Just a few minutes of observing UW-Whitewater students reveals an unavoidable trend. A large portion of the students milling around campus sport some variety of sweatpants or yoga pants. Jeans, skirts and even suits make few appearances, but it is cozy athletic wear that takes the majority.

Comfort has taken over the campus. It’s easy to fall into throwing on a sweatshirt instead of coordinating a new outfit, which might require a trip to the laundry room.

With all-nighters and early classes, it seems that dressing down is the simplest option. However, having a pajama-infused wardrobe often looks lazy. With a few adjustments, cozy style can be updated to look more like a future professional.

There are many benefits to dressing better for class. The first one is almost immediate: confidence. Just looking put-together makes it easier to take on classes.

The extra effort doesn’t go unnoticed, and compliments are a great motivator. Every student interviewed mentioned feeling more confident when he or she dressed nicely.

Senior Emma Kaptchen said she loves her sweats but notes the benefits of dressing well.

“It seems everyone takes you more seriously, like you’re ready for the real world,” Kaptchen said.

It’s easier to create good impressions when dressed nicely. Junior Sean Gums said it earns respect.

“Teachers think more highly of you because it makes you look like you care about being presentable for class, so it makes a better impression,” Gums said.

Junior Kate Winkler had this notion instilled from early on, “My mom always told me to look presentable,” Winkler said. “I’m presenting more than just myself; I’m representing class and my family.”

It’s important to remember that college includes a lot of networking, and that doesn’t stop with professors. Making good impressions is key.

Dressing nicely is respectful to professors in more than one way.  Junior Alyssa Koch said clothing choice could be an indicator of success.

“I think you’re viewed on how you present yourself,” Koch said. “If you look sloppy like you rolled out of bed or if you’re putting effort into what you look like, maybe
it will correlate with how you work.”

On a very practical note, Winkler said wearing sweats is bad for her focus.

“I feel more tired, mopey and unfocused when I’m wearing sweatpants,” Winkler said. She also added that it would be uncomfortable to fall asleep in jeans.

Dressing well doesn’t just set the precedent for success in college; it’s good preparation for success in the workplace. Most businesses expect a certain level of professional dress that does not include pajama pants.

It only requires a few tweaks to dress better for class. Koch said a good rule is to avoid anything worthy of the gym or the bedroom. For example, yoga pants are not too casual if paired with a sweater and scarf. Mixing traditionally comfortable pieces with polished ones works well.

Scarves and jewelry also require very little effort but easily make an outfit look complete.

Everyone experiences a day or two when comfort is the only option, but comfort does not have to be sloppy. Just putting in a little extra effort can breed respect and opportunities.

College is all about preparing for the future, and clothing choices are no exception.