One of the most overlooked questions that young college-bound seniors ask is “What type of clothing should I bring to college?” For many, the answer is something along the lines of “whatever makes you comfortable.” I do agree that comfort should be your ultimate goal, but it is simply not true to believe that looking good and being comfortable are mutually exclusive. I believe that dressing nicely should not be something you only do when there is an event that calls for it.
Unless you are exclusively wearing skinny jeans and slim fit shirts, there should be no reason to believe that dressing well is uncomfortable. I would strongly encourage you not to wear anything of discomfort in order to dress well, as this could result in altered academic performance.
Many have varying ideas of what dressing well actually entails. Some would say a game-day polo and khakis constitutes such; others may be inclined to say a blazer and tie outfit does the trick. I firmly subscribe to the notion that dressing up does not equal dressing well. Dressing up connotes an outfit that would allow you entrance to Still Life without backlash.
The question that most who are opposed to this opinion would espouse is likely, “why should I dress well?” This is a very practical question and it should be met with equally practical answers.
The most obvious perk of dressing nicely is the new approach onlookers will have towards you. It just takes that one compliment in a day to validate all the style choices that have been made by you. Dressing well also does not hurt when looking for that special somebody to be with on campus. In fact, maybe dressing well one day is what can facilitate the beginning of getting to know a potential special someone.
In addition to students, providing a new form of recognition could come from your professors. A well-dressed student will stand out in the sea of T-shirts and cargo shorts. The phrase “dress for success” is more than just a cliché. In large lecture hall classes, dressing nicely will distinguish you from many of the other students in the class. A class with a smaller setting could result in the professor liking you, or at least respecting you, because of your “dress for success” mindset.
Having a robust wardrobe will also help throughout your college search for a career. In formal events such as job fairs, or some internships, having access to nice clothing will be a necessity. If you plan on joining Fraternity and Sorority Life, a collection of nice clothes will be as essential to you as textbooks are to classes. These requirements are made for a reason: when you look presentable, people are more likely to trust and respect you. You look reliable, and ready for a job. The wardrobe would also assist with in-class presentations that require slightly formal wear as a part of the presentation grade.
A common barrier that prevents people from committing to dressing well is the expense for such items of clothing. One does not have to go on a $500 spending spree at J. Crew and Vineyard Vines to be considered a sharp dresser. Likewise, it would be completely unnecessary to shell out exorbitant amounts of money in Wolfpack Outfitters — unless money is only an object to you.
Buying clothes can be very affordable if you go to the correct places at the right times. It is not an expense that would bar the bulk of NC State students from being able to dress well.
I am not saying that everyone should walk around campus in three-piece suits, but let’s try and dial back the sweatpants and graphic tees look. The benefits of dressing well go far beyond any benefits of dressing however you may like.
