Everyone has heard it: dress for success. Most people try to avoid being judged by what they wear but  it is ultimately impossible. Because stereotypes are unavoidable it is best to dress for success. When people are dressed up they feel better, peers and interviewers view them better, and ultimately they do better.

   Confidence is a must in school, the workplace, and life in general, and a strong sense of confidence comes with dressing well. Even in the classroom, a student in jeans and a nice top looks more involved and engaged. The sophisticated aura that emits from a dressed up person is often due to his or her outfit. Everyone notices the football and basketball boys when they wear their dress pants, button up shirts and ties. Looking more like young men than teenagers, the outfits of both these teams provide for a new, more responsible, serious and mature look.

    “I think cross country to football to baseball to lacrosse should all dress up because they represent themselves very well when they do it. The worst part is when they only do it half way –no tie, an untucked shirt or a baggy sweatshirt over it. I wish  there could be a female alternative as well.  When you dress for success you find success,” Mr. Roberts said.

   Going to a college or job interview one always tries looks his or her best, yet sometimes that feel and desire to present oneself in a legitimate manner is lost in the school setting. Oversized sweatpants, sweatshirts or last night’s pajamas may be comfortable but Joe Schmoe’s comfy look does not make him look as serious in the classroom. No college admissions counselor wants to walk in and see a girl whose hair has not been brushed that morning, or a boy whose shirt is covered in wrinkles. And we know better than to expect  to impress any interviewer in our grubby attire.

    According to a study by Frank Bernieri, Ph.D., an associate professor of psychology at Oregon State University, within the first 10 seconds of meeting your interviewer–otherwise known as the meet-and-greet–that person has decided whether or not you’re right for the job. Therefore first impressions are key, and almost wholly rely on what a person is wearing. In a society where competition is only growing, it is of utmost importance to put your best foot forward and dress well.

    One can recall that day when that girl wore that great outfit, all dressed up with her hair done and stylish shoes and all the compliments she got. That girl shone when she walked down the hall, the confidence she radiated with each step was a direct correlation to her look and being dressed up that day. It is a good feeling to look professional and be viewed as such by one’s classmates and especially when she enters the workplace. Bosses, teachers and peers are more likely to take anyone seriously when they are dressed nice.

    Dressing nicely does not require spending lots of money, like some may think. Great stores like Target and Forever 21 carry garments for all genders that are dressy enough and not overly expensive. Switching in a pair of flats or silk instead of a cotton top can make all the difference and barely leave a dent in one’s wallet. Name brand items are not necessary in order to dress admirably, but the payoff in general will be priceless.

    Dressing up does not imply being uncomfortable either. Girls at SHS can easily dress up any pair of jeans they are wearing with a flowy top and some accessories. The flow of that top is comfortable and cute, and there is no need to stray from comfort just to be dressed nicely. One does not need to sacrifice comfort in a wardrobe for style, but a little extra thought into one’s outfit can’t hurt. It might not be sweatpants but the way one feels about him or herself and how others look at that person will be all the difference when it comes to upgrading ones garb.

    Being dressed up is about taking oneself seriously so others will too. Dressing nice does not require being uncomfortable, but it can make all the difference in how one feels, others view them and they view themselves.