Our Self-Worth and Personal Image

Moffett

College is often a stage in one’s life to perform some personal rebranding. A new crowd means a brand-new way for a person to establish themself amongst their peers. Nowadays, however, many people opt for loungewear, causing individuals to blend in with the masses. A well-dressed person leaves a positive impression, distinguishing themself above others. If, as students, our ultimate goal is to gain employment, why aren’t we dressing like it? This transition from classy, everyday attire to the cozy culture we’re in now has caused us to lose a sense of self-worth and individual branding.

Here is an important caveat to keep in mind as I reprimand the fashion choices of our generation: it is completely acceptable to dress casual at home. Even further, I am a hypocrite. I still wear yoga pants when I go out. Yes, I am gradually weening off them but it’s still hard. If you see me on campus wearing yoga pants, please don’t crucify me. We’re all a work in progress.

People are always being scrutinized for the way they look and, consequently, dress. It started in grade school when we chose our friends and still has an impact on the way we view people in our society. If presidents dressed in PJ’s, they would have a hard time commanding the respect of the people they govern. We are constantly presented with images of celebrities who dress casually and comfortably in public settings. Adam Sandler, for example, has grown in popularity for his pairing of oversized t-shirts with basketball shorts, chunky socks, and sneakers. Adam Sandler’s comedy films have dominated a generation, let’s hope it’s not the same for his leisurely style. On the other hand, some women on Instagram are devoted to dressing vintage such as @magdalena_regina, @ vintagemaedchen_victoria and @jasminechiswell to name a few. One influencer, Anastasia Gerrans, provides a modern take on outfit inspiration for the average female college student that is both

CONTINUE STORY ON PAGE 14 refreshing and classy.

Putting time and effort into the way you look gives you a sense of confidence that can become contagious. Tracy Thomas, an emotional scientist, psychologist and interventionist, calls putting effort into our appearance ― even if it’s just the tiniest bit ― “one of the most important things people can do for their emotional, mental and psychological health.” (Akutekha). When I lazily throw on a pair of yoga pants and a sweatshirt in the morning and dart off to work, I find myself feeling sluggish and unmotivated. However, for me, a fresh face of makeup, curled hair and a trendy outfit can turn even the darkest of days into a bright, shiny new one.

Not only does dressing for success show respect for oneself, but towards others as well. It demonstrates that you are taking the occasion seriously. A potential employer may judge a candidate’s appearance and determine work ethic, reliability, and professionalism, among other attributes. Similarly, if a professor is going to write a compelling recommendation to an employer on your behalf and all they know you by is your appearance, which you don’t take seriously, you may not receive a very convincing review. To achieve success, we must dress for it. Not all of us can afford to be Adam Sandler.

Fellow students, we need to be prepared for what our professional career is going to demand of us. Healthcare workers, you can stop rubbing your scrubs in our faces now. Is this dubbed “cozy culture” really preparing us for the real world? The onset of the pandemic brought the office to our home but as the world slowly creeps back to normalcy, pajama pants are not going to cut it.

It takes the same amount of time to put on a pair of jeans as it does leggings or sweatpants. This argument isn’t about convenience. Rather, a widespread epidemic of apathy among our generation. For students on a budget, professionalizing your wardrobe doesn’t have to break the bank. Thrifting is a great example of this. Visit your local Goodwill, Plato’s Closet or Forever Yesterday Exchange for great finds and cheap buys! An alternate option, if you’re not into thrifting, is retail shops such as Old Navy, Marshalls, and T.J. Maxx which always have great deals! Moreover, jeans and a classy, feminine button-down dress shirt are comparable to, and possibly more reasonably priced than leggings and a sweatshirt. Plus, it’s a great everyday outfit! The best purchases are often those staple wardrobe pieces you’ll get a lot of use out of. If you want to feel more confident in what you wear and create a personal brand to help you achieve your goals, it’s time to leave the loungewear back in 2020 where it belongs.