RIT's Fashion Scene (Or Lack Thereof)

Let me tell you about the fashion scene at Rochester Institute of Technology, or the lack thereof.

You may see some students wearing bathrobes (the same one, almost everyday) and slippers, all while scootering down the Quarter Mile. Another may be wearing a “Minecraft” tee, cargo shorts and socks with Crocs while it’s snowing and there’s a windchill of -37°F. The latter demonstrates not only a lack of fashion sense, but a lack of common sense. However, on occasion, you may see someone who put effort into the way they look that day and that’s comforting to me, because I know I’m not alone.

The beauty of college is knowing that if you show up to class in a hoodie, sweatpants and yesterday’s hair product still in you will not be judged. That’s also comforting. However, RIT may be the only place you see students talking to prospective employers at the career fair wearing sneakers, jeans and an old sports coat over a graphic t-shirt. That’s just disrespectful to the employers, and especially onlookers. Tom Ford said it best.

“Dressing well is a form of good manners.”

It’s all about making a statement. A subtle statement. One that sets you apart and keeps you from getting lumped in with the many. However, when you decide to put effort into your appearance you walk a fine line. You can dress up too much, and come off as elitist or weird.

Dressing well is essentially a requirement in this day and age, as it helps strengthen your personal brand. A good fashion sense will positively change how you are perceived. "Dressing well" is also subjective. Different people have a different sense of what looks good and people tend to have different styles. That’s okay. Dressing well does not necessarily mean dressing up. Nobody should be wearing a dress shirt, tie and slacks to class everyday. Save that for the workplace. Finding one’s own sense of style is the key to branding yourself, and presenting yourself in a different way from everyone else.

RIT students who want to improve their wardrobe a bit have many resources at their disposal. Here are a couple great online communities to start off with.

And always note: