What are we saying?

Plunging necklines, exposed bra straps, high-waist shorts and skirts that barely cover the darker areas of our behind. Sheer clothing soaked in sweat, dragging flip flops and waist belts synched so tightley, fat is pouring over. This is what I saw while strolling across campus.

Ladies, what are we doing?

As a college student entering into my 2 final semesters, daily reminders of what people are saying, wearing and doing on campus speak to my personal and professional maturity. Some of the antics I have seen recently are simply shameful.

In relation to fashion, anyone who knows me or has seen me on campus would agree that I have a vested interest in beauty, fashion and ultimately perception as a whole. I can identify with the fashion trends and attitudes that are expressed on campus. However, I also know these looks are not appropriate for the work place. The workplace you say? Yes, as college students we must begin treating the college experience as training. We should consider college our job, professors our supervisors, and friends our colleagues.

So, in this senario ladies do we think what we are wearing to our job is appropriate for the workplace? I can answer this easily, NO! We must remember that we are first marketing ourselves and are acheiving public relations through our appearance.

My program specifically has implemented a dress code for upper level courses. Denim is prohibited among other clothing materials such as leggings, tank tops, mini skirts, etc., Ultimately any clothing that will distract or hinder professional relationships is not permitted. Wait....Isn't this a no brainer? Clearly not. This dress code had to be mandated because of what students were wearing, even those approaching the senior level.

What we must remember is we are privlliged women who are granted the opportunity to advance intellectually, socially and economically through the college experience. With this we are also given the responsibility to simply know better and do better. Let's not credit looking cheap, and tactless to being trendy and cute. Also, let's not believe that what we wear will keep a man. Yes, he's looking as we pass by, but in the long run he isn't looking for you.

As Gina Kinchlow, SJGC Professor , PRodigy Public Relations Advisor and one of my mentors so eloquently put it "Let's learn how to get dressed in the morning".