You stay up until 4 a.m. studying for a midterm, only to sleep through your cell phone alarm and wake up with just five minutes to get ready and sprint to class in time to take your test. Or maybe you decide to take a quick nap before that hot date, which of course turns into a several-hour affair, and you get up with barely five minutes left to primp and preen. Uh oh.

If you’ve repeatedly found yourself in one of these scenarios, and know it’ll happen again, you’re already familiar with the fear that comes with the realization that you need to put yourself together in just minutes. But with a few sneaky tips, you can leave your room looking cool and composed, no matter where you’re heading, in just five minutes. Here’s how:

Class

Okay, I’m going to be honest: it’s a bit tough to get out the door in five minutes without a little preparation beforehand. Life and wellness coach Andrea Gaines recommended the three P’s: “Planning plus preparation equals progress.” For example, if you’re not a morning person, you should probably shower at night (unless you’re trying to bring back the grunge look.). And if you’re indecisive, it helps to have at least a vague idea of what you’re wearing. Now, stop hitting snooze, get your pre-showered self out of bed and follow these tips to help you get out the door and into your lecture hall seat in less time than it takes to move through the line at Norbucks.

• Don’t be afraid to incorporate your PJs into your class outfit. If you’re already wearing leggings, toss a dress over them. If you’re wearing a t-shirt, throw on some skinny jeans underneath.
• “Wear something Northwestern-ish, like a Northwestern hoodie, because that’s always in style,” suggested Weinberg senior Chelsea Thompson.
• You don’t need makeup for class. Seriously. Don’t put on makeup before you go to class.
• If you must wear makeup to class, wear only the bare minimum. Mascara and Chapstick should do it.
• “If you don’t have time for a shower, put your hair in braids,” recommended Weinberg freshman Eliza Epstein. Braided pigtails are always cute, and they’ll disguise any disastrous state your hair might be in.
• Wear shoes you don’t have to tie or buckle, like boots, flats, or Velcro sneakers (not really. You’re not five anymore).
• Jewelery will trick people into thinking you’re more put together than you really are. If you have a favorite piece or two, accessorize your outfit for an effortless but effective touch of style.
• Keep quick breakfast items like cereal bars and bottled water in your room so you can stuff them in your bag and go, Gaines suggested.
• Brush your teeth! This is one step you shouldn’t cut out. As Gaines says, “You’ve got to take care of you and then you’ll be more successful at work.”

A Date

It’s easy enough to look presentable in five minutes — the real challenge is in looking good. Luckily, most dates are in the early evening, so at least you should already be washed and brushed by the time you’re getting ready to hit the town. Here’s the rest of the drill:

• Before you start rushing and fumbling around trying to get everything done in time, Gaines recommended a moment of quiet reflection – just take a deep breath to calm yourself down, so that you don’t end up putting your shoes on the wrong feet or falling down the stairs of the dorm on your way out.
• A dress is the easiest way to go — but spiff it up a bit with tights and boots. Wear something that makes you feel good about yourself, Gaines suggested. “Comfortable is more important than dressing to the nines.” You can never go wrong with an empire-waisted dress – they’re tightest at your thinnest point and flow away from your midsection, meaning you can comfortably eat as much as you want on that dinner date and no one will be the wiser.
• Now, the hair. If you’re having a bad hair day and your scalp is going to need some major attention before going out in public, try throwing it up into an artfully messy bun. If your hair is still presentable, brush it out and wear it down. Either style should only take about a minute.
• Date makeup is certainly different from class makeup, but you can still look nice using fewer products than you think. Gaines recommended always having a “five minute face” at the ready: Start with tinted moisturizer, add some powder, a little bit of blush, dark eyeliner and mascara, and you’re done.
• Use your last minute to accessorize. Put on some jewelery or a scarf, grab your purse and your favorite coat, and have a great time.

A Party
Again, slow down. “One deep breath can be like a conscious meditation, getting you grounded and in the present moment,” Gaines said. You’re just going to a party. It’ll probably be dark and sweaty, so no one will notice you spent way less time than everyone else getting ready anyways. Don’t you feel better already?

• Dressing for a party isn’t the same as for a date. Pants and a cute top are the way to go — when you’re already in a rush, you’ll avoid any potential party mishaps by skipping the skirt or dress.
• Heels are a poor choice when you’re in a dash. Instead, choose a wedge that’s cute and dressy but a little more practical than your favorite pair of stilettos.
• Parties are usually hot and crowded; therefore, some kind of updo, like a low ponytail with a headband, is probably the best option. By putting your hair up, you can avoid flat or frizzy, sweaty hair at the end of the night.
• Add glam in seconds by putting on a pair of big flashy earrings. They do wonders.
• In terms of makeup, go for maximum impact with minimum effort. Shannon Whinery of Benefit Cosmetics Boutique recommended using a dual cheek and lip stain to save time. Blush can always double as a lip stain — just throw on some lip gloss or Chapstick on top.

Now, get out of the dorm and have some fun! You probably needed the extra 30 minutes of sleep anyhow, and no one will ever know that you didn’t spend hours getting ready.