Introduction to Chicago Public High Schoolers’ First Day of Class Outfits
Ethan Martinez, a junior at Lincoln Park High School, looked at the clothes hanging in his closet in seventh grade and thought it was time for a change. The colorful T-shirts from his parents with graphics of kids characters didn’t seem appropriate for a soon-to-be high schooler. That’s when he started shopping for himself. Now, Ethan, 16, follows the trends and styles his own everyday “fits,” slang for a put-together look.
The Importance of First Impressions
Ethan is one of the many Chicago Public Schools students who start piecing together their outfits weeks before reuniting with friends and teachers. Their individual styles offer a chance to showcase their personalities and, in some cases, introduce new versions of themselves to their classmates as they return from summer break. Classes begin Monday for most Chicago schools. Ethan says he started thinking about what he wanted his first day outfit to look like back in the middle of the summer. He envisioned a simple but stylish pairing of cargo shorts — a trendy item — with a sweater and Air Jordan sneakers to match his top. Other brands that he likes include Under Armour, Calvin Klein, Nike and Levi’s.
Confidence Through Clothing
Ethan says he doesn’t adhere to a particular style but takes inspiration from musicians like rapper Lil Baby and Mexican artist Tito Double P. Ethan says he feels like he can do anything when he’s wearing something snappy. “When you put together a good outfit and you step outside, you just feel more confident in yourself,” Ethan says. “You ever walk by a clean window, and you just can’t stop staring at yourself? It’s kind of that feeling.”
Sasha Levy’s Style
Sasha Levy, who is starting her freshman year at Whitney Young Magnet High School, also believes in the mood-setting power of clothing. She dresses up when she wants to be in good spirits. When she thinks a day might be stressful, she prefers comfort over being chic. But Sasha, like Ethan, thinks it’s important to show up with a good outfit on the first day. She decided on a pastel yellow, pink and blue Hollister tube top and long jean shorts paired with a gray and white Adidas sneakers.
Expressing Individuality
Sasha likes to shop at Brandy Melville but also scours websites for anything that catches her eye. She’s noticed babydoll tops that flare out at the bottom are a popular item this year. Any getup she puts together is accented with gold jewelry, Sasha’s favorite. Her style is influenced by the personalities she follows on TikTok and other social media platforms. If they’re wearing something that she likes, she says she thinks, “Oh, wow, I want to get that.” But those items aren’t always grown-up approved. Sasha says her grandmother sometimes gives her grief over crop tops or tube tops. “Because that’s a classic, like you’re showing too much skin,” Sasha says.
Pharrah Harper’s Uniform Twist
Pharrah Harper, a freshman at the University of Chicago Charter School, also has experienced resistance to crop tops from the older crowds, as well as to the loose-fitting cuts that are en vogue. She thinks it’s good that parents pay attention, but they shouldn’t stifle a teen’s need to convey their individuality through what they wear. “That’s how we, like, really like to express ourselves and want people to, like, understand us. So … just let us get a little short crop top once in a while, make us look cute,” she says, as long as it isn’t too short. Showing off her personality through clothes takes a little more effort for Pharrah. She’s required to wear a uniform consisting of a shirt with the school logo and khaki pants or a skirt. But that doesn’t mean she can’t make it her own.
Accessorizing a Uniform
For her first day, Pharrah’s wearing high-top Converse sneakers and accessorizing with gold jewelry. Rather than feeling restricted, she thinks the uniform requirement is a chance for students to show off their imagination. “You can accessorize your uniform, you can decorate your little school bag, you can decorate everything,” Pharrah says. “When you have a uniform, you can create what you want to wear.” Pharrah also follows TikTok influencers to find inspiration for her own style. She isn’t loyal to a particular brand or store and prefers to shop around.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chicago public high schoolers are taking their first day of class outfits seriously, using clothing as a way to express their individuality and showcase their personalities. Whether it’s through trendy items, comfortable clothing, or accessorizing a uniform, these students are making a statement. As Sasha Levy says, “Just wear what you want to wear and don’t care about what other people are going to think about your outfit. Wear something that you feel good in.”
FAQs
Q: What are some popular clothing items among Chicago public high schoolers?
A: Popular items include cargo shorts, sweaters, Air Jordan sneakers, Hollister tube tops, and Adidas sneakers.
Q: How do students express their individuality through clothing?
A: Students express their individuality by choosing clothing that reflects their personality, following trends, and accessorizing with jewelry or other items.
Q: What role do uniforms play in students’ outfits?
A: Uniforms can be a chance for students to show off their imagination and accessorize with jewelry, bags, or other items to make their outfit their own.
Q: What advice do students have for others when it comes to choosing a first-day outfit?
A: Students advise others to wear what makes them feel confident and good about themselves, and not to stress too much about what others think.
