The last time I wrote a story on children’s back-to-school fashion two years ago, I received a follow-up letter from an anonymous, desperate and besieged teacher who gave a failing grade to campus style trends.
"I am a high school teacher, and I am very uncomfortable by the way many students dress," the letter read. "Imagine what it is like when I am standing in front of a student who asks for help, and her shirt doesn’t cover her breasts. It isn’t right. I am not merely talking about the students who are failing in school. Girls of all kinds are wearing these clothes.
"Many girls wear shorts that can’t be cut any lower. In fact the pockets are longer than the shorts.
"More than a few males wear T-shirts with graphic illustrations of naked female breasts or the T-shirts feature a four-letter word that begins with ‘f.’
"How can parents let their daughters go to school wearing clothes that expose their breasts? How can parents let their sons go to school wearing clothes that have obscene language and illustrations?
"I hope you will consider a story on this."
Well, good luck. When belly-baring styles came into vogue nine years ago, there was a push for uniforms in public schools — but the Board of Education is lenient on the matter, allowing schools to set their own dress codes with little recourse for enforcement.
For students aiming high in life, there is a positive correlation between appearance, learning and success. The BOE website states, "Studies have shown that clothing can contribute to distractions or can contribute to improved learning among students." But, as a government agency, the board must also ensure "the constitutional rights of individuals are respected."
The right to wear what we want — even if in poor taste — is every bit as protected as our right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That doesn’t mean there aren’t consequences.
I’m not here to play fashion police, but students, along with your algebra and chemistry classes, consider school your dress rehearsal for work life, where appropriateness matters and the best dressed are often rewarded with the best opportunities because no successful person wants to be affiliated with a walking disaster.
But let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves. Youth is fleeting. Enjoy it while you can — just take a moment to think and look in the mirror before leaving the house, making sure all private parts are securely stowed. Take pity on all the poor, beleaguered teachers who are diverting their eyes every day from your state of undress.
These styles from Windward Mall show you can still look cute, even with your shoulders, chest and most of your thighs covered. That’s all any reasonable adult could ask for.
For more ideas, it’s all about youth Saturday at Windward Mall, beginning with a morning Kids, Inc. event. Entrepreneurs ages 7 to 14 will be showcasing their wares in a pop-up event at Center Court from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Among the products available will be custom-made reusable shopping bags created from recycled T-shirts, bite-size snacks on a stick, handmade jewelry, homegrown plants and much more. Keiki participants will keep 100 percent of their earnings.
In the evening a free "Discover Windward" event from 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday will feature food, music, keiki bounce house and games, and family and back-to-school fashion shows.
