Dressed to Impress: How Dress Code Shapes Life at Grace
Pictured: Al-Maq dressing “better than the audience” in 2023
Media provided by Olivia Calatozzo ‘27 and Chloe Frischman ‘27
A school dress code may appear to be a set of guidelines about what is and is not appropriate for school, but it is so much more.
That said, every piece of clothing and stylistic choice from students and teachers represents a deeper meaning.
“All fashion is political,” said Anna Grafton, a teacher of world history. “Even if you think you don’t care about fashion, you’re still making a choice.”
Ms. Grafton claimed that everything from wearing leggings to wearing Golden Goose sneakers can signal belonging and values. In New York, where understatement is often considered a fashion statement, the politics of fashion can be subtle, yet always present.
At the high school, the dress code is relatively balanced; students have the freedom to express themselves, but within reasonable boundaries, to prepare them for professional future environments. As Ms. Grafton noted, Grace students are particularly adept at code-switching with clothing: knowing when to pull out a button-down shirt for an interview, or when a casual t-shirt is enough for class. This ability and understanding should be considered a critical life skill.
“The ability to pick appropriate clothing for the proper moment is essential,” Ms. Grafton said.
In continuation, Ali Al-Maqtari, a French teacher, views the way one dresses as a resource to exude confidence. When reflecting on his time in the army, as well as his experience as a teacher, he emphasized the importance of dressing professionally. He emphasizes that it’s not just about the appearance, but it shapes the mindset.
“Dress better than the audience,” he says. “Not to show off, but because when you know you look your best, you act your best.” For Al-Maq, even subtle choices such as throwing on a blazer over his workout clothes emphasize joy and sets the tone for his day.
Alice Polanski, another French teacher, is connecting fashion to culture. She reflected on her childhood growing up in France, and how one’s upbringing can influence the idea of “proper” or “elegant” attire. At school, her style balances professionalism and mobility; she needs to have the ability to move freely around the classroom.
“I need to be able to fall on the floor if I need to teach a French verb,” she laughed.
For Dr. Polanski, practicality and her personal identity are both linked to her overall style.
According to Jacob. Root, the way he dresses when coming to school reflects who he is, because he is actively advertising that he takes learning seriously.
“It’s not an everyday thing. I’m dressing up sort of as a way to respect the whole idea of school and learning-hopefully not in a restrictive, oppressive way,” said Mr. Root, an English teacher. “A little dignity and a little fun is what I like.”
Mr. Root highlights his admiration for clean, classical lines and his appreciation for 1940s fashion. He emphasizes the importance of how one’s attire impacts the learning environment and others, saying, “Don’t you feel great when Leonard dresses up, when [Mr.] Klebnikov dresses up?”
When interviewing students about how the way they dress represents who they are, Eric W. ‘27 said, “The way I dress represents my day-to-day activities, and it says a lot about the way I was brought up.”
The way one dresses means something personal and unique for everyone. According to Serena H. ‘27, “When you come to school presentable, I feel like you’re in a better mindset to do work. I also feel like it’s less weird if I wear a skirt to school or express myself with fashion because of the dress code of the school.”
Similar to what Al-Maq and Mr. Root said, Serena is arguing that the way you dress impacts the way you work.
Furthermore, Max S. ‘27 argues for higher expectations: “I think that we should have a much stricter dress code where we have to wear things such as suits and ties.”
Amongst these interviews, there was a broader theme present. That is, clothing at GCS is more than just getting dressed; it is a permanent display of personal freedom, cultural upbringing, and professional expectations.
What about the dress code itself? All interviewees, despite their contradicting views on personal style, agreed that the dress code forms the learning environment. These are not just rules for the sake of having rules, this influences the mindset of the students.
“When you’re in pajamas, you’re not in the mindset to study,” Mr. Al-Maq explained. “When you dress professionally, you’re prepared to act professionally.”
At Grace Church School, fashion is framed. Students are encouraged to use fashion as a resource to express themselves while respecting their school environment. Whether it is through subtle sneakers, tidy blazers, or a thoughtfully chosen T-shirt, the students as well as teachers at Grace understand that in every outfit, a message is being sent.
So, as Mr. Root would say: “Can we get some fashion going here, people?”
Olivia Calatozzo ‘27 and Chloe Frischman ‘27 are staff writers for The Grace Gazette.