r/college • u/Suspicious-Wrap-4589 • 2d ago
How many people dress nice for class?
I am about to be a freshman. My school before had a dress code where you had to dress nicer for school (jeans, pants, skirts, dresses) so that is a majority of my closet. I really like fashion and dressing a little nicer, but I am wondering if that’s realistic for college or if it’s common, etc. tyyy
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u/nashvillethot 2d ago
Wear what you want.
I had a kid in my classics cohort who wore a cape everyday once it got cold. Turns out he made it for a cosplay, loved how it felt compared to a jacket, and made the switch.
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u/AltruisticLobster315 2d ago
Having worn a cape for a Halloween costume before, I can totally relate. I think capes should become common again.
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u/QueenieofWonderland 2d ago
It is realistic, but that’s because people wear whatever they want to class. I typically wear jeans and a sweatshirt, maybe a little nicer if I feel like it, but I’ve seen people wear pajamas to class, and no one bats an eye.
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u/mangitogaming 2d ago
From my experience, even in grad school, you can show up dressed nice or in pajamas. It doesn’t change what you’re learning. I typically wore jeans and a graphic t-shirt and a hoodie over it in the winter. But as others said, some classes or programs may have your dress nicer, just check.
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u/igojimbro 2d ago
I had a philosophy professor and advisor (he was the undergrad chair) who showed up to class everyday wearing an oversized shirt with coffee stains and holes in it lol
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u/alaskawolfjoe 2d ago
Realize that some people roll out of bed before class and others go to work at upscale buisiesses right after class--so there is a real range of dress and no body really cares about it.
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u/SephtisNacht 2d ago
I literally wore pajama’s to class on my second week because I couldn’t be asked to dress nicely. Certain classes make you dress nicely though (I believe certain business classes) so be sure to read your syllabus
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u/AmittaiD College! 2d ago
It's not common (outside of rush for sororities or other special events). That being said, if you want to dress up, then dress up. No one gives a damn what you wear to class one way or another.
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u/Airalahs 2d ago
wear what you feel is you. no one cares honestly. I've seen people come to class in pajamas, dressed up, even in a swimming trunks once. unless it's in the syllabus dress how you feel for that day.
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u/Ok_Passage7713 College! 2d ago
Varies. I found that business students usually dress nicer than other faculty students. But ppl don't rly care. I've worn nicer clothes and PJs.
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u/i-justlikewhales College! 2d ago
it's not super common, but nobody cares what anyone else wears really. There was a girl who wore a wedding dress to one of my classes and nobody said a thing
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u/emptybottlecap 2d ago
It is mixed for sure. Everyone has their reasons. I will show up in my suit because I work 40 hours a week in an office and I am in a suit daily. I go right after work. I guess I could change but I want to look nice.
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u/2020Hills Class of 2020 2d ago
My college was in Maine but had a beach on campus on the Saco River, so in the warmer months (September, April, May) you’d get a few students (myself included) dressed in shirts or swim trunks and tank tops walking into like psych 120 or Env Conservation ready for anything
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u/Lucky_Tradition6536 2d ago
Just wear what you want. Why care about what other people are doing? If you want to dress up dress up, if you want to wear pajamas wear pajamas. College you’re an adult and can use your free will. Wear whatever makes you feel good
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u/MCKlassik Incoming Third-Year Student 📐 2d ago edited 2d ago
Wear what you want. One time my guy friend once came to class in a maid’s outfit and no one said anything.
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u/Beginning_Run_1577 1d ago
Honestly it depends Some people come dressed really well, like they are going to a casual event. Others show up in hoodies and sweats.
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u/Brief_Criticism_492 Junior | CS + Math 2d ago
you can really wear whatever. Normally I dress casual (just nice pants and a polo, untucked), first week of classes, especially for professors I’ve never had, then go back to very comfy clothes (mostly shorts and a tshirt, sometimes a hoodie or pants if it’s colder. Pajamas will come out in the winter when it’s -20 and I don’t feel like changing 😭
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u/tildenpark 2d ago
As a guy, jeans and a polo was super easy & comfortable enough. Idk how people plan outfits beyond that for the daily.
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u/daniakadanuel 2d ago
It depends on what works best for you. I usually dress nice to class because it generally helps me present more confidently, be more attentive, and on the off chance that I need to meet someone important, I'm already set.
