<p>Last March, I visited schools in New York City. While on a student-guided tour at Columbia University, another visitor asked our guide what was appropriate to wear to class. He pointed to me and said, "Not like that! You don't want to look like a lumberjack!" It was all in good fun, but my cheeks grew red. I had on a long-sleeved American Eagle shirt, a scarf (more fashion than function, or so I thought), skinny-legged jeans, and (gasp) a Columbia Sportwear fleece jacket. Weather was sunny, but cold. There was still snow on the ground.</p>
<p>So how do college students dress in the city?? Someone told me New Yorkers wear a lot of black and tend to dress up more. I didn't really notice that when I was there. I'll be attending Juilliard, living in a residential hall at Lincoln Center, and taking one additional class at Columbia. Dressy clothes I'm fine on...it's the everyday clothes that mystify me. Must I trade my beloved Columbia for Northface?</p>
<p>I'll leave my plaid "lumberjack" scarf at home.
:)</p>
<p>You’ll be living in NYC, shopping capital of the world, or at least the US. Take the minimum you’ll need to get by and buy the rest there once you see what everyone else is wearing.</p>
<p>I don’t know what was wrong with that guy. It doesn’t sound like good fun, it sounds mean. I think half the students in my 100-person political theory lecture at Barnard had your outfit on. You might want to get new clothes, but only because you’ll fit in too well.</p>
<p>That’s what I was thinking. I bet the Columbia admissions people would be very shocked and alarmed to discover that one of their tour guides sometimes mocks the appearance of prospective students who are visiting their campus.</p>
<p>im from beaverton/portland in oregon but i grew up in connecticut and that whole area. so let me tell you this now. YOUR FINE. the way we dress in the pacific northwest is actually trendy, and what you wore confirmed it. and its new york, there is no “1” style</p>
<p>To tell you the truth, when my daughter was in high school here on the west coast, she used to be very fashion conscious, opting for a trendy look with a flair of creativity, a new outfit every day. (Not expensive – she’s good at bargain hunting and does her own sewing to get a custom look for stuff she buys at discount or thrift stores). </p>
<p>After she settled in at Barnard she pretty much changed her look to jeans & a knit sweater along with a scarf – its just too cold and wet most of the time for anything else. That, and layering since classrooms can be hot & stuffy. And practical, sturdy shoes – my d. always has loved heels and strappy sandals, but New Yorkers do a lot of walking. </p>
<p>*While on a student-guided tour at Columbia University, another visitor asked our guide what was appropriate to wear to class. He pointed to me and said, “Not like that! You don’t want to look like a lumberjack!” *</p>
<p>I suspect that the guides comments said more about him than it did about what you were wearing.
I had a boyfriend once, that wanted me to dress a certain way- get manicures .., more polished ( and time consuming) than what I felt comfortable with.
I wonder if this young man had equal control issues with his girlfriend/boyfriend and that is why he critiqued your clothes.</p>
<p>As long as you are dressed appropriately for the weather and activity, many people won’t even notice that much what you are wearing, unless they are a fashion designer or photographer.</p>
<p>( and pay attention to the advice on shoes- you will be walking a lot)</p>
<p>As a middle-aged former Philadelphian now living in the Seattle area and inclined to dress in pretty much the clothes described above, I would like to express my sympathy. I have had former classmates (from high school) look me up and down and say “you look so comfortable”–but with that raised eyebrow that lets you know you screwed up somehow.</p>
<p>I am not in tune with fashion. In fact, if it’s really important, I have my daughter (age 23 and very stylish) help me choose what to wear.</p>
<p>So I would concur with the poster who suggested taking the minimum and buying stuff there.</p>
<p>And I agree that the guide was a complete boor.</p>
<p>I have had former classmates (from high school) look me up and down and say “you look so comfortable”
Thank the goddess I haven’t seen anyone I went to high school with since I got married.
I am a little afraid I might see someone tonight at ElCorazon though- because Guns/Roses is just the sort of thing they would probably be listening to ( I am going to keep my H company- plus Mike McCready is * always excellent* )</p>
<p>But really, if you don’t want to wear a heavy wool coat all the time ( although I do have a handme up peacoat from D ), and it is cold and drizzly- fleece is really the perfect thing ( except when it gets fuzzzies)</p>
<p>So I attended S graduation at Carnegie, wearing Pendleton Shirt and later a Pendleton tie. The only other wearer of Scottish Plaid was Scotty the schools mascot. :}</p>
<p>And I’m growing tired of the globalization of fashion. Keep dressing like a lumberjack and bring some freshness to the uniformity of it all.</p>
<p>D1 is taking a serious look at some statement cowboy boots, since she’s coming to New England, we’re from the west, and must keep the stereotype alive.</p>