Dressing out at our school died after COVID. With a rise in PJ pants and leggings, jeans are considered dressing up. Most students only wear jeans for seminar presentations and picture day.
As an avid jean wearer myself, it’s time we bring back casual jean wearing. Jeans are comfortable, practical and stylish, so why are they considered too dressy for school?
At this point, students at our school only wear jeans on special occasions.
“I think that they’re casual when you’re not at school … if I’m going to the mall or something, I like to wear jeans or when doing stuff with my family,” freshman Claire Markmann said.
To most students, jeans only feel casual when worn outside of school. When most people wear baggy sweatpants (myself included), denim suddenly looks fancy. That says more about how low students’ fashion standards have dropped than about jeans themselves
All of a sudden more boys have started wearing jeans, especially senior boys. TikTok trends and the comeback of ‘90s style jeans have definitely influenced many students at our school. Many senior boys have seemed to replace sweatpants for jeans.
They still rock comfy sweatshirts and T-shirts but now with jeans: a perfect example of comfortability paired with stylish. Fashion obviously trends in cycles and in our current post-COVID era, denim is definitely coming back.
In early 2023 there was a nationwide rise in thrifting among teenagers and adults alike, especially in our area with both consignment and thrift stores. This allows jeans to be more affordable for everyone (brand new jeans can be upward of $200).
I’m one of Depop’s largest consumers and for good reason. Buying used jeans diverts up to 700 grams of organic waste. The thrifting craze is fashionable and eco friendly.
Whenever I wear jeans, I constantly get asked if I have an Advanced Placement (AP) Seminar presentation. One time I was asked why I tried so hard to dress up for school. Wearing jeans shouldn’t be something you are judged for, but the unfortunate truth is, it is.
Students should feel free to dress however they want. At the end of the day, if you believe an outfit looks cool, that’s all that matters.
Fashion at our school seems to prioritize comfortability rather than self expression. Jeans allow for different fits and washes, customization for every wearer. You can be comfortable without looking like you just rolled out of bed. Fashion is all about self expression. Whether you are going for a comfy look or a put together outfit, it’s all up to you.
Jeans are easy to style and instantly elevate any outfit. So whether you have a major presentation or a relaxed day at school, jeans are always the best option for your outfit.
