Finals Week Fashion

By Rachael Wabel

With numerous yawns and study-induced comas, finals week is drawing near, leaving some wondering what is acceptable to wear to the class-ending tests.

Utah State University does not have a dress code, leaving the options for final test attire almost limitless. 

Some feel dressing up in skirts or shirts and ties helps them do better and appear more professional to instructors.

“I always dress up,” USU senior Jake Wright said. “It helps me do better. I’m more focused.”

After late study sessions, comfort is a must for some students. Some say wearing pajama pants or sweats to take exams helps lessen test anxiety.

The USU academic resource center defines test anxiety as a worry or fear about taking a test that can affect academic performance. For those suffering from test anxiety, the amount of tests given during finals week can aggravate the disorder.

“PJ pants all the way for finals week. Being comfortable cuts down on my test anxiety,” said Tiffany Swenson, a sophomore at USU.

“Sweats,” Weber State University student Candalynne Roskelley said of her finals wardrobe. “Of course I just wear sweats in general.”

While USU does not require a certain standard of dress for students, schools like Brigham Young University and BYU-Idaho implement the Honor Code that prohibits certain types of clothing. The Honor Code states that women’s clothing should not be revealing or form fitting, while men must be clean-shaven and groomed as well. Those in violation are turned away and must remedy the problem before they are allowed to test.

Many students see finals as a big event, but others including many freshman who have never experienced a college final, see the days as normal class sessions.

“I’ve never taken them,” USU freshman Vanessa Miller said. “I’ll probably just wear jeans and a top like any other school day.”