bad fashion 101

The worst and most distracting thing in the world, for me, is when a college professor (usually a younger one- senior professors tend to stay with more traditional styles, regardless of what the kids are wearing these days) does not know how to dress. I simply cannot concentrate. I'm not saying this to be mean, just very frank.

Now, I'm not talking about those who wear the dresses which resemble smocks, or the white button-down and slight see-through shirts. I put those in a class of their own, and therefore do not feel that they are fair game for criticism. I do, however, feel that I have the right to vent about the misadventures some select people seem to have on a daily basis.

First of all, as a teacher (of any age), one must dress to look respectable and distinguished. While pairing red pumps with a black outfit is good in theory, and works perfectly well when walking Boylston Street on a Saturday night, those shoes should rarely (if ever) see the classroom. (Nevermind if they are watermelon pinkish/red stilettos, and the rest of the outfit is a mixture of a button down black shirt and charcoal grey pinstripe pants...) If they do make it to class, there had better be some red in the outfit, something for them to match, and thus the person would have some excuse for wearing them. Aside from this sliver of an example, these shoes need to stay home on school days.

And that goes for any loud piece of clothing or jewelry. Not only is it a distracting part of the outfit, but students generally have a hard enough time paying attention in class, so all you will be doing is encouraging them to zone in on it. My advice is to stick to neutral, professional styles. I understand that you want to be "hip" in college, but I'm sorry, you no longer reside in the dorms.

Now, don't think that I'm picking on college professors alone. This rule applies to any professional- I even follow that minimal dress code when I give my campus tours. You want your group, or client, to be paying attention to YOU, correct? NOT so much your accessories...Especially if they are a fashion disaster.

And that's the end of my little rant for tonight. Hope you enjoyed it.