In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and amid the rise of individualism, have dress codes and fancy clothing become a thing of the past? Students frequently attend school in their pajamas, sporting their favorite pair of flannel pants or a sweat suit. Office executives attend work in jeans and sneakers. Even Senator John Fetterman arrived at the Capitol building in a hooded sweatshirt and gym shorts (University of Virginia).
As the holiday season settles in, the question of balancing comfort and style becomes even more pronounced. Whether you’re bundling up against the harsh winter cold or channeling festive energy into your wardrobe, the season presents an opportunity to reflect on how our clothing choices shape our expression and mood. While some may stick to cozy staples, others might take this time to experiment with festive flair. With these diverse approaches to winter fashion in mind, let’s explore how the holiday spirit influences the style choices of MHS students and staff alike.
Reagan Hild (’28) observes that “fashion for students has gotten much more casual in the last few years,” attributing this shift to a growing preference for “convenience and comfort” over style. She recalls a time when daily school attire felt more formal but notes that students now often prioritize practicality. As Hild explains, “As we get older and busier, we prioritize convenience and comfort more than festivity and dressing up.
Given New York’s cold winter season, temperature naturally impacts how we dress each morning. Hild admits that while she loves the holiday season and its accompanying spirit, her wardrobe choices lean more toward comfort than style during the colder months.
Not all MHS students share this approach. Maya Marshik (’28) believes it’s possible to combine fashion and comfort, even in the harsh winter. She enjoys the holiday spirit and the fashion opportunities that come with it. While Marshik agrees that comfort is essential during the colder months, she doesn’t think it has to come at the expense of style. “I love to dress up, but when it’s cold, I prefer more lazy but cute outfits for comfort,” she explains. Her go-to choices include cozy sweaters and jeans—outfits that keep her warm while still feeling stylish and confident.
Christina Munnerlyn, an MHS educator with over 12 years of experience, shared her observations surrounding student-style, noting that “It’s more common now to see students in pajamas than in dressier outfits.”
Despite this observation, Munnerlyn believes that temperature and seasonal trends play a significant role in these changes stating that upon returning from break “kids are dressed more casually” than in the days before break where many are dressed up “almost in anticipation of the holidays.”
These reflections from students and staff alike suggest a clear trend: casual fashion has become the norm at MHS. Yet, the holiday season may offer a unique opportunity to infuse some festive flair into everyday wear. Whether cozy or chic, how will the holiday spirit shape what we wear this winter? Perhaps you’ll notice the subtle ways it inspires your fellow MHS students.
