One of the first big decisions one can make after waking up is choosing what to wear. Should I dress up? Is it cold out? Do I have to go to the lab today? These are all questions I have to answer when my alarm blares after snoozing it for the third time.

I, for one, have always had the mindset of focusing my brainpower on the day rather than to dress up in fancy or formal attire.

I don’t mean any disrespect to my professor by doing so. Rather, I think that I am dressing for the best success of my day. Instead of worrying about little wrinkles here or there, I can fully devote my attention to taking notes, processing equations and planning my day.

Practicality also makes a huge difference in how I dress. College isn’t just going to classes and then going back to your room. It’s walking around campus, dodging the unpredictable weather and maybe spilling food or water on my clothing on the way. If I have a lab that day, I can’t wear shorts or open-toed shoes. I would be sent back to my room to change. On these days, function beats fashion nearly every time.

There is also the comfort factor. Sometimes the most effective outfit for me is the one that keeps me relaxed, whether that’s sweatpants or a hoodie. Comfort helps me focus on what really matters, but it can also backfire. On the days when I am basically wrapped up in a portable blanket, I find myself struggling to stay awake during class. Dressing comfortably can mean that I am more at ease, but it can also mean that I have just scheduled a nap during a lecture.

Another part of my decision in the morning is accounting for how people see me. College is a fascinating mix of being oneself while at the same time realizing everyone is looking and noticing what you are wearing. Showing up in casual wear can make me blend in with the crowd in case I want to go the day without drawing notice, but some days I want to make a good impression. On the first day of class, I feel pressure to look my best when I meet my new lab partners, professors and peers. Whether people say so or not, clothes significantly affect first impressions.

On important days, like when I have a big presentation, I prefer to dress up a bit. Instead of my usual T-shirt and assortment of pants or shorts, I might wear khakis and a button-down shirt. When I do decide to dress up more, I notice a distinct difference in how I feel. A button-down shirt makes me sit a little straighter, even if I am slouching by the end of class. It makes me feel refined on days when I need more motivation. I might not turn a bad test grade into an excellent one, but I might get another multiple-choice question right. Sometimes the mental shift is worth the extra time in the morning getting ready.

Allegheny has its own sort of unofficial uniform. As far as the eye can see, it is Allegheny sports merchandise or casual wear. It’s hard not to notice its patterns, and sometimes it feels even harder not to feel pressured to blend in. Dressing differently can definitely feel empowering, but also alienating.

On the other hand, overthinking what to wear can waste more time than it’s worth. I have had mornings where I have changed multiple times, just to go with the same sort of outfit I’ve worn for the past three days. This indecision defeats the purpose. It eats into my routine in the morning and leaves me feeling frustrated, all for an outfit nobody is going to remember the next day.

Dressing for the day is really, in my opinion, about balance. Some days call for comfort, like when it’s raining out or when you have back-to-back classes and want to feel comfortable. Some days call for confidence, like when you have a big presentation or when you have a test you’ve been studying for. There are definite pros and cons to both, but I’ve learned to lean towards the one that fits the day I want to have. I don’t believe that clothing alone will determine whether I succeed or not, but I think it can set the tone. In the busy and chaotic days of college life, sometimes setting the correct tone for yourself can be the best decision you can make.

So, should I dress up? Should I throw on a hoodie? The answer, at least for me, is yes, depending on the day.