Throughout all of my time at Wylie High School, dress up days have been a key component in raising school spirit and increasing unity. We’ve done everything: color wars, of course, but also camo, Hawiian, and in years past, Rhyme Without Reason and Surfers V. Bikers.
However, I have come to question whether or not these events actually increase school spirit, or if they just act as another conduit for student apathy. Make no mistake, a great deal of these dress up ideas are fun, engaging, and leave room for a great deal of creativity on the part of participants. However, I’ve noticed a lack of actual involvement, especially in recent years.
On Friday, Sept 20, our school celebrated Talk Like A Pirate Day. It’s a fun tradition that is especially remarkable, considering our school mascot. We’ve done it every year I’ve been in high school, but participation only has decreased. This year is our worst yet, with only ten or so students spotted decked out in pirate costumes. And while these students went above and beyond, wearing tricorn hats, layered skirts, hoop earrings, and more, they were still decidedly in the minority.
Another issue that has arisen is the fact that dress up days, in many ways, have lost their allure; they can just be used as a chance to wear sweats. Since dress coding is far more lenient, many students opt to wear leggings or athletic clothes instead of tapping into the more entertaining aspects of their wardrobe. And honestly, this seems preferable to many students: it’s low effort, high reward.
There is truly so much potential in these events. Many hilarious, masterful outfits have been concocted this year- seeing all the teachers in their high school gear on Wylie Way Day was incredible. With Mr. Alexander in his basketball uniform and Ms. McMillen with her side ponytail, the teachers brought their A game, but only a couple students were dressed like any decade except the current one.
It is my opinion that despite the amazing outfits that some students show up in, the dress up day is a chronically underrated event. There is so much potential for creativity and expression, and surely using these days as such would increase their impact and, by default, school unity as a whole.