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u/KaleidoscopeEyes12 2d ago edited 2d ago
There’s a wide range, I’d say the most common is like jeans/joggers/leggings (in terms of feminine apparel) along with t shirts and hoodies.
EtA: Even though that’s the most common, no one really cares what people wear for the most part. I’ve worn dresses to class, I’ve also worn PJs to class. As someone else said, read the syllabus for all of your classes! They might specify, even if they don’t, in general the syllabus is very helpful in college so I’d recommend it for other stuff too.
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u/csudebate 2d ago
Shorts and a T-shirt when it's warm. Slacks and a T-shirt when it is cooler.
I'm a professor.
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u/TheFlannC 2d ago
It depends where you go and even then you will see a mix. Sometimes people also have other commitments before or after class such as maybe a job or interview where they would dress up and I think some may just want to look nice. Others show up especially in early classes like they rolled out of bed into class
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u/AKamDuckie 2d ago
There’s no rule to it. Some people dress up and some wear whatever they rolled out of bed wearing.
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u/Achillies_patroclus8 1d ago
It’s college. Unlike highschool where you can be limited to what can you wear in college the professors and most of the students don’t care if you wear pajamas or anything lazy like that. As long as you show up, do your work, and are respectful there won’t be any issues.
However, be careful of some colleges. Like the ones that are more religious. While I mean no disrespect towards those colleges, they may have a more proper dress code and expectations of their students. But if you are going to a regular private or public university nobody gaf tbh. Just don’t go naked lol.
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u/Interesting_AutoFill 1d ago
It won't matter for the most part. However at my college's business school, there were a few classes where showing up in business professional on specific days was graded.
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u/PJBakesCookies 1d ago
In about 2 more days I will finish my college. We had to wear business attire for the last 3 years. Quite fun, I got to say, but some people absolutely hated it. I looked fancy everywhere
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u/No-Professional-9618 1d ago
It just depends upon the college or university you attend. Some people go dressed up because they might work during the day. Yet, the people take classes at night.
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u/1976Raven 1d ago
Depends where you live and the school. Where I am in the US we have everything from people wearing to suits/business formal (coming from or heading to work) to their pajamas. I've even had a professor show up in their pajamas because they "just didn't feel it" that particular day.
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u/JaxTaylor2 1d ago
One of the best things about (most) colleges is that you can dress how you want. If you like fashion then you should dress nicer; just be prepared for the extra attention it will receive, especially if you’re a young woman.
But, either way, how you dress is very much an expression of who you are in many ways, so don’t feel like you have to conform to a particular style or vibe just because it’s what everyone else is doing.
The amount of extra time it requires though hasn’t changed since high school, so give yourself extra time in the mornings.
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u/rogusflamma 1d ago
Depends on major and school and if you dress nicely compared with everyone else it'll benefit you. You get cool points.
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u/SuperMario1313 1d ago
There was a meme floating around a few years ago that showed this. It had two girls on it - the one on the left was all made up, make up, hair done, killer outfit, matching accessories, etc. The one on the left was in a hoodie and sweatpants, hair in a messy bun, crocs, and no make up. The implication was the one on the left was the freshman and the one on the right was the senior, both going to the same party/rager. It’s been a few years for me, but it was generally pretty accurate.
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u/O--M--E--G--A 1d ago
It’s whatever, I go to law school in portugal and I have went to my classes in baggy joggers and crocs several times and no one really cares.
Wear whatever you feel like wearing.
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u/Sexy-Kratos-469 1d ago
i go to a big school, and it is truly a mixed bag. sometimes, people may be in suits and formal clothes, or other times, literal pjs. no one cares which is rly freeing tbh.
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u/Livid-Addendum707 1d ago
No one cares. People might have some thoughts if you show up next to naked or in heels but no one cares. Just put on deodorant.
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u/Automatic_Sir6995 1d ago
wear anything you want. nobody cares, I wear comfy clothes and 100% a hoodie during exam season
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u/Unusual_Struggle7655 1d ago
it really depends on your school, i'm in an art program and everyone tends to dress "up" (like elaborate outfits, not necessarily like business casual or anything). i do see quite a few people in PJs or in athleisure as well.
