Clothing is a basic need, with the fundamental task of protecting the body from heat and cold. But as people discovered things and gave rise to civilizations, clothes slowly acquired a deeper purpose: a kind of expression of oneself, and eventually, a status symbol.

In the University of the Philippines, school uniforms are not required of students and professors because of its so-called “academic freedom.” One can wear shorts or just slip on good old rubber slippers and not get in trouble with the guards on duty, unlike in other schools. Practically anything can be worn to class at the expense of one’s own values, thus, making or breaking a student’s perspective about dressing up.

Prof. Patricia Elumba of the UP College of Home Economics Clothing Technology department observed that some UP students become burara (unhygienic) already. They wear slippers, with the infamous Havaianas logo for that matter, without even cleaning their toenails, she said. Very unsightly, of course.

Also, the weird “pang-sarimanok” hairstyle of some guys doesn’t seem appropriate as Elumba asserted that “every element, feature, or attribute that we show physically is something that leads the eye.” There must be a clear delineation between self-expression and dressing appropriately. Hence, a UP student in search of excellence must wield a lot of effort to look his best.

“The UP graduates are losing their edge in the overall market, partly due to lack of training in ‘attractively packaging’ our advocated ideas and primarily, as to how we carry our personal image,” Elumba said in a speech in one of the Alternative Classroom Learning Experience (ACLE) presentations held recently.

Class struggle, being the theme of this semester’s ACLE, can be manifested through “power dressing.” It is a term which basically came from the 80s, to mean a kind of dressing that reflects ambition and authority believed to improve the wearer’s status, influence, or effectiveness in business, Elumba said. It was particularly associated with women in the 80s especially in the US and UK with personalities such as British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and Princess Diana of Wales.

Prof. Elumba looked at what other graduates, particularly the Ateneans and La Sallites, have: the money, which can be used to dress up in the most sophisticated clothes. But that is not an absolute disadvantage on the part of UP graduates, for there are a lot of means to find the appropriate suits like the ukay-ukays and mother’s baul, as Elumba suggested. Besides, it is a chance when one’s creative skills can be put into action.

In an April 2007 article by Patty Betita on the Manila Times, one’s appearance is said to be the most powerful tool of communication for it not only reflects the self-esteem of an individual but also the strengths and capabilities of the company being represented. Initially, people are judged based on how they look.

An article by Gary Martin said that the clothes are often made from silk or other expensive materials with high costs that emphasize the elite status of the women wearing them.

Fresh graduates, therefore, should emulate the sophistication in dressing by fashion icons in the 80s in order to have that “X-factor” which companies look for in a worker.

Those somewhat overboard in the weigh scale need not worry. There are also suits perfectly designed for them. Sherry Maysonave's got a list.

Over the years, people are always trying to reinvent fashion basing on season, thematic, and commerce. Fashion, as an interpretation of clothing, tags along the concept of individuality. Elumba said that we should express ourselves in the very very particular or unique way that we are. To be able to carry our personal image well, knowledge and confidence are the only must-haves.

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