For as long as I can remember, my favorite article of clothing has been t-shirts. They’re comfy, soft (softness is key) and a fabulous way to express personality. Everywhere I go is worth remembering; I return with at least one t-shirt as a souvenir. I have a rainbow assortment of shirts in my closet that rivals some of the selections I've seen in stores. I have several boxes full of t-shirts that don’t even fit me, but I can’t bear to get rid of them, I just love them so much. I have t-shirts I have never worn, yet still hang along with the others.
When I was in elementary school, my mom had to implement a “bum day” rule. I was only allowed to wear a t-shirt one day a week. This rule, although now I understand it, was infuriating. All I ever wanted to wear were t-shirts and jeans. However, I also have, to this day, an obsession with shopping. When I go clothes shopping I tend to come back with several new pieces simply because they're cute. Lord knows why, because 5 out of the 7 days of the week I refuse to dress like a normal human being. Implementing the bum rule probably got some wear out of the clothes my mother bought that otherwise would have gone untouched. Even in middle school, when I developed a sense of style, t-shirts were the staple of my closet. They may have had “Hollister” and “Abercrombie” plastered all over them, but they were t-shirts nonetheless.
Fast forward to college: essentially wardrobe heaven for me (and I know my fellow t-shirt girls are out there!). I was born and bred for the sorority girl wardrobe. When I discovered Norts in my sophomore year of high school, I swore I would never wear anything else. Lucky for me, I can keep that vow because I attend college in the South! Never in my life did I think that choosing to stay in South Carolina for college would make my lazy side so happy. I’ve done a pretty good job of standing by my sophomore vow. I wear Nike shorts and t-shirts most days, and the best part is that I’m not breaking any fashion rules by doing so.
When it gets too cold for the traditional giant tee and running shorts, I may as well wear a sign around my neck that proclaims “Leggings are pants!” Several members of my family will disagree with that statement (I’m looking at you, Mom) but in college, it has become my mantra. What’s not to love about leggings? They are plain, practical and not to mention stretchy! Just you wait, legging-haters. One day, when the zombie apocalypse is upon us, I will be able to destroy the undead with the full range of motion provided by my soft, breathable leggings while you get eaten because your tight jeans were restricting you. Also, don't even get me started on bean boots. They may be ugly, but they are so comfortable.
On a less intense note, the ridiculed “sorority girl wardrobe” has been nothing but fantastic for me. When I wake up 5 minutes before class begins, my comfy clothes are right there waiting to be thrown on. I don’t have to stress about what to wear; I just pick a t-shirt I like and pull on a pair of shorts or leggings in a corresponding color and BOOM! I’m ready to learn. On badge attire days, my comfy clothes sing to me from my room and I practically run back to my room after class to change. No matter what crazy stuff happens in my life, my t-shirts will always be there waiting, soft and nonjudgmental.
People may make fun of me for wearing shirts 2 sizes too big for me, but I don’t care. When they ask if I’m wearing pants under my shirt, I’ll respond with, “Wouldn’t you like to know?” Sass and comfy clothes—that’s all a girl needs in life. And maybe cats. Going to class isn’t a popularity contest, and contrary to popular belief, sororities are not a popularity contest either. They’re about lasting friendships and sisterhood bonds. Sisters don’t care what clothes you wear. In fact, true sisters will feel #blessed right along with you when it’s time to change out of badge attire into the oversized tees you adore. Not everyone is your wonderful sister, though. People who don’t care about you lie, and leave, and hurt you. It’s inevitable. And when life throws that crazy shade at me, I plan to be dressed comfortably.
Seriously: life is too short to be uncomfortable. When we’re thrown into the workforce and made to dress in business attire, you’ll wish you spent your days dressing as comfortably as I did.
