Most people don't want to think about their outfit as they struggle out of bed before a 9 a.m. class.

Many wear what is functional, like gym clothes. However, adding a few key pieces to any wardrobe is an easy way to look presentable for everyday activities.

Various downtown retailers aim to sell clothes for both going out and going to class. At Connections, 130 S. Allen St., employee Carley Strauss (junior-marketing) thinks wearing comfortable T-shirts with stretch jeans is a much better option than "bumming around in SoLows [stretch yoga pants]."

Jen Hoffman, fashion editor for Valley Magazine, suggests investing in a few key pieces -- graphic T-shirts, fitted workout pants, unique sneakers and colorful scarves -- as an easy way to add class to any wardrobe.

"Adding in those pieces is a great way to look good without sacrificing function," she said.

Leggings, commonly worn by girls to class, look best with button-up shirtdresses, especially when paired with a belt, Erica Larson, an employee at Sydney Mac, 115 E. Beaver Ave., said.

Liz Dawson, an employee at Access, 224 E. College Ave., loves sweatpants, but thinks that looking more presentable can be easy.

She suggests wearing skinny or boyfriend-cut jeans with a V-neck shirt and cardigan, saying the look is "cute and comfy."

Wearing a sundress and flip-flops is quick and easy when the weather is still warm, she added.

And then there are the small things.

Larson, 18, of State College, said she thinks the right accessories, including bangle bracelets and stud earrings, can be paired with jeans to spice up any outfit.

Larson said that preparation before the morning hours is also important.

"When I only have five minutes to go, I pull out jeans and my go-to tops, which I put in the front of my closet so I'm not scrambling looking for them," she said.

Expensive jackets are also worth the splurge to conceal fashion mistakes, she said, especially during the winter months.

"If you put a cute jacket on and never take it off, no one will know you're wearing an ugly T-shirt underneath," Larson said.

Nicole Chavlovich, an employee at Mr. Charles, 228 E. College Ave., says jackets are useful for pulling together an outfit when paired with a T-shirt and jeans.

Chazlovich, Class of 2009, also recommended wearing leggings with an oversized sweater over a T-shirt or paired with a vest as a good option for class.

She said that Mr. Charles is

getting in its new stock of fall sweaters right now, and they are great to wear to class with skinny jeans.

"Skinny jeans are really in this fall," she said.

"I haven't seen any wide-legs in stock."

Strauss expects flannels and blazers to stay in style for layering over T-shirts through the fall.

But the leggings and stockings trend may finally be over, she said.

"A good outfit for fall would be comfortable jeans, a button-up shirt and a black blazer with flats," she said.

"Sadly, I don't think State College will ever get rid of Uggs."

To e-mail reporter: arg5116@psu.edu