The post athlete, “I have to wear real clothes” life hits pretty hard, and it can be a major adjustment for the girls who have worn team apparel and a messy bun every day for the past twelve years. The devastating realization that you have no excuse to wear sweatpants and slider flip-flops to the grocery store without looking homeless is a moment that all former athletes never forget. Suddenly, we’re expected to have skills that other girls acquired over years of meticulous hair straightening and makeup-tutorial watching while we were busting our asses on the baseline in basketball shorts and a messy bun.

It may be too late to make up for missed years, but there are a couple short cuts we can use to fake it!

1. The bun lives on

The twisted bun, either low and parted, or plopped on top of the head is always a good choice for the female athlete with a ton of hair; not only is it quick to do between whistles, but it keeps everything back and out of the way. Well it also has another purpose- one that we have been too busy rushing between practices to realize. The twisted bun actually yields beautiful waves! Throw up your hair before bed, throw some hair spray in, and wake up with a hairstyle!

2. Dress up with Nike Pros

Let's be honest here. After all those days in huddles, on bleachers, and in huge baggy shorts, we do not know how to sit "lady like", which makes getting dressed for parties/special occasions a bit stressful and very embarrassing! Luckily, Nike Pros are there for us as they always have been. Slip a pair on under a dress or skirt, and you wont have to worry about a Marilyn Monroe slip!

3. Sparkly Nail Polish

Current athletes probably get the most benefit from this little tip. Sparkles are the best asset to the nail polish for girls who don't have the time or patience to do their nails neatly or get them done. Unlike a solid color that reveals every trace or asymmetry when not applied right, sparkles' abstract pattern makes the clips and subtle flaws almost undetectable!

4. Black EyeShadow

There are hundreds of videos on how to make you eyelashes look longer with everythign from the mascara to use to how to operate those creepy eyelash curling contraptions. Save yourself the time and aggravation by adding a drop of black eyeshadow to the corner of your eyes! Make your eyelashes look longer, and your eyes look bigger!

If I had more tips, this transition probably would be much easier for me, too, but hopefully these help you get started!