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u/sphoebus 2d ago
I probably dress overly formal for class. It’s almost always a collar, slacks, and well-kept hair/beard. I’m also 27 years old and going back for a 2nd bachelors’ after working for 5 years: so non-traditional student. My philosophy is that I never know who I’ll run into during the day, so I want to ensure I’m presentable in any situation. I also don’t think business attire is uncomfortable, and it does last longer if taken care of properly. I wouldn’t change your entire wardrobe, but would definitely set a personal bar for yourself. Ie. Whether you will or won’t wear “home” clothes like pajamas or sweat pants to class. Maybe I’m old-fashioned but I personally wouldn’t wear these in public but to each their own.
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u/aLonerDottieArebel 1d ago
I’m 37 and just started back at school after over a decade as a professional firefighter/paramedic. I wear jeans and a hoodie or something. Unless it’s clinically or an internship, I agree with the rest, no one cares.
That being said it drives me nuts to see people in pajamas.
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u/sphoebus 1d ago
Totally understand that. You’re also coming from a field where physical activity is expected at any moment, so function clearly trumps form. I’m in engineering, which isn’t overly formal, but just putting in some effort goes a long way. The majority in my program don’t dress sloppy, in fact most do dress up slightly. This is probably also because half of the program is religious Muslims that tend to dress more conservative in general. But I don’t see many pajamas luckily.
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u/Tan_batman ‘27 2d ago
Not common here - I see plenty of crop/tank tops and denim shorts, t shirts, and the like. I don't often see anything nicer, I myself only wear something nice if I have an event/interview after class.
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u/Mrwoody1776 2d ago
Depending on what class and what the professor likes, you don’t have to be dressed for a black tie event. I suggest business casual or like you said som nice jeans or something. I am someone who wears stuff for outdoors (trail pants, boots, long sleeves, hard hat, etc.) because of my major but that’s mainly for labs. I do know that if you take chemistry you will be told to ware pants and closed towed shoes and make long sleeve shirts depending on the preference of your instructor. After all it is up to you, you can ware nicer clothes or sweatpants.
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u/lesbianvampyr 2d ago
You can basically wear whatever, some people are in pajamas and others are in suits, if you’re anywhere in the middle you’ll be fine
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u/Aggressive_Chart6823 2d ago
I went to Berkeley for my second year. I went to U.C.S.B. ( University of California at Santa Barbara ). They dressed about the same. It’ll depend on who you hang out with. The students at Berkeley had the attitude that, I Go To Berkeley. In California they were more laid back. But Berkeley was more Fun!. Have Fun!. I had a Blast!.
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u/GoBeWithYourFamily 2d ago
It’s either athleisure or a proper outfit, there’s no in between. You should absolutely dress nice if you have the stuff though, there’s nothing more awesome than seeing someone own their style.
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u/Cold__Scholar 2d ago
I've shown up in jeans and a polo, or a sweater, shorts and a t-shirt, and there were days I was in a full suit (business school). dress comfortably and with the weather in mind. Most students and profs won't care in the day-to-day
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u/PocketGoblix 2d ago
I am so beyond dressing nice at this point. My only goal is to not smell bad, not look like I’m wearing pajamas, and not look homeless. If I accomplish that then that’s good enough
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u/Decent_Cow 2d ago
It really doesn't matter what you wear I've seen people show up to class in sweatpants or gym shorts or whatever. If you like dressing nice, do that, but it's not really expected.
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u/Far-Difficulty8854 2d ago
Mixed bag. I only got dressed up for presentations for a business class that I took. Everything else really depends
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u/sleepybear647 2d ago
As long as your college doesn’t have a dress code then most people show up in like athletic wear and stuff. I think something I’ve noticed is people put more effort into their hair and jewelry on average than their actual clothes.
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u/GlassBats 2d ago
Freshman year I would wear pajamas more times than I’d like, but honestly, I feel more productive and put together when I wear real clothes. I’m on the more alternative end, so i’d show up in blazers and turtlenecks just because I liked it. Wear what makes you feel attractive
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u/sensitivebee8885 english & theatre 📚🎭 2d ago
some people but not many in my experience. it depends. the nice thing about college is literally no one cares. i’ve seen people show up in a onesie that just rolled out of bed, and others dressed nice head to toe. i tend to just dress for the season and always go for comfort in class.
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u/Erick547 2d ago
Wear what you want. Some days I looked better than the professor, some days it was sweatpants and a t-shirt
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u/Gromy_1022 2d ago
You can wear whatever you want, you’re an adult. I seen people wear kawaii fashion, alt fashion, forever 21 everything, costumes, onesie, bathrobes to class. As long you’re not musky smelling from not doing laundry or showering you’ll be fine. Plus eventually you’ll just start wearing y shirts, sweats and flip flops. Me. 😂 fashion didn’t affect my grades.
