At LSHS, the dress code policy sparks debate throughout the community. Professionalism in schools has been an ongoing discussion.
Even if a lot of people don’t share the idea of having a dress code, many work places require an appropriate way of dressing, like uniforms, to look more professional and formal.
“It’s good to know what’s more appropriate, especially for work and everything,” junior Ayslei Morris-Jones said.
Style is a form of self expression, just like art and other hobbies, students argue.
“I feel like I don’t really dress particularly, like promiscuous or anything, and I don’t really wear a lot of T-shirts with a lot of words on it, but I think it’s really nice to be able to see everyone express themselves in their own individual ways, and knowing that they all have that freedom to just dress how they want,” junior Sarah Fernandez said.
Very often dress codes are particularly strict for girls, who frequently are not allowed to wear a piece of clothing that shows a specific part of their skin.
“You’re telling young girls, telling them that their shoulders might provoke someone, you’re taking away their sense of security and saying that, ‘Oh, the people around you are dangerous.’ You have to hide yourself instead of them learning how to control themselves,” junior Clara Meyer said
Dress codes can affect what people buy, where they shop, and how their outfits are impacted.
“There’s a lot less options, so you can wear stuff, and when you make an outfit, you have to think about, ‘Oh, I can’t wear this. I can’t wear that.’ You’re restricted,” Meyer said.
Many consider their way of dressing an art and a way to tell who they are.
“I think the ability to use clothing to express yourself, whether you’re wearing slippers and pajama pants and a hoodie to school, or if you’re wearing jeans and a crop top or like a mini skirt and a cute little top, I think all of that is such an important value to have to to show people around you who you want to be, and it shows that clothing can show your personality. It can show the person you want to be, the career you want to choose. It’s just such a beautiful form of self expression. And I don’t think it should be pulled away from anyone,” Fernandez said.
