Style before school pride

In London, it’s pretty deplorable to wear sweatpants to school.

British students — guys, specifically — tend to be much more presentable in an academic setting when in front of their peers and most certainly when in front of their professors.

As it’s been described to me, London boys will always dress “a little smarter” when they’re heading off to university.

When the director of our study abroad program talked about cultural differences between students in America and students in the United Kingdom, she said, “Oh, and if you brought your sweatshirts and other paraphernalia that have your university’s name stamped on it, don’t wear it to class. It’s not a cool thing to do here. You’ll just look rather silly.”

I tend to agree.

I have never owned something with IU’s brand on it, excluding the “Indiana Grandma” T-shirt I picked out for free at T.I.S. Bookstore with my birthday coupon.

From what I’ve gathered, London students most certainly own a sweatshirt with their university’s name on it. They just wear it infrequently.

U.K. students would buy a university T-shirt in the same manner we might buy a Six Flags T-shirt when we go to Six Flags.

We would not, however, go to Six Flags, buy four T-shirts, a pair of sweatpants, a pack of pencils, two track jackets and a crewneck for every member of our family.

Pride for universities functions on a different level here in London.

Rather than crowding your closet with the same theme and color, you’d better represent your school by doing well, excelling in campus organizations and engaging in healthy competition with the universities around you.

And while this might seem rather un-American of me, I’d love for y’all to do the same. Go through your wardrobe, count the number of IU things you have and consider donating to make room for newer, more individualized pieces of clothing.

There are approximately 1 gajillion other ways to display your school’s spirit, but uniforming your wardrobe isn’t one of them.

Ask yourself, “Do I really need three IU tank tops?”

“Do I really need this Hoosier basketball sweater-poncho hybrid?”

This applies in cases other than college paraphernalia.

Oftentimes, we wear the brands and colors we’re familiar with because we feel comfortable in them. Comfortable is quite the opposite of daring, innovative or fashion-forward.

Take a page out of the Brits’ book and “dress smarter.”