A fashionista speaks
Katherine Fernholz
Issue date: 2/26/09 Section: Columns
For twelve years, my options of clothes to wear to school were limited. My excitement rarely exceeded picking out which color polo I wanted to wear. Along with my polo emblazoned with my school's crest and plaid, pleated skirt, I never truly got to choose what I wore every day.
College was eye-opening for me, in that I could wear whatever I wanted to class each day. No one disciplined me for wearing socks that were hidden by my shoes or pointed out that the t-shirt under my polo was visible. College allowed endless opportunities for what I could wear to class, and from day, one I jumped at the chance to dress up in whatever I wanted. Little did I know, this campus would not stray far from sweats and gym shoes every day.
I believe that how you dress is a message to the world. When I see people who come to class in ratty t-shirts and pajama pants, clearly slept in, I think that screams to the class, "I only showed up for participation points." I don't care to sit next to someone who doesn't even have the decency to shower. I just do not understand why students on campus are resistant to putting on a pulled-together outfit.
I have heard the argument that "it's more comfortable" to be in big sweatshirts and sport shorts. I don't buy it. Why would I choose to wear something every day that is intolerable and confining? You show me a pair of yoga pants and I will show you a dress that is more comfortable.
After more than a decade of wearing the same, monotonous outfit every day, I longed for an opportunity to break free. After three years of refusing to resort to gym clothes as appropriate attire for class, I have been met with confused looks, thousands of questions asking why, and few companions who agree with my mentality.
So, for the handful of us who continue to dress up and look presentable at class, I commend you. For those of you who don't believe in regular showers and the importance of wearing "uncomfortable" clothes, do not judge me for wanting to look nice. All I ask is that one day you try out a pair of jeans, with a nice top. Watch as your posture improves ever so slightly, and I bet you'll like it more than you think.
College was eye-opening for me, in that I could wear whatever I wanted to class each day. No one disciplined me for wearing socks that were hidden by my shoes or pointed out that the t-shirt under my polo was visible. College allowed endless opportunities for what I could wear to class, and from day, one I jumped at the chance to dress up in whatever I wanted. Little did I know, this campus would not stray far from sweats and gym shoes every day.
I believe that how you dress is a message to the world. When I see people who come to class in ratty t-shirts and pajama pants, clearly slept in, I think that screams to the class, "I only showed up for participation points." I don't care to sit next to someone who doesn't even have the decency to shower. I just do not understand why students on campus are resistant to putting on a pulled-together outfit.
I have heard the argument that "it's more comfortable" to be in big sweatshirts and sport shorts. I don't buy it. Why would I choose to wear something every day that is intolerable and confining? You show me a pair of yoga pants and I will show you a dress that is more comfortable.
After more than a decade of wearing the same, monotonous outfit every day, I longed for an opportunity to break free. After three years of refusing to resort to gym clothes as appropriate attire for class, I have been met with confused looks, thousands of questions asking why, and few companions who agree with my mentality.
So, for the handful of us who continue to dress up and look presentable at class, I commend you. For those of you who don't believe in regular showers and the importance of wearing "uncomfortable" clothes, do not judge me for wanting to look nice. All I ask is that one day you try out a pair of jeans, with a nice top. Watch as your posture improves ever so slightly, and I bet you'll like it more than you think.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Ashley Knotts
posted 2/27/09 @ 2:25 PM EST
Right on!
essay editing
posted 1/09/10 @ 12:38 PM EST
I completely agree with the author!
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