevate an outfit. I like mixing metals and different chains and colors to draw more attention. When I have no time to think about an outfit, I tend to grab the loudest-looking items I own to avoid looking for extra accessories. A long jean skirt and a funky printed skirt with some leg warmer and platform Uggs have been my go-to as the weather worsens. Don't be afraid of color, and don't be afraid of mixing patterns. The more you play around with mixing and matching, the more you'll find our outfit voice, as I like to call it. You don't need to follow an aesthetic; go with what feels best and most like you. 

5.) Out the Door

WOW! All ready, and it only took you, what, maybe 30 minutes? Getting ready does not need to be a chore. It's a form of self-care and self-preservation. No one HAS to get ready for class, but doing so will heighten serotonin levels for the remainder of the day so you can look your best and, hopefully, eventually feel it too.  

These tips may seem simple, but embracing the process of getting ready for your day is a powerful act of self-love. Each minute you spend on yourself is an act of self-love and will only nurture the essence of who you are. It's not only about looking good; it's about unlocking the energy within you that radiates positivity for the rest of the day. It's always within you; I hope you can showcase that positivity outward as well!