By Ava Finegold
Edited By Anoosha Barua
How does the dress code determine social norms in a school? In any school, dress code can either limit the ability to dress how you please or even allow you to feel more comfortable dressing within the standard that everyone else is in.
As written in the student handbook at Brooks, “dress code was developed to encourage attire that is neat, clean, in good repair and purposeful for various aspects of School.” This can be taken in many ways; what teachers may think of as neat and clean may be different from what students believe is neat and clean. Although it is understandable that as a community we want to look presentable, ultimately I feel that dress codes limit students’ creativity in how they want to dress. Of course, I understand that the dress code will never be taken away, especially at a preparatory school such as Brooks, but for some students, the dress code limits their ability to dress creatively and different than others.
A common belief is that the dress code promotes a more serious school atmosphere that emphasizes academics and promotes good behavior. I personally don’t think clothing should determine the atmosphere of the school, and the people themselves should. It is interesting how one of the most prestigious schools in the US --Phillips Academy Andover-- has no dress code. This institution is an example of how dress doesn’t interfere with academics, considering the impressive success of their students. It would be interesting to conduct an experiment to see if a dress code truly affects students’ ability to learn and their academic performance.
Another reason a dress code is helpful in an environment like prep school is the baseline it gives students regarding what to wear. Especially at a school like Brooks, students come from all different backgrounds and the dress code helps to --almost-- level the playing field. It is harder for students to show off designer clothes if they must stick to the dress code, and the opposite is true as well. It is easier for lower-income kids to blend in and follow the dress code. Although a dress code hinders one’s ability to express themselves, it also helps some kids feel more comfortable in their environment.
Dress code affects people in the “real world” too; the lack of opportunities --jobs, internships, grants, etc-- for people who don’t look “presentable” is saddening. This topic proves to be difficult because looking good and “presentable” helps to create a sense of unity in the working environment, yet this leaves out the percentage of people who cannot afford to look the part and miss out because of this. “Dress Code” in the real world is almost opposite to a dress code in school because it makes it more difficult for lower-income people to get jobs and job interviews, but it can make students from lower-income families feel more comfortable at school. On the other hand, dress code can almost even the playing field by having everyone dressing similarly.
To conclude, the dress code and its effect on society is a complicated topic. Although it provides smart boundaries and a sense of unity, ultimately, it is often not inclusive to many people who are unable to “look the part,” and whether it be a lack of money or stylistic differences their opportunities are hindered because of it.
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