While we live in a climate where 90 degrees and humid is nothing out of the ordinary, it is easy to fall into the trap of throwing on shorts, a tank top, and flip flops for class. However, just because a crop top is an easy option doesn’t mean you should rock it to your 9 a.m. lecture. Of course there will be days when leggings and a messy bun seem appropriate, especially after pulling all-nighters and drinking yourself into a coffee coma. Students should come to class dressed professionally and appropriately.

Dressing well is an automatic mood booster. There is no better feeling than walking towards the library and having someone do a double take at your cute outfit, or standing in line at Starbucks and having someone fangirl over your amazing shoes. Obviously, you don’t need to be decked out in a ball gown to illicit compliments, but if your crop top makes people question if it’s a sports bra or not then it’s definitely not appropriate for class.

I don’t care how many squats you do, but wearing shorts that expose your butt cheeks is never acceptable for class. Also, do you not think about all the places you sit during the day? I doubt that bench outside class was cleaned recently. Gross. Bottom line (no pun intended), if you would wear those shorts to the Grove on a Thursday night, then you should not be wearing them to class. While we can pretend all we want that we don’t judge others by their appearance, don’t try and tell me you have never looked at a girl in class and wondered if she had just gotten back from a “walk-of-shame.” Why are girls so willing to spend an hour on their hair and makeup just to throw on sweats and a hoodie?

In this appearance-driven society you should always put your best Louboutin-heeled foot forward. Professors and fellow students will look at you with much more respect and see you as someone who wants to succeed. Obviously there is meaning behind the phrase “dress for success.”

If the employer of your dreams was going to walk into your class tomorrow, how would you want to project yourself? Also, who knows you aren’t going to run into that cute boy from Wine Wednesday while walking past Dooley?

So what exactly is “appropriate” for class? A cute pair of great-fitting jeans is always a go-to for when you want to be casual but still look like you put some thought into your appearance. Also, nothing is easier on those hungover Friday mornings than throwing on a simple flowy dress. Shorts don’t always have to show your butt cheeks. You can easily avoid sweltering in the Miami heat and won’t look too revealing by investing in a great pair of J.Crew chino shorts.

If all those reasons to dress appropriate aren’t enough, just remember: no parent can argue with you when you say you need a shopping spree at Neiman Marcus to find some professional looking attire for class.

words_madelyn peterson. photos_kelly brody.