Ever since I was in elementary school, I have always been in favor of dressing up, and not just in my mother's heels and wedding dress. I have always been more of a "girly girl," so skirts and lip gloss have always been my thing.

The one thing that has never been my thing? Sweatpants. (Along with messy buns, the weird slipper trend that went around, and basically anything that doesn't flatter you physically.)

So, let me tell you why.

When I'm walking down the street, whether it be on campus, in my hometown, or even on vacation, I never know who I just might run into. All I know regarding this is that I'd rather get hit by the city bus passing by than be caught looking like I just rolled out of bed by a future employer.

My opinion isn't the most popular, but at the end of the day, I'd rather come home and be proud of the way I presented myself than have on an outfit that makes me look like I just came from running the mile at gym class.

My biggest pet peeve is when others cannot mind their own business along these lines. Throughout high school, I was constantly ridiculed for waking up earlier than everyone else to get ready. When others around me had sweatshirts on, I had a dress on and my hair curled.

Business casual was always my casual.

So, yes, I will spend a couple hundred dollars on an article of clothing every now and then. Yes, I will wake up a bit earlier to style my hair and put some makeup on. Yes, I will care what I look like, because I want to show the world the best version of myself at all times. However, I will never degrade someone else for not caring as much.