Throughout elementary school, I wore color-coordinated clothes that were carefully selected by my grandma. Even though we did not live in the same house, she managed to plan many of my outfits through detailed descriptions explained over the phone. My grandma found joy in crafting these overly meticulous outfits. I never cared for fashion and would reluctantly accept these clothes.
When I entered junior high, I began to dress myself, which resulted in the development of my own style. Or, at least, that is what was supposed to happen. Instead, I just retreated to a method that would save me the time and effort of putting together thoughtful outfits.
The running joke in my friend group is that I wore the same thing every day in junior high: a sweatshirt, boot cut jeans, and bright-blue Nike sneakers. Every single morning, I put on this outfit as if it was a uniform, even though I attended public school and had a fairly lenient dress code. I would rotate through my collection of sweatshirts throughout the week as a pathetic attempt at some variety. Although the image on my sweatshirt was different each day, it was always the same concept as the one worn 24 hours prior.
I stuck with this constricting outfit plan until I reached high school. I attended a Catholic high school, which had a strict uniform entailing button-down shirts, a kilt, tights, and a blazer on certain days. We basically looked like tiny business people on the way to make a big sale every single day.
This transition was shocking. I had always sworn I would never go to a school that required uniforms because uniforms are often uncomfortable, ugly, and expensive. All three of these were true of my uniform, but nevertheless, I was wearing it daily.
Although I had a self-adapted uniform in junior high, it was always my choice. Now, it was being forced upon me.
So, since coming to college I have become obsessed with taking the time to appreciate my clothing every morning and ensuring I want to wear the things I put on my body. If you have seen me around campus or know me, I’m sure you are thinking to yourself “Katie, there is no way you put effort into your outfits. You wear jeans and a basic shirt almost everyday.” Yes, that is completely true. I am still not a fashionista. My outfits are plain and do not have a lot of pizzazz. But, ask my roommate, and she will tell you that I probably try on at least three outfits every morning before finally settling on my clothes for the day. Even if I’m just wearing a t-shirt and leggings, I make sure it is the t-shirt that will make me feel the happiest that day.
This might seem like a waste of time, and maybe for some people it would be, but I have found that this has led to me appreciating my outfits much more everyday. Some days I want to feel confident and choose a bold outfit. Other days I place greater value on comfort and opt for leggings and a comfy sweater.
As we settle into college, it is easy to become occupied with schoolwork and forget to take care of ourselves. Let this article be a reminder to do something nice for yourself today. Even if that thing is just putting on an outfit that makes you feel good.
Mind of a Freshman is an Opinion column written by one or two first-year Stevens students to discuss life experiences during their time at Stevens, and other related subject matter.
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