Typical morning routine: wake up, trudge to closet, stare. Sound familiar?

Getting dressed in the morning is a laborious task in itself, so much so that most students are already physically, mentally, and emotionally drained before that first bell of school even rings.

The way a person dresses is a bold statement, a pronunciation to the world, declaring who they are and what they’re all about.

Our pop culture puts a colossal emphasis on dress.

For example, Flo Rida’s “Low” lends its entire first verse to the description of the outfit of a certain girl, adding that, “the whole club was lookin’ at her.” As well, Keri Hilson’s “Knock You Down” encourages people to “keep rocking” on, “whether you Louie Vuitton it up or Reebokin’.”

Appearances are crucial, and can essentially make or break a person.

With the stakes so high, the pressure is almost too much to handle. Clearly, five minutes in the morning is hardly sufficient enough to get ready.

However, not all students are under this strenuous exercise on a daily basis.

How is this possible, you ask? Why, simple.

Uniforms.

Cue anticipated groans and knowing sighs from high school students everywhere.

As Ariane Custodio puts it, “uniforms would be cool ‘cause it resembles some sort of unity and you don’t get judged by what you wear. But at the same time, you can’t really show your individuality while wearing it. I don’t know…it’s kinda like putting people in a melting pot.”

Liz Karlinsky agrees, saying, “I agree with uniforms! It’s so children who can’t afford expensive clothing and the latest ‘style’ are considered equals with the more wealthy families. One is at school to learn, not to focus on what others are wearing. However, it does put a significant damper on individuality.”

Many teens parallel Custodio and Karlinsky’s view on uniforms.

When asked, they admire the qualities of the uniform—it acts as an equalizer among students and reduces opportunities for discrimination and prejudice.

However, many youth feel that uniforms provide a significant barrier to the celebration of diversity we are taught to embrace in Richmond, a truly multicultural city.

Sherilyn Fernando puts it simply, “I don’t think I’ll get to express who I really am without the freedom in choosing what I have to wear.”

Marco Ocariza disagrees, “I think [uniforms] are awesome cause some girls nowadays don’t know how to cover themselves up, and some guys wear their pants to their knees…”

Because the way a person dresses is such a huge declaration of one’s self and their own special uniqueness, this debate between casual dress and uniforms is not one to be taken lightly.

Erika Dizon comments, “Humans are visual beings.

“When we first see things, we judge them immediately. But we shouldn’t! We shouldn’t judge people based on the brands they choose and the clothes they wear. We should learn to get to know people for who they are beyond their clothing style, whether they’re in uniform or not.”

Dizon brings up an interesting point.

Despite outward appearances and our school’s dress codes and policies, we still have what’s inside—our unique attributes and flairs—to rely on and perhaps it is that to which we should cling on to.

Maybe little red-headed orphan Annie was onto something as she sang, “who cares what you’re wearing…you’re never fully dressed without a smile!”