Recently, I’ve seen videos on my TikTok feed from a small creator named Ashley Warren and her series “Overdressing for College,” where she puts together coordinated outfits for otherwise ordinary days. Her outfits are bold, intentional and eye-catching.

She obviously has a strong personal style that resonates with viewers. Her recent viral videos made me wonder: Why don’t more people get dressed up to go to class? And why does standing out feel so rare in a generation that otherwise pushes back on norms?

People like Warren who confidently express themselves through fashion remind me of the so-called “Gen Z uniform.” This term was first used online to refer to a Gen Z woman’s typical going-out outfit: a black top paired with light-wash jeans. But it also hints at a broader trend of conformity that has infiltrated our generation’s approach to fashion.

For a generation so vocal about individuality and change, why does it feel like we’re all wearing the same thing? On college campuses, the unofficial dress code skews heavily toward comfort and practicality like leggings, oversized sweatshirts and sneakers. I’ve noticed this trend in the Midwest being born and raised here.

While there’s nothing wrong with prioritizing comfort, I feel that we’ve sacrificed too much of our personal style in the process.

Why is wearing something nicer than jeans to class considered “dressing up”? And why does standing out feel like such a risk?

Part of the problem lies in a fear of standing out, or worse, being labeled “cringe” or “cheugy” for taking a fashion risk. Gen Z is hyper-aware of how we’re perceived, and that self-consciousness often translates into safe, predictable choices. But developing a personal style isn’t about following trends or buying into fast fashion. It’s about being intentional with what you wear and asking yourself, “Do I actually like this, or do I like that other people like it?”

Building a wardrobe that reflects your personality takes time, and it can’t be created instantaneously through an enormous Shein haul or a closet full of on-trend pieces. It’s about sustainably curating what makes you feel like the best version of yourself.

The truth is, dressing in a way that makes you feel confident can be transformative. A study from Temple University suggested that what professionals wear can significantly impact productivity and boost positive self-perception.

The term “enclothed cognition” further explains how what we wear influences our cognitive processes. When you dress in a way that makes you feel good, you’re more likely to perform better, whether you’re in a lecture hall or a boardroom. So, we should embrace the power of a great outfit.

For me, the confidence that comes from wearing something unique and expressive is worth trading the comfort of a hoodie and sweatpants. It’s a small act of rebellion against the norm; one that says, “I’m here, and I’m not afraid to be seen.”

But standing out isn’t easy. Social media has played a significant role in homogenizing personal style. Past generations didn’t have access to instant style inspiration on the level ours does. They had to flip through magazines or visit stores to find new looks.

Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest have made it easier than ever for us to replicate outfits from influencers and celebrities exactly, and it created a cycle of mass-produced trends. If your favorite influencer wears a specific outfit, you can have the same pieces shipped to your house in just a few clicks.

This accessibility has its positives, but it also discourages experimentation. It’s like we’re drowning in options, but somehow, we all end up dressing the same.

This shift toward casual dress isn’t unique to Gen Z though; it’s part of a broader cultural trend for decades. People used to wear suits to board airplanes, but today, showing up at the airport in anything fancier than leggings might earn you a few curious glances.

While comfort is undoubtedly a priority in our fast-paced world, I wonder what we’ve lost in the process. Dressing up is more than just an aesthetic choice—it’s a way of showing up for yourself and the world around you.

Ashley Warren’s “Overdressing for College” series is a reminder that our everyday fashion can be fun, expressive and deeply personal. It challenges the idea that comfort and style are mutually exclusive and encourages us to rethink the norms we’ve accepted without question.

So, the next time you reach for that same hoodie, ask yourself: What would happen if I took a risk? What would it feel like to stand out instead of blend in? Why not wear my best outfit to class?

After all, personal style isn’t just about what you wear, but how you choose to represent yourself to the world.