Threads of student lives; A look into student clothing
Clothing is a powerful form of self-expression, and for students, what they wear can reveal a lot about their identities and roles in different settings. At school and work, students present different versions of themselves through their clothing, adjusting their outfits to meet the expectations of each environment. For many students, school is a place of self-discovery and personal expression. Students at school can experiment with their fashion, have the freedom of creativity and comfort than following a strict professional dress code.
The work environment, on the other hand, calls for a shift in the way students present themselves. In internships, part-time jobs, or first professional roles, students typically adjust their clothing choices to fit the expectations of the workplace. Where comfort might have been prioritized at school, professionalism becomes the key focus in work attire. Work attire is often more structured and uniform compared to school outfits, as it signals respect for the workplace culture and an understanding of professional norms.
Ultimately, clothing plays a crucial role in how students navigate the different worlds of school and work. While school outfits offer an outlet for personal expression and creativity, work attire helps students fit into professional environments and signals their evolving maturity and understanding of workplace expectations. Both sides of their wardrobe reflect the journey of growth, adaptability, and self-awareness that students experience as they move through different stages of their lives.
We took some photos of some students to showcase this difference.
Marlee Warner 19, General Engineering Major, Levi’s Sales Stylist Lead
Austin Boakye 19, Physical Education Major, Student Athlete (soccer)
Chris Thomson 21, Secondary Education (Math) Major, Pinstripes server
Johnny Bladimir Velasquez Jr 19, General Education Studies Humanities, Hallmark retail Associate
Christian King 19, Business Major, Senior Living Dinning Server
Neeka Sadeghi 19, Film/Writing Major, Dance Teacher
Anjali Dodd 17, Criminal Justice Major (MC2) program, Babysitter/Nanny
Sousanna Chugunova 21, Computer Science Major, Baker
