Hey there, freshman!
In just a few short weeks you will arrive to campus as an official Demon Deacon—and I couldn't be more excited for you! If you are as anxious as I was for move-in day to come, you will have eagerly researched everything from the freshmen dorms and the athletic center, to the student union and campus eateries. You might even think that you know all there is to know, but I can assure you there is still much to learn—like Wake’s unspoken “dress code.” Don't freak out! No one will kick you off campus if you don’t follow it and there are plenty of friendships to be found no matter what (because, duh, clothes don't make a person), but the way people dress on campus can be slightly intimidating at first, especially if you are not from the South.
To the outsider, it might seem that students at Wake do things a little backwards. People dress up to go to class while dressing down to go to parties, and when there’s a tailgate, it seems like everyone is going to a wedding. But before you judge too harshly, give the strange dress choice a chance. We Deacs like to dress our best—after all, even our mascot wears a coat and top hat!
Easily summed-up as “preppy,” the style of dress at Wake is unique enough to deserve its own runway show at New York’s Fashion Week. As a naive Yankee, I never knew there was more to this style than Vineyard Vines and J. Crew—but I was so wrong because not only is Wake “preppy,” but the its traditions and Southern charms add a little spin. So while packing your wardrobe for school, here are some things to consider packing—and to leave at home:
Consider Packing:
Sundresses:
Before I went to Wake, I rarely wore dresses, but for many girls here, it is their go-to outfit. At first I was skeptical, but it didn't take me a long time to see why they’re so popular. It’s because without an effort, you instantly look put-together—which is really nice when you hit snooze one time too many. Sundresses can work as a standard outfit for almost any event at Wake, from classes—where students look nothing short of their best—to tailgates, where Deacs don't show their school spirit by wearing old gold and black.
Cowboy Boots
For some, this item might seem very strange, while for others, it’s a no-brainer. Yes, at a Southern school, cowboy boots are definitely a thing. Pair them with your favorite sundress as the weather begins to cool or slip them on to navigate the muddy tailgate fields.
Rain Boots
When it rains in Winston-Salem, it monsoons—and campus floods. While our tree-line campus is stunning, it also makes for lots of mud and sloshy grounds. This reality makes rain boots a necessity, and brand wise, Hunter rain boots and L.L. Bean Duck Boots are a staple on campus. You will use them all year round, even in the winter. When a dusting of snow, no more than a millimeter high, shuts down the entire city, your rain boots will protect you from the slush and ice. Duck boots, in particular, also work great as a substitute for your everyday riding boot. Pair them with jeans and a flannel, for example, and you’ll have yourself looking rugged, casual, and stylish.
Consider Leaving Home:
Colored Converse
At Wake, colored Converse are not used as fashion statements but rather are integrated as a part of Greek life. Each sorority at Wake has a designated colored Converse that its sisters wear out. As a consequence, if you were to wear a claimed color, you would likely be perceived as falsely representing yourself as a member, even if this wasn't your intention. While I am a firm believer in ignoring people who tell you what to wear, if you plan on rushing a sorority, I would suggest sticking to the independent colors of grey and white.
High Heels
At Wake, there are very few occasions that require high heels, so if anything, consider bringing only one pair. On the weekends, you will likely find yourself in old sneakers rather than a pair of six-inch stilettos.
