Online learning gives students new fashion options

Raylene Lopez
Staff Writer

Business on top, lounge wear on the bottom seems to be the new quarantine fashion trend as most classrooms and businesses have switched to online platforms during the coronavirus pandemic – at least according to fashion experts and lay people working virtually. 

This trend has taken off with so much force that retailers such as Walmart are seeing an increase in sales on tops, but not bottoms, according to Yahoo Finance.

Why dress your bottom half if it’s not appearing live on screen? 

Barbara Bundy, Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising vice president of education, said they are encouraging faculty and students at FIDM to emulate campus life at home.

“When you roll out of bed and you turn on your computer, you don’t feel the same as if you jumped in the shower and put on a pair of jeans and a cute sweater,” Bundy said.

While she believes there is some leeway in appearance, she stresses how putting on a blouse or button up and tidying up your hair makes a world of a difference. Bundy says boosting your appearance also boosts morale.

“If you look professional, you act professional,” said Bundy.

Marisela Gutierrez, senior kinesiology major, said she makes sure to wear makeup to boost her self confidence whenever she has work meetings.

“I am professional when I need to be and I accentuate that and I express that in my meetings,” Gutierrez said. 

Outside of meetings, Gutierrez typically opts for leggings and casual tops instead. She encourages others to do the same for the perfect mix of comfortable and stylish.

“I have been trying to diversify my hairstyles, like braiding,” said Gutierrez. 

Alasia Parra, freshman creative writing major, has several hair styles she typically chooses from, such as a more clean cut style like a slicked back bun, two low back facing ponytails, or just her natural curl.

“I keep my hair done like I always would because I am going to see my teachers on Zoom,” said Parra. 

She said she is also finding herself reaching for her newer and nicer tops rather than her older or more relaxed shirts because her upper half is what is being seen on the screen. However, Parra said she tends to remain in her pajama pants for maximum comfort since her bottom half is out of sight.

“I feel like the best thing someone can do during Zoom classes is go comfy, but also put in a little effort to be awake and present,” said Jasmine Almaraz, junior psychology major.

Almaraz said she has been embracing her natural beauty during quarantine, but that a little effort can still go a long way.

“I haven’t really been into the full gram of makeup for class, but when I put on any, it’s a little concealer and mascara,” said Almaraz.

Outlets like the Daily Mail have been encouraging readers to find a middle ground between fashionable and comfortable when it comes to online meetings. For example, pairing leggings or bicycle shorts with a blouse while using accessories can boost your appearance, as well as light makeup to accentuate your features.

For more outfit ideas tailored to specific online meetings such as family events, classes or date nights visit the Daily Mail’s best fashion tips for online meetings here.

Raylene Lopez can be reached at raylene.lopez@laverne.edu.

Raylene Lopez
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