It seems that society has resigned itself to desiring tacky, casual clothing as opposed to chic apparel designed to enhance the appearance. People are falling victim to ill-fitting, unbecoming and generally basic clothing as though putting zero effort into getting dressed was de rigueur. Consequently, the number of image-conscious individuals is on a steady decline.

Upon surveying the Fresno City College campus, one would endure the visual punishment of finding many students clad in backpacks, hoodies, sweatpants, Uggs and pajamas. This clothing suggests a gross negligence in regards to one’s overall appearance.

Those that view style as a waste of time and choose the route of comfort tend to spout excuses including, but not limited to: “It’s just college,” “There is no one here I need to impress,” and “I don’t want the attention.” Whether it’s the result of insecurities or the aforementioned excuses, fashion and the concept of dressing well is often dismissed as being something silly; an activity reserved for those who are vain or those who choose not to take their studies seriously.

Contrary to popular belief, fashion encapsulates far more than the glitz and glamour of what is presented in the pages of Vogue magazine. Fashion is style; it is self-expression. It expands to an intimate form of visual language that could potentially assist in personal growth.

Dressing well not only requires self-discipline, but it takes time and effort to maintain. This is evidenced by white collar individuals and soldiers, who must abide by a set of exacting standards of appearance such as polished shoes and pressed uniforms. A sloppy appearance speaks volumes for the individual and leaves much to be desired.

“Sweatpants are a sign of defeat. You lost control of your life so you bought some sweatpants,” said Karl Lagerfeld, current designer at the forefront of the House of Chanel.

The way we dress sends a message about who we are and how we want people to perceive us. In fact, something that is oft overlooked is the importance of first impressions which are impossible to undo. Ergo, when one garbs themselves in clothes that belong in a garbage bin instead of on a person, it proves to somewhat degrading.

“I feel like first impressions are important, and if you dress to impress, you’ll always give a good one,” said Ashley Naples, fashion merchandising major at FCC.

A series of studies led by political scientist Shawn Rosenberg of University of California, Irvine indicated that people who are pleasant in appearance are viewed as more competent and able.

Interviews are a prime example of this. When one arrives to the interview and appears to be put-together rather than the barrel-scraping dreck that many college students present themselves as, there is a better chance that the interviewer will have more confidence that they could get the job done.

Do frayed jeans and dirty sneakers promote the image of competence and presentability? No.

It’s about taking time to express that you care about yourself and your appearance. Your clothing helps set the tone for who you are. It also helps in increasing self-assurance and attentiveness, a trait that is wise to have in both social and academic situations.

Jennifer Baumgartner, clinical psychologist and author of “You are What You Wear,” suggests that people feel more confident when they’re well-dressed.

“Clothes reveal cultural influences, environmental stressors, self concept, etc. Your clothes reveal what is really going on internally,” Baumgartner said.

Some may argue that college should be a time for us to focus on broadening our minds instead of investing in our wardrobes. However, those who are well-rounded tend to possess the capability to balance both academic success and a well-stocked wardrobe. Both are wise investments for one’s future.

Personal style can potentially take a lifetime to polish and refine. Since life isn’t as long as we’d like it to be, there is hardly a reason to settle for being average.

“I feel it is important to dress well to please myself,”  said Brooke Baker, a student at FCC. “I get to express my fashion sense and style to the world which makes me feel beautiful in my own way.”