Why Bother Dressing Up For Class?

Recently on Twitter, one of our follower’s latest tweets read: “So, someone who dresses up everyday cares more about themselves than people who wear sweats? bull! why should I dress up for class.” As a young student, she brings up a legitimate question.

Unless you have a good reason to do something, I can understand being defiant. There are some perfectly legitimate reasons to dress up for class.

Your professor will take you more seriously. If you’re looking for a letter of recommendation at the end of the semester, the things you do in class can affect whether or not that will happen. If you sit up straight, pay attention in class, interact, and ditch the sweats, you’ll be more likely to get a favorable letter for your portfolio.

Guest speakers / recruiters. Especially in fourth year and graduate classes, you’re prone to having guest speakers and recruiters visiting the class on a regular basis. Would you feel comfortable networking in your sweat pants and UGGs? That recruiter has the power to help you find a job after graduation and whether we like it or not, people still judge a book by its cover. Control the controllables and look nice. You’ll garner more positive attention for it.

Cute boy/girl! You want to get the attention of that hottie across the aisle? If you put some extra time and effort into what you look like, you’re more likely to catch their eye.

Respect. Bottom line — dressing nicely shows respect for yourself, your classmates, and the professor. Don’t believe me? Body language expert and former FBI agent Joe Navarro told My Colleges and Careers, “If I as a professor am working this hard for the students, I’m going to reward those that pay me back with interest, with curiosity, with respect.”

When I mentioned some of these tips in a tweet to @laweezzyy, she saw the benefit and replied, “I just didn’t really know it was a big deal to wear sweats.”

While this will hold up well in an actual classroom, online college students can benefit from looking nice in class as well since the way you dress will affect how you feel about yourself and will have a direct impact on your productivity. Read more about this affect on What to Wear for an Online Class.

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