Comfort: (n.) Something or someone that provides relief from pain or anxiety; something that makes one feel physically relaxed.

Comfort is a picturesque aspect of life we all want to achieve. Whether it is with a person or an item of clothing, we have this idealistic view of what "comfort" really is. Romantically, I see that many people hang on to what is familiar, simply because it has become comfortable — even if they know deep down it's not right.

Is it starting over that scares us? Or is it simply losing what is secure and established? We immerse ourselves in a feeling of familiarity, not because it's what we truly want or need, but because it's easy.

It is that same ease that plays a vital role in the way we dress. For many of us, getting stuck in a rut of sweatpants and hoodies is not uncommon. We want to achieve that same comfy, relaxed feeling from the outside in. However, we forget that not only are our style choices a projection of how we feel, but similarly they are a reflection of an attitude that we then inadvertently adopt. Even if you are lucky enough to recognize the situation, it is hard to see the fault in it — and therein lies the problem.

Being comfortable becomes such a way of life that we don't even realize the effect it's having. Constantly being so stressed out and distracted causes us to lose track of ourselves. Being "comfy" consequently generates a lackadaisical attitude, which can actually make you lose motivation and energy rather than simply displacing it.

That's not to say that your University of Wisconsin sweatpants or velour Juicy Couture bottoms will lead to your failed exam, but certainly placing yourself in that initial frame of mind will not help. Actually taking the time to put yourself together, even a little bit more than you normally would, gives you a sense of appreciation for yourself, while simultaneously producing energy. When you are dressed to take on the world — rather than your bed, futon or both — your whole attitude changes. Feeling good about yourself and having a positive attitude and outlook not only raise your spirits and confidence, but your grades as well.

Now, I would not expect you to show up to College Library wearing a prom dress, but putting yourself together rather than just embracing your inner grunge will pay off in the long run. Psychology teaches us that when situations are mimicked enough, they are more likely to become routine and stay in our long-term memory. This means that if you constantly study in your PJs, then that association will be lost when you show up to the test wearing actual clothes. No, you're not going to do horribly because you put jeans on, but that change from comfy to collected switches your mindset (something that would be more beneficial if kept constant).

Don't get me wrong. I have always been a T-shirt and sweats kind of girl — who doesn't love being comfortable? I've just started to recognize that there is a time to be at ease and a time to take yourself a little more seriously. When the two blur, everything else seems to as well. We become so dependent on the idea of ease that we lose track of why we even wanted or needed it in the first place. So many of us just sleepwalk through our lives that we don't even realize we're asleep. The only way to wake ourselves up and break out of that rut is to take the initiative to make a change.

We also need to recognize that clothing is neither the source of the problem, nor the solution — it is merely one aspect of the situation. We're on the home stretch now, back from spring break with only four-and-a-half weeks left until summer. Now more than ever, we need to wake up. Summer will be here soon enough, if this cold front ever passes, and that will be a great time just to relax. For now, make these next few weeks count, and step out of your comfort zone.

Sydney Burdick is a freshman intending to major in fashion journalism. Having anxiety about leaving your fashion comfort zone? Direct your questions or comments to [email protected].