Santa Clara's unofficial dress code

By Annie Rose Ramos

You know who you are. The girls who wear Juicy sweat suits to class and the guys with the Seven's brand jeans and the Nike plastic wristbands.

Let's face it -- the unofficial, undeclared dress code at Santa Clara is out, and if you are not in uniform, you are either attempting to make a statement about yourself or are way too lazy to care.

As students, we often see Santa Clara as a nurturing environment where people feel free to express themselves.

Although we would like to think this applies to all facets of university life, this quality may not transcend into the realm of fashion and style. Though we don't want to admit it, there seems to be a great many people who do care about achieving "the look."

I know that in the grand scheme of things we are all here to learn, to nurture our intellect, to meet people and to make long lasting friendships. But in the midst of all of this, can't we all just admit to occasionally giving our colleagues the "once-over?"

There is a socially accepted way to dress as a Santa Clara student, even if it doesn't includes fashionable amenities like Ugg boots, man earrings, or designer purses. There are a few requirements, and I am not referring to the class book list.

While I think that various "looks" have been established on our campus, I think students feel comfortable enough to express themselves within these styles.

Whether it be flinging a yo-yo around campus or wearing their favorite pajamas to class, students take pride in their outfits and accessories, right down to tasteful iPod covers or the bright green wheels of their skateboards.

But, after talking with several students around campus about their personal style, I began to realize that our focus on fashion has gone far beyond what I had originally predicted.

It has reached the extreme to where we identify ourselves by our Prada sunglasses, iPods, Chanel purses, Seven's Jeans and "PINK" sweats.

When I asked people about their style, many offered the brand name, as if that was the information necessary for me to understand their fashion choices.

Little did I know that the overwhelming pressure to own specific brands would generate conversations revolving around people's latest purchases.

For some, skinny jeans, oversized sunglasses and the Lacoste logo are just as important as the midterms we are about to study for, if not more important. What we own and wear on our bodies has become more important than what assignments are due for class.

I am glad that the majority of us are fortunate to have the means to satisfy our expensive tastes, but our funds aren't everlasting. They can't withstand the full indulgence of our passion for fashion.

When these purchases are made under the erroneous notion that we will be better accepted within the social system at Santa Clara if we own certain things, we know it has gone a bit far.

"It is all a cookie-cutter trend," said "PINK"-wearing senior Victoria Duran, who believes that "people go after the same things" as far as style goes, but in the end, it is "all a matter of adding your own touch to it."

I enjoy dressing up for classes; I believe that it shows that I am serious about academics. Because I put thought into what I wear, I think that message transcends to other areas of my life.

As I traveled around campus taking photos of other students who I thought exhibited "specific styles" or "the right brands," I began to realize that the overwhelming variety of styles at Santa Clara create somewhat of a balance.

The guys going to class in Ugg slippers and baggy grey sweats are alongside the guys who get dressed up in jeans and a collared shirt. The girls who wear Juicy sweat suits sit next to those who wear high-heeled boots.

Many of these fashionable students feel good about themselves because of what they put on for the day.

In the long run, it's not about the brands. It's about a personal style and how you choose to convey it through what you wear. As Duran said, "I bring life to my own clothes" and not the other way around.

Annie Rose Ramos is a junior English major.