I’m considering applying to Sewanee under ED plan but I’ve heard that Sewanee has a certain dress code and students mostly wear formal clothes to classes. How true is that? I don’t feel comfortable at all in formal clothes and I’m sure that this will come as an obstacle during my time there if it’s as common as I’ve heard. I would appreciate any insights from former/current Sewanee students
Check out this post: http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/university-south/1904698-the-sewanee-class-dress-policy.html
I graduated from Sewanee a decade and a half ago, and while most students dressed nicer for class than at other schools, it wasn’t a “dress code” even then, but more of a tradition, and from what I’ve heard, it’s only gotten more lax in the years since.
The kids who wore coats and ties to class were a minority even in my day, other than during pledgeship when many frats require new members to dress up — but that happens at big SEC schools, too. If you can get comfortable wearing a pair of Dockers, a polo and sneakers to class, you’ll look like two-thirds of the other males on campus.
While it has long been a point of contention for students considering Sewanee, the dress code/tradition/whatever you want to call it, from my experience, shouldn’t factor into your decision at all. It’s a non-issue.
I am a current student at Sewanee. The dress code is unwritten and you cannot get in trouble for not dressing formally. I do not think the dress code is as followed as the school likes to make it out to be. The first week of classes is usually a fashion show, but after that, it is pretty relaxed. Girls typically wear a casual top and jeans (not with holes), and guys typically wear button-ups or a nice shirt. It is not uncommon to see people in sweatshirts and sweatpants but never during classes… unless they are over Zoom.
In all honesty, no one is really going to judge you for your choice of clothes in class. I would generally say just look presentable. Don’t show up to class in a wrinkly t-shirt.