I’ve been thinking about how dress codes (or the lack of them) affect college students. Some schools have guidelines, while others are completely relaxed. Do you think what students wear impacts their confidence, focus, or even how professors perceive them? Also, for those who have kids, do you apply similar standards when shopping for kids wear, or do you let them pick whatever they like?
Would love to hear different perspectives on this!
My son dresses boring - buys ugly shirts at Costco and pants there too - and he’s happy with himself.
My daughter is constantly showing her midriff - and wear’s short stuff, although my wife says, it’s not short - in comparison to others. I hate it.
These girls - and it doesn’t matter the height or weight, take so many pictures, I imagine for them, it’s a confidence thing. So she buys what she wants - but she’s not an overshopper and she is a thrifter - which I hate - but her clothing budget is extremely reasonable.
She doesn’t go to a school with a dress code and she wouldn’t. I think that requires a special kid - or forced from a parent (like HS). I’m not against it.
I imagine that could produce two kinds of kids:
That’s an interesting perspective! It’s funny how kids develop such different styles some couldn’t care less, while others are all about fashion and self-expression. I guess that starts young too!
I’ve noticed the same with baby girl clothes , some parents love dressing their little ones in cute, trendy outfits, while others keep it super simple and practical. And then as they grow, their own personalities take over.
Do you think early clothing choices shape how kids view fashion later on? Or is it all about personality from the start?
I’m guessing friend group in HS - because my daughter’s habits changed.
And will again I’m sure now that she’s going to graduate college. She has a job lined up for May and I’m guessing the mid riff will be covered 
Even my job - used to be shirt and tie. Now it’s slacks and polo when i’m out, jeans when i’m in our office, and gym shorts and a tee at home.
My wife always says - like today we went out for lunch - can’t you put on something more presentable?
We all morph.
At 20 something, I was dressing more formal. Society has gotten more casual for men. Hence stores like Men’s Warehouse and Joseph A Bank have gone bankrupt.
Does any school really have a dress code anymore (outside of conservative religious schools, which probably do)? But when did they? I know many did in the 60s, maybe the 70s. But there was nothing like that when I was in college. Then again – that was in the early 90s, and the standard was a bit dressier than it is today, even for young people. But no dress codes for anything, really. Or it varied based on regional norms.
I imagine many campuses have vibes – you’ll see more blue hair at some, more designer labels at others, some are preppier or sportier, etc. But most have a range. I’m a professor, and I don’t judge my students by their clothes at all – or by their makeup, piercings, tattoos, or whatever. It’s not my business. Part of my job involves working with our teaching licensure students, and we certainly advise them re: how to dress appropriately for field placements and job interviews. But even then, I think the days when future employers care about (for example) tattoos are long gone – at least in most settings (of course, there are law firms and similar settings where this still matters). The culture is more casual, including in a wide range of workplaces.
For reasons known to the OP, I’m failing to see the validity or veracity of this thread. Closing.