The debate continues to rage over the way UW students dress. Here are two more letters responding to the Oct. 2 column called "Haute Badger Fashion." One is from a Madisonian who deplores our shabby clothes, the other from a New Yorker who thinks we shouldn't sweat it. Who knew the coasts were paying attention?
Dear Tell All: I absolutely agree with the writer who said most UW students are shabby dressers! I disagree with what you said - essentially, who cares what the rest of the country thinks about Wisconsin. Dressing well does translate to your behavior and outlook on life. Maybe we wouldn't have so many depressed drunks around this place if they took more pride in their appearance, and maybe had a few more interests besides Packers, microbrews, brats and NASCAR. (Not just talking about UW students here, but the Wisconsin populace at large).
Instead, it seems we've just adopted a least-common-denominator-type attitude toward attire - kinda like "just wear whatever you want to throw on, it's all good, as long as you're comfortable."
You imply that classy, nice clothing is uncomfortable. No it's not. If anything, it's better made, lasts longer, and the material is more comfortable. I don't want our state to be the laughingstock of the rest of the country anymore.
Appalled
Dear Tell All: I'm from New York. Recently a reader wrote you a letter complaining about how poorly your college students dress. They said this is probably why New York and L.A. sneer at the Midwest.
First off, you should see how our college students dress. It's the same oversized sweatpants and unfunny T-shirts you see. Only we probably got tricked into overpaying even more. It's not uncommon to see these collegiate types traipsing around downtown Manhattan in pajamas.
Madison, you're great. Don't worry about what our snobs think of you. This is the city equivalent of worrying that everyone at the middle-school dance is looking at you laughing.
City Slicker
tellall@isthmus.com.
