Ushering in a New Era
I try and read the New York Times everyday. Since it’s free on the UWSP campus, why not take advantage of it, right? I never have time to read the entire paper, but I usually read the first section, and then flip to the style section. Today they had a fantastic article by David Colman about changing trends in men’s fashion. Many looks from decades and even centuries ago such as tweed suits, woolen trousers, and newsboy caps are now coming back into style. This idea is absolutely amazing!
This article really brought out an issue that’s been bothering me for some time but is also the basic question of this blog: how can students (both men and women) dress for their personality on campus without looking worrying about what other people think? How can we find our own style when it’s a LOT more practical and easier to wear jeans and pullovers all the time since it’s the ‘norm’ of university life? Here’s a roundabout way of getting to my point. The other day, one of my guy friends held the door open for me when we walked into a restaurant, and I was in a state of shock for a few moments because as a generation, we’ve really been slacking in the propriety and chivalry categories.
So here’s your assignment for the week: gents, rent a movie that stars Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart, or Gregory Peck and watch for how they dress and carry themselves. For the women, take a cue from Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and Jackie Kennedy, and don’t be afraid to show your personality. Looking dapper or chic doesn’t have to be delayed just because you go to university. Good manners always goes a long way as well.
I think there is a pressure, especially at a campus like Stevens Point, to dress down when you go to class. I know I get flak even if I wear a button-down shirt that has evidence of ironing. Sweatpants and hooded sweatshirts seem to be the norm in most of my classes. There isn’t anything wrong with this; after all, we don’t have a dress code. However, I kind of view going to class like going to work, and I don’t think I would ever wear sweatpants to work. You don’t see professors wearing them, do you? I think the saying goes something like this: “dress for the job you want, not the job you have.” Even if you are “just going to class,” what you wear makes an impression on people, namely your professors, whether you like it or not. And if they see that you look unprofessional, they may view you personally as unprofessional.