How to dress as a graduate student

Grad student outfits of a week by portrait-of-a-girl 

Well I was trying to figure out how to dress as a graduate student, so I compiled a set of outfits to help myself. This is obviously based on my style preferences, but it takes into consideration the dress codes that a graduate student should swear by. For example, modest clothing, closed shoes, nothing too flashy.

1. This is a simple outfit with a black t-shirt paired with acid wash denims. Olive green is a very "in" color now, so I added a jacket in that shade. Also the flat ankle booties are super cool. A simple black and white tote, a watch and some eyeglasses complete the look.

2. This one has a preppier feel to it with a cream printed collared blouse and a luxe maroon pleated skirt. Tights add the necessary demureness but with a fun polka print. Brown oxfords and satchel bag are simple and elegant. Paired with a mustard cocoon cardigan, bib necklace and band ring this look is complete.

3. I love a simple knit sweater to brave the cold, especially when it is in a lovely pastel hue. Teamed with printed trousers and white ankle booties and a white infinity scarf, it creates a comfy outfit. A pastel colored bucket bag, stone ring and eyeglasses are the perfect accessories to wrap up this look.

4. For the flirty woman in you, try this nude belted skater dress which is simply paired up with a contrasting coat. Gray tights keep the legs warm with a cheeky dash of romance with the red hearts. Coral flats and a black saddle bag are all you need to finish this look.

5. Look effortlessly chic in boyfriend jeans and a gray pocket tee by throwing over a printed blazer over it. A layered metal necklace, and stacking rings pimp up the style quotient, whilst ombre sneakers make it more work appropriate. A cream oval handbag completes this look.

Mixing it up in the morning

Breakfast can be convenient to skip if you're in a hurry to head out to school or work, but finding recipes that are quick and easy to make, can be a blessing. For all the people who are not lucky to be employed in a high-paying job, dishes need to be cheap but filling. Although I am not saying that bacon and hash browns are not tasty, healthier options are obviously much better for you and your waistline. But the 'deliciousness' factor is easily the most important for me, because a yummy bite in the morning can give you a cheerful mood to start the day. Here are five of my favorite breakfast ideas.

Granola and yogurt parfait:

Make your own granola by mixing oats with maple syrup/honey/agave and some melted butter and microwaving it on medium for 5 mins. I like add-ins like: chopped almonds, desiccated coconut, dried cranberries or cinnamon. Layer unsweetened greek yogurt and granola in a bowl with fresh fruit- I love berries- and gobble.

Overnight oatmeal:

Oats are probably the rulers in the quick and healthy breakfast world. Just mix oats, milk, maple syrup/honey/agave, chia seeds and vanilla in a container and keep it in the fridge overnight. You can add in flavors like- cocoa powder, peanut butter, jam, spices- too. In the morning it will be a delicious pudding consistency. Top with fruit, nuts, or anything you fancy. Then apply to face. 

Savory oatmeal with egg:

Cook oatmeal in water. Season generously. Add in chopped fresh stuff- herbs, scallions, tomato, jalapenos; and other flavors like soy sauce, curry powder, hot sauce, soup base, chinese seasoning etc. Leftover vegetables and cheese can also be thrown in. Top it off with a egg and poach it in the same pan. Sprinkle over some herbs before stuffing it down your gob. Also can be made with polenta or quinoa.

Egg tostada with salsa:

In a lightly greased pan, toast a plain tortilla. Turn it over and crack an egg on it, then season well. Add any chopped herbs like cilantro, chives or scallions. Take it out on a plate and top it with chunky salsa and a dollop of yogurt. You can also add jalapenos, black beans, avocados or cheese if you'd like to before praising the heavens for such a delicious bite. This can also be done on a pita bread.

Cottage cheese bruschetta:

Toast sliced bread. Mix cottage cheese with salt/pepper or honey depending on whether you want it savory or sweet. Spread on toasted bread and top with slices of whatever you want. Tomato, onion or peas would be good for a savory bite and berries, banana or mango would be a good sweet option. Top with chopped mint or basil. Toasted flax seeds would go great on this too.