By Janet Price, Regional Director of Community Education and Transition, CLE Rockville
Fashion. Individualism. First Impressions. Are these concepts mutually exclusive? Do they matter? We asked students during a Rockville CLE Focus Group for their opinions – and not surprisingly, they varied greatly:
There’s an old saying, “Clothes Make the Man.” Do you agree or disagree?
Glen: 
It’s an essential component, but I don’t think it makes the man. You need to know when to dress up and when to relax.
Nathan: It’s applicable to when you make a first impression. If you’re dressed like you don’t care, that’s going to color people’s view of you. Better to be on the safe side and dress nice.
Glen: It’s wrong to judge, but it happens regardless.
Andrew: You can guess when you need to make a good impression. Clothes make the image of the man, but personally I don’t care hugely.
Josh H.: You want to wear something clean, neat and presentable, and appropriate to the situation. Everyone will differ slightly on stylistic options. People will think positively of you based on the way you dress.
Glen: Attitude is important as well. If you have a bad attitude, that will show through.
That raises an interesting question. Does how you dress affect how you feel?
Andrew: I find it hard to proactively plan how I dress, so dressing can show your mood insofar as how you reflect on it.
Max D: There was a dress code at my private school. When I had a shirt and tie on I felt like I could concentrate better.
Nathan: If you don’t dress well, you have to put more effort into making yourself seem like an awesome person. It’s like there are (social) barriers – first is how you dress, second is personality.
CLE also sought the opinion of female students as they were relaxing between sessions in the student lounge.
Ryan: The way you dress might impact the way people think of you, but that doesn’t mean you should think any less of yourself and don’t let anyone tell you how to dress.
Yelena: It’s what you like, and what makes you comfortable.
Does this apply in all circumstances?
Ryan: Obviously, if dressing for a job interview, make sure it’s professional and that you follow policy on the job. But for casual times, just be you. Don’t let anyone else dictate who you are. Be comfortable with yourself.
Yelena: You need to make sure that what you’re wearing goes together and colors match.
What is your personal style?
Ryan: For winter, skinny jeans with a comfortable long sleeve shirt, and Uggs. For summer, short shorts and a fun t-shirt to reflect my unique and fun personality.
Yelena: My style matches my mood. If I’m wearing my rainbow pants, it reflects how I feel.
