Professors will be happy that you are there. Only clothing controversies I have ever heard of are related to wearing baseball caps in class. But maybe only the older profs cared.
You’re not going to offend a professor by wearing shorts to class (unless it’s something weird—like they’re so short you can see your underwear or they have really offensive terminology on them).
Relax. I have a feeling this worry will disappear the second you walk into your first class.
For what it’s worth, someone in my English class last semester showed up in a bathrobe and literally no one batted an eye.
Sometimes I had to wear my dance clothes in class because I didn’t have time to change (especially math because of the way my schedule lined up and almost always at band and orchestra rehearsals). I usually had some sort of cover-up on (shirt, jacket, shorts, etc), but when it was really hot, I would just be wearing my leotard and shorts. Nobody had a problem with it. Nobody cares if you’re wearing a sweatsuit either. Just wear what’s comfortable for you.
Pretty much anything and as the semester goes on you’ll see people do funny stuff. There’s a post on tumblr that says “once you’re in college and its finals week you’ll see a kid wearing a snuggie while riding his scooter to class and that ‘that’s a smart man’”
Only think you might need to tone down in is something like a professional studies class and sometimes public speaker ng for speeches
Bikini lol
If you’re not wearing at least a tuxedo, you probably shouldn’t even go to class. Ideally you should treat your professor as you would the head of state and dress [as such.](http://thecentsofstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/2013-Mens-Wedding-Wear-Trends-2.jpg)
The colder and snowier it got, the more I wanted to just bring a big blanket to class and sit there wrapped up like a burrito.
@whenhen - My Religious Studies professor last semester tried to convince the class to refer to him exclusively as “My Lord.”
Where in Illinois? Down state, close to St. Louis, or closer to Chicago? It will make the difference in your winter gear and how soon you should get it (September). Someone above said a warm coat and boots -SNOW boots. Not fashion boots. You can get those, too, they’re very popular in the winter with young women up here, but will not serve you well walking to class on a snowy, icy day. Very warm gloves AND - a scarf and HAT. A warm scarf for winter, not a fashion one - those are for fall and spring and early summer - or inside during the winter.
There is a subtle difference in how kids dress between upstate and down state, but it is not all THAT different than how kids from any other states dress. And most won’t care if you dress like you want to at home, but do take heed of the winter clothing advice. You will be sorry if you don’t, trust me. And don’t wait until December, everything will be picked over or gone. Buy your winter gear in October and just assume it will get really cold at some point. It will. but if you’re dressed properly, you will be much more comfortable and not be bothered by the cold nearly as much.
You can wear whatever you want, but I personally try to dress a bit nicer than everyone else in class. I’ve found that dressing well encourages me to stay focused. For me, that’s nice shorts / khakis (depending on weather), a Polo or button-up, and loafers. YMMV
As an instructor, I do not give two hoots what my students wear. With that said, please don’t come naked because that’s not sanitary.
I’ll be in downstate Illinois so I’m expecting to be able to wear shorts for a little while at least! Thanks for all the advise, especially the bikini because that’s what I was planning for the first day ;). I’ll probably bring a nicer pea coat, a light jacket, and a north face jacket until I can go home at Thanksgiving or Christmas. Once it gets colder I’ll swap from shorts and t-shirts to jeans and sweaters.