When Easter term rolls around and the seemingly endless days of revision commence, many of us may revert from our meticulously executed Sidge girlie outfits to the comfort of joggers and hoodies. But consider transforming the mundane task of dressing into a deliberate act of curating a meaningful outfit, and it may offer you a renewed source of motivation for the day ahead.

Just to be clear, this is certainly not intended to slander those who choose the ultimate convenience and comfort of loungewear. Some of my most effective study sessions have taken place in pyjamas with my hair marinating in a coconut and shea mask. That said, when the days begin to blur – only distinguished by a change of library – it is precisely in these routine stretches that overlooked parts of the morning can be reworked with a spark.

“So unleash your wardrobe’s statement pieces, whether that be in the Squire library or West Hub”

While you may not be planning your outfit for a whimsical picnic in Grantchester or an eccentric outdoor concert, this doesn’t stop you from dressing as if you are attending such locations. In many ways, the simplicity and reliability of library days offer the perfect opportunity to experiment more with your clothes. Experimentation with fashion does not require wearing something particularly eclectic or bold. It’s about trying something out that is new to you. This could mean whipping out your cowboy boots from the Eras tour, pairing them with a delicate linen dress, or you could dig out a satin bandana from last summer’s music festival and repurpose it as a cute belt or bag accessory.

Simple additions like these not only add some flair to the ordinary library fit, but may even help develop your personal style without breaking the bank with a new, unnecessary wardrobe. If you feel uncertain and pushed out of your comfort zone with these outfits, trying them out for a day at the library is the perfect chance to discover how you feel. With everyone else so focused on their own academic crises, there’s even less pressure, especially if you’re an outfit-overthinker – I for one certainly am! So unleash your wardrobe’s statement pieces, whether that be in the Squire library or West Hub.

Moreover, styling goes beyond just putting clothes on your body. The process of applying makeup, stacking your jewellery or spraying your favourite perfume can be a therapeutic experience that offers a moment of calm before the storm of securing a library seat. I find the process of following the same makeup routine every day particularly grounding. Equally, the endless library days also offer the opportunity to experiment with new makeup looks. Instead of leaving that makeup look that you have in mind for May Ball until the big day, why not try it out for your next lock-in session, instead of risking a last-minute panic? So revive that fifty-shade eyeshadow palette from 2016 and try out that glamorous eye makeup that has been sitting in your Pinterest board!

“Experimentation with fashion may just offer you a boost of dopamine to get you through the tedious study days”

With people-watching being one of my top procrastination activities, I took it upon myself to identify some of my favourite outfits spotted in the libraries of Cambridge for some inspiration. With the sunny weather finally upon us, the maxi skirt was particularly popular, and for good reason. The flowing fabric offers plenty of opportunity to feel dressed up and stylish, while achieving comfort and breathability in the summer heat. With a vast range of details from stripes to embroidery, the maxi skirt is a wardrobe staple which can also be tailored to your specific style. The wide variety of footwear also caught my eye - with delicate ballet flats, suede loafers and the well-loved Doc Martens all treading through Arc cafe.

While the focus so far has been on finding small moments of joy through styling yourself, the central principle is really one of intentionality. It’s about taking the time in the morning to consciously enjoy the process of curating an outfit for the day. It’s also about finding fun ways to express yourself when it may feel like you are going slightly insane and losing a sense of who you are amid the stress of exam season.

The library is your oyster; go all out, rock up in towering heels, with an ombre cut-crease and that scandalous lace dress, or turn up in your comfort joggers and fave oversized t-shirt. It’s about whatever makes you feel like your best self today. Experimentation with fashion may just offer you a boost of dopamine to get you through the tedious study days. And who knows, maybe your outfit will be the next one that catches my eye while doing some all-important people-watching.