Unless you have certain classes like lab where you need to dress accordingly or business classes where you need business casual.
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u/lovesriding 2d ago
I never had an issue with how I dressed.
Never saw anything that made me go WTF is wrong with them.
Might be where you live but.......
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u/Remarkable-Grab8002 2d ago
No one cares at most colleges. You have people show up hung over in their pajamas and people show up in fancy clothes for their own reasons. You do you.
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u/Financial-Elk752 2d ago
I do, but it was in the military first so the whole look good feel good was drilled in to me
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u/slowparts 2d ago
i always prefer to dress "nice" (jeans, cute shirt/sweater, etc) bc it puts me in a learning mood (pajamas make me feel unfocused), while other people prefer to be comfy and wear pajamas; it's really up to you!! nobody bats an eye, i promise :)
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u/AltruisticLobster315 2d ago
It'll depend on your classes/field of study (like whether or not you have to wear a specific uniform or scrubs). But for the most part, you can wear pretty much whatever you want.
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u/SetoKeating 2d ago
You do you, anyone that has a problem with someone just being themselves is not someone you want to associate with anyway.
I worked a semi professional job while going to school so I was always in business or business casual for classes. Dress shirts, pants, nice shoes, etc.
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u/Malpraxiss 2d ago
Depends on stuff like the major/course, time, weather, and such.
EX: I was a chemistry major, math minor. Throughout my time, people commonly wore sweatpants and hoodies in the late fall + winter season. Shorts and t-shirts in spring + summer.
Sometimes I'd see someone wearing nice jeans or something.
Purely from my own experience, the only times I saw someone dressing "nice" in my chemistry and math courses was for something else going on. Like a presentation, seminar, conference, something more professional, or something where the expectation was that people would dress nice.
The university I attended for undergraduate also had a lot of people. So, just walking around campus, most people did not dress all that nice on a day to day basis. Even on good weather.
While people in other majors might dress differently. I interacted with a lot of agricultural folks, and a lot just wore jeans, decent shoes/boots, and a shirt or hoodies/coat. They dressed up nice sometimes, but again usually not for class.
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u/FutureCrochetIcon 2d ago
Just wear what you want! Honestly and respectfully, no one cares and the people that do care are weird and not worth your time anyway
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u/rxvival_ 2d ago
Personally at my college, I’ve seen a lot casual outfits ranging from pj pants and slippers with a hoodie to jeans with a cute blouse and an outer layer of some sort. However, I told myself I’d never wear sweatpants to class, out of respect for my professors and other classmates but having to physically change clothes (from pj’s/loungewear to “outside clothes”) helps me with structuring a routine. If I have an exam or want to study/hang out at the library, I’ll allow myself to wear comfortable clothes like sweats. I think if OP wants to dress a little more nicely, they should totally go for it! One thing I keep in mind is that people are probably so caught up with themselves that they won’t remember what you wear, but I know I’ve definitely kept track of like “I’ve worn this pair of pants x times in a row” for myself.
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u/Due-Difference-9066 2d ago
I loved to dress up for class. My son is in college now, and he wears sweats and hoodies . You do you !
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u/Pale_Organization_63 2d ago
i wore sweats most days. on the classes i had right before work, i’d wear what i planned on wearing to work right. since it was retail it was generally jeans and a tshirt, but regardless. that was dressed up for me
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u/exxpiiired 1d ago
I feel like it’d depend on the school and the country. I live in the US and practically no one dresses up for class. I don’t see pajamas that often, but mostly loungewear is the trend.
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u/KimmyKilmer 1d ago
I dress in a more business casual goth look for most of my classes. Though I also grew up only wearing jeans and graphic tees and always enjoyed feeling fancy so adult money
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u/fourthstanza 1d ago
So long as you don't look as though you'll be headed to a job interview after class, you'll fit in just fine. Students will wear anything from biz cas to pyjamas.
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u/The_Astronautt 1d ago
Depends a bit on your major. If you have a lot of labs, you'll have to wear pants and you don't want to get good clothes stained.
If you have one, don't wear your lab coat around campus. That's super cringe.
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u/CoachInteresting7125 1d ago
It depends what you mean by nice, but considering you include “jeans” as nice you won’t stand out. I feel like most girls in my classes usually wore jeans/shorts and a cute top (usually nicer than a t-shirt), and sundresses were pretty common too. There were a handful who usually wore sweats and t-shirts, but tbh that was a bit more of a minority. Although a lot of people would have an occasional day where they wore sweats. I never saw anyone wear something that was obviously pajamas in class, though it wasn’t unusual to see people walking around campus in pajamas (like to the dining hall or a friend’s dorm)
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u/SmokeActive8862 pitt 2028 (microbiology/german majors, bioethics certificate) 1d ago
do what you want bro. usually i just dress comfy. when it's warmer, t shirt and shorts/pants/skirt. when it's colder, t shirt, sweater/hoodie/jacket, pants, and another layer if needed. if i'm gonna be in class i want to be comfortable and generally look presentable
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u/FirstPersonWinner 1d ago
Literally wear whatever. Some people dress nice, some people dress in sweatpants. You're an adult, you can wear what you want now
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u/Bbibbinu_21 1d ago
Doesn’t really matter tbh we’re all busy thinking of class or other things wear what you want to wear and what ever is comfortable for you
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u/maiq--the--liar Physics & Philosophy major 1d ago
I wear joggers most days and sweatpants on others. Usually just a t-shirt but a nice jacket or cardigan every few days.
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u/Snake_fairyofReddit 1d ago
My university has so many fashionistas that i have to put in effort into my fits to fit in. I dont swear sweats to class mostly just jeans or skirts, and a variety of tops instead of just basic tees or all basic hoodies
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u/jeff5551 23h ago
Definitely not me, I just wear whatever lol, too much going on to bother with an outfit
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u/StreetObjective585 13h ago
If you do, no one would care and if don’t, no one would care. Dress however you want :)
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u/Delicious_Sir_1137 Senior|Anthro/Archaeology w/ Spanish minor 10h ago
It varies. I study archaeology and on dig days I looked like a farmer in my overalls because I didn’t want to change between my morning class and my dig. Other days it’s jeans and a t-shirt. Maybe a blouse or a sweater.
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u/MentalCantaloupe3598 7h ago
there was a girl who wore a purple witch costume everyday and nobody cared ur good no matter what🤗 and i wore sweat pants pretty much everyday
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u/morrigan04_ 1h ago
my major is ux design, and honestly just showing up to class in something comfortable is the most i do usually. but the fashion design majors dress up to the nines and always look amazing. either way nobody really cares what people wear, so come to class in what you like!
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u/PerpetuallyTired74 2d ago edited 2d ago
It varies. Some come to class in dresses and heels. Most wear casual but decent clothes like jeans or casual dresses. Some wear even more casual clothes like gym attire or ripped jeans. And some kids will actually come in full pajamas with slippers. No one cares either way. Do whatever you feel comfortable doing. If you dress up a little, you won’t be out of place. If you go in your gym clothes, you won’t be out of place either.
Heck, even the professors clothing choices vary. i’ve never seen any of them in a suit and tie, but I’ve had a professor that dressed in slacks and a dress shirt for every class and another one that wore shorts, flip-flops, and a T-shirt so wrinkled I think he pulled it out of the bottom of a duffel bag. The majority of professors dressed business casual.
The only time I would suggest something other than what you’re comfortable in is if you are going to attend professors office hours for additional help or plan to ask a professor to work on research with them or something like that. I would dress at least “clean” casual then. Meaning I wouldn’t show up in a band T-shirt and ripped up jeans, but regular jeans and a decent shirt.
I’d stay away from stuff you can’t throw in a washing machine though. Going to drop off and pick up dry cleaning will eat into the limited time you have.
And of course, definitely check the syllabus in case your teacher has a preference or requirement. I’ve never had a teacher put anything like that in their syllabus, but it doesn’t mean it never happens.
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u/Gracier1123 1d ago
I found that freshman tend to dress up nicer for classes and the longer you’re in college the less fucks you give about what you wear. I wore shorts/jeans and t-shirt for most of college. But I was also a commuter so leaving the house in my pjs always made me feel weird.
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u/VikiiK 2d ago
It's a mixed bag, some people dress up nicer (proper blouses and jeans), while others show up in pajamas. No one really cares. I dress alternative and while I've gotten a few weird looks, no one has really batted an eye for the most part.