Have you thought about:

1) going to the campus of your intended university and have a look to see what the “campus culture” is like. Not to say you HAVE to conform, but to scout out the territory.

2) fashions tend to change because that’s how those businesses make a profit and living. But for most students, cost controls might favor spending on the education more than the threads….so going with what you have or with slight changes makes more sense economically.

3) Thinking ahead….as you transition from school to work…first impressions at job interviews can be critical depending on the job you seek. so being aware of “proper” dress is a good thing…sort of using discretion for the time and place…you know clothes for fun and such and clothes for “go get a job” are different. So if on a limited student budget, plan ahead so you don’t run at the last minute to find a suit that fits off the rack for that all important job interview.

To balance all this out….you are still an individual. No matter how you dress, you have no control of how others view and treat you. And I am sure, once you decide how you want to dress, others will crawl out of the wood work and tell you everything wrong with your decision. Just roll with the punches.

Be aware of studies that document what happens when folks go to apply for a loan at the bank. They used the same people as the applicants…dressed them differently…one extreme to the other….but papered and documented financially similarly….and gee, guess what….the well-dressed versions of the applicants got a much warmer reception at the bank and were dealt with in are much more cordial manner that the grease-stained hardworking manual day laboring couple.

So you have complete freedom of choice…but unfortunately, no Constitutional right for freedom from responsibility. Go forth and choose wisely.

Hope this helps you. Best wishes for a great transition to university.

Besides, you will need to use your money for other things in college – like groceries, rent, books