Students have mixed opinions about school fashions

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Brendan Filippelli and Camille Vanderwatt, both second-graders, have different opinions on a school uniform policy.
Photos by Augusta Greenbaum

“What should I wear today?” is a common question that students must ask themselves each morning. There are about 185 days in a school year. If a student has five outfits for each of the four seasons, then each outfit would be worn about nine times during the school year.

But deciding what to wear can be either a complicated or simple decision—depending on the student making the decision.

Allie Peraino, a 10th-grader at Westhampton Beach High School, said she takes the time to pick out her clothes before going to bed each night. Her reason: “You have to present yourself as an image.”

On the other hand, fellow 10th-grader Krista Kearns said she does not put too much effort into deciding what to wear. “I literally roll out of bed and just throw on the first thing I see,” she said.

Simplicity and acceptability could help explain the “unofficial uniform” code at Westhampton Beach: jeans or leggings paired with sweatshirts and UGGs for girls, and jeans, T-shirts and sneakers for boys. They are the dress combinations favored by most students in the district.

For many students, comfort is the key when picking out their clothing. It is also something that the school’s unofficial uniform provides. While the school district already has a dress code, it doesn’t have uniforms and, therefore, students are allowed the freedom of expression through clothing. There are no immediate plans to institute a school uniform policy in the district.

Anthony Arfi, a 12th-grader, said he likes to wear comfortable T-shirts that don’t just advertise a brand but represent his interests. One of his favorite shirts has Jimi Hendrix on it. Anthony said he prefers to wear T-shirts that make a statement.

Hypothetically speaking, if the Westhampton Beach School District ever instituted a uniform policy, pressure would be taken away from kids to wear the latest and most expensive brand names. Such a policy would also reduce the size of their clothing inventories.

Yet, surprisingly, some students said they would not protest a uniform policy if one was ever instituted in Westhampton Beach.

“I wouldn’t mind,” said Courtney Sidor, a 10th-grader.

When asked for his views on uniforms, Anthony answered, “It’s a good idea on paper, but I feel that kids need to be creatively motivated. Having uniforms would constrict their abilities.”

At the same time, uniforms would be a nightmare for students like Allie. She explains that her non-conformist style “changes every day, depending on my mood.” She added that she doesn’t like to dress like everyone else and “would never wear a sweatshirt to school.”

Her former experience with uniforms at a Catholic school contributes to her anti-uniform views. Allie said she used to shop at Abercrombie but doesn’t anymore, explaining that the brand is “too expensive.” She then added, while smiling, that she “hates labels.”

Emily Beaver, a seventh-grader at the middle school, said she opposes uniforms and likes labels.

“I like to wear jeans and UGGs,” said Emily, commenting on the trend that prevails in her school. When describing her style, Emily said: “I try to be trendy and comfortable.”

She lists American Eagle, Abercrombie and Hollister as her favorite shopping destinations. Still, Emily emphasizes that she never judges other kids based on their clothing.

Camille Vanderwatt, a second-grader at the elementary school, said she does not judge her classmates, or choose her friends, based on what they are wearing. Camille said she picks out her own clothing and her favorites include stretchy T-shirts with images of hearts, peace signs, or butterflies on them.

Regarding uniforms, Camille said she would not like them.

“I have some favorite clothes and I really like to wear them,” Camille said. When asked if many people wear UGGs, a popular boot brand, she answered, “Yup, I don’t know why but, somehow, they are very popular in summertime.”

Brendan Filippelli, another second-grader, said he likes to wear jeans, sweatshirts and sports jerseys (especially ones promoting the Westhampton Beach Hurricanes). Still, he said he would not oppose a uniform policy.

“I wouldn’t mind uniforms,” Brendan said. “They would make getting dressed easier.”

Noting that their parents and other adults have to follow a dress code at work, some students said that children and teenagers should not have to deal with the same fashion constraints until after they enter the workforce.

“Clothes describe who you are,” Allie said. “So whatever clothes you choose, just be yourself!”