By Sunjoon Lee
The Oracle
Not Conventional — Simply Blair
By Sunjoon Lee
Historically, how you dress has been important; it is how you present yourself and the community. At Blair, the dress code isn’t just about appearances; it shows Blair’s identity. While some prep schools hold on to stricter dress codes, including a tie and a blazer, or move on to a more casual dress code, Blair’s dress code is a unique balance between classic and campus comfort style.
A Nod to Tradition
The start of the “prep” or “Ivy League” style began in the early 20th century at American universities like Princeton and Yale. Students typically wore navy blazers, khaki trousers, button down shirts, ties, and knitwear. These dress codes represented refinement and instilled pride in those who wore them. Over time, these styles evolved into symbols of discipline, academic ambition, and belonging; a representation of elite education.
Blair’s dress code reflects this heritage, but in a more modern way. As Brandon Wells ‘26 says, “We’re not a traditional prep school. We combine classic and casual; it makes our education and our vibe one of mixture.” This shows that without blazers and ties, students can still portray a polished look. A dress code builds a community; it is a representation of who we are.
Modern Freedom; Classic Roots
Many students agree with the current dress code. As Brandon Wells ‘26 says, “I believe the dress code is perfect for Blair.” He also adds, “We’re modern, but still respectful. We’re not conventional.”
The mix of a classic style with modernity respects both tradition and individuality. Sneakers are widely appreciated for their practicality. “It lets people go around campus faster.”
Comfort, Cohesion, and Character
For Morgan McGovern ‘29, the dress code strikes a good balance between structure and comfort. “I like the dress code, wearing quarter zips gives a good look,” he says. “It keeps everyone in order and together, no one’s left out.” This shows why dress codes are essential; they bring everyone together. Although there can be disagreement, Blair’s dress code essentially unifies people, creating a sense of community building.
Still, he would love a bit more flexibility. “Maybe we should be allowed to wear sweatshirts more often,” he suggests, though he agrees that “too fancy and too comfortable shouldn’t be allowed.” The dress code is about finding the balance between presentation and practicality.
A School That Looks the Part
Reina Kling ‘29 and Charlotte Liddell ‘29 also see the dress code as a way the school represents itself to others. “Everybody looks better now, it looks better than last year when we toured,” they say. “It looks good for tours, and it shows respect for teachers.” For me, I remember how the dress code affected the tour guides. My parents really liked one of the boarding schools we toured because the dress code required suits every single day. As someone who likes to dress up and came from a school like that, I really liked it too.
Their classmate, Tonia Wu ‘29, agrees, noting how Blair has evolved. She compares it to her old school, where they had to wear uniforms. She adds, “Now you can wear things with more freedom.” While many in the community are disappointed about the dress code being stricter this year, new members of the community find freedom in it.
My Take; From Cardigan to Blair
Before coming to Blair, I attended Cardigan Mountain School, