Guys, try harder: fashion edition
Dressing up for class can affect both how you and others see yourself. | PC: Sharon Curran
College is the most formative and life changing time of life.
These are the years teens become adults, forging those deep-rooted habits, opinions and beliefs.This is when we choose to grow or change.
This article is the first of many to encourage growth in all areas of life, ranging from fashion and spirituality to dating and scholastic engagement. We don't want this to be just girls ragging on guys or vice versa so instead we'll be taking opinions and quotes from both genders, hopefully presenting a well-rounded view on each topic.
So here it is: guys, it's time to try harder ... with fashion!
The winter season doesn’t seem to be going anywhere, and for girls it's a dream come true. Layers, scarves, jackets and boots make for adorable bundling and cozy feelings. For guys, it's an opportunity to look at your wardrobe choices and evaluate whether you're doing all you can.
Some guys think it doesn't matter what you wear. "If you look good naked, you look good in anything," says sophomore nursing student Greg Epperson.
Freshman theology major Xander Assa thinks looking good starts deeper than skin. "It's confidence," he says, the other guys nearby nodding in agreement. "But I think they need to smell good too. Laundry!"
Girls might seem like they’re difficult to please, but when it comes to men’s fashion, good choices are pretty obvious. “It’s gross when a guy only wears sweatpants, basketball shorts and random t-shirts,” says Kelsey Bailey, a freshman business student. “Also, nice hair goes a long way! Seriously guys, just do your hair.”
Fashion is an opportunity to take risks. When guys do, girls notice. “I like when guys wear prints and patterns and mismatched outfits,” says senior biomedical science student, Naomi Prasad. “It’s more attractive when they wear outfits that aren’t the norm.”
Pictured left, Ryan Milsap, right J-Fiah Reeves, owning their winter fashion. | PC: Sharon Curran
As students get older, they can sometimes lose all motivation to look good. "Since freshman year, my fashion has devolved," says senior international rescue and relief major, Reagan Dieter. "I used to wear hoodies and jeans and now I wear athletic shorts and slides. No tops."
This isn’t the way to go, as Bailey points out above. Style is developed uniquely and you shouldn’t wear anything that doesn't make you feel comfortable. But looking good can affect many aspects of your life!
"Statistically, students that dress up a little bit do better in class," says accounting professor, Aaron Purkeypile. "And as a professor, it's a sign of respect to dress well for your students. I take care of how I look. I want to respect the classroom as a place to learn."
After conferring with several men, the recurring theme was always confidence. Maybe you see Zak "Patagonia" Luke in his many forms of Patagonia and say, I wish I had some Patagonia. Maybe you love Chance the Rapper’s overalls and think, I wish I could rock that.
You can!
"You can pull off whatever you want to pull off," Purkeypile continues.
"If you rock it, you rock it," reiterates Epperson.
In summary, here’s what to consider: launder your clothing frequently, wear socks with your slides, don't be afraid to take risks and most of all, be confident.
Confidence goes a long way.
Katie Morrison is a senior studying business administration.