Carrington College Blog

What to wear and what not to wear to your college classes

February 7, 2013

Professional StudentIn recent years, it has become all too common to see college students roaming their campuses in sweats. The pajama look is typically attributed to its convenience, and with all the other pressures an average college student faces, wardrobe can often take a back seat.

When weighing the benefits of comfort versus style, here are a few things you might want to keep in mind.

1. Your image reflects on who you are

While sweats can be oh-so toasty in the winter months and comfortable for those long days at class, remember that your appearance is a reflection on you as an individual. Wearing sweats to class can lead to your professors and peers taking you less seriously.

The recent article in USA Today cited studies which show that students who dress well for exams not only have greater confidence but perform better. If you look well put-together for your classes, it should provide you with more confidence when it comes to approaching your professors and also enable your professors to take you more seriously. Confidence is key to success, and sweats typically do not instill confidence.

2. Get a head start on your professional wardrobe

While in college, it can often seem like the professional world is far off, and college students who are already strapped for cash may not feel like this is a prime time to start building up a professional wardrobe. However, if you start building a your business attire wardrobe while still in college, you will have a leg-up for when graduation day arrives.

“Whether you’re a freshman or soon-to-graduate senior, investing in a few staple items like a fitted blazer, classic watch and tailored pants will come in handy when transitioning from college to the work world,” author Stephanie Weers wrote in USA Today.

3. Things you should never wear to class

While college is a time to experiment with fashion and see what style seems to fit you best, there are a few select clothing items that no one should ever wear to class. A recent article by student Allyson Anatra in USA Today detailed seven items students should never wear to class and seven items they should.

On the list of items students should never wear, were swimsuits, furry shoes (slippers), sunglasses, visible bra straps, leggings as pants, thongs (in conjunction with low-rise jeans) and junderwear (also known as jean shorts). Items students should wear to class include blazers, flats, high-waisted skirts, button downs, skinny jeans, maxi dress/skirt and linen pants.

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