Dressing Down

Forget “look good, feel good” because “look comfortable, feel comfortable” is here to stay.

Dressing down is easy. You don’t have to worry about matching your comfy clothes and you definitely don’t have to worry about adjusting them during class.

Sure, your high waisted shorts and perfectly tucked in blouse look great, but how do those shorts feel when you sit down for a two hour lecture and realize they’re digging into your stomach and all of a sudden you’re debating whether or not it’s appropriate to unbutton them for the rest of class?

Next, people don’t remember if you wore the same sweatshirt to class three days ago. They do remember that really elaborate outfit you wore yesterday though so good luck trying to repeat it soon.

That said, you have plenty of fresh new outfits to pull out when it actually matters (on the weekends).

Dressing down equals body confidence. The whole “i’m not skinny enough for crop tops” thing doesn’t exist when you dress down because your flowy, breathable outfit doesn’t care.

Also, trends schmends. I don’t have to worry whether or not my Nike shorts are “so last year” because they definitely are, and frankly no one on campus will be able to tell.

Not to mention last time I tried to wear a pair of trendy bohemian pants to class I tripped over them, fell flat on my face and shattered my phone screen. Dressing up is dangerous, people.

I’m lucky if I’m able to make it to my morning classes on time with pants on. Trying to find the perfect skirt, shirt and matching jewelry is a waste of precious time when I can just grab a pair of yoga pants and any shirt in a matter of 30 seconds.

This is college, not the red carpet.

– Hailey Novak, Op/Ed Editor

Dressing up

Yes, we’re in college. Yes, we’re all busy. No, that does not mean appearance doesn’t matter.

In this world, we pass judgements and make assumptions based on first impressions. You don’t want your first impression to be of laziness and sloppiness.

As tempting as it is to throw on sweatpants and a sweatshirt to early morning classes, I never allow myself to do that.

You might as well sleep through your class if you’re not going to show up to class ready to learn. And I’m definitely not showing my classmates or professor I’m ready to learn when I’m nodding off in the middle of a lecture, cocooned in my warm, fleece-lined clothing.

College is essentially the door to more opportunities later in life. Every day, by simply showing up to class, we can learn so much. I could never fathom snoozing through all of the endless possibilities found in learning, and in impressing our professors who could make or break your future success. Why throw it away?

A college campus may not be the place for heels or a skirt (as much as I wish it were at times), but it is certainly a place where you should put your best foot forward — and that includes proper dress.

On top of that, fashion allows for self expression. After all of those middle school and high school years spent trying to impress others by rocking the latest trends, college is a relief.

I’m free to wear my geeky Peter Pan collared shirts and cardigans whenever I want, because hey, my style is just “nerdy chic.” And that’s OK, because I’m being who I am, and representing one aspect of my personality.

I don’t know what you’re trying to tell the world about yourself other than that you’re probably lazy if you choose to dress down every single day of the week.

– Sami West, Currents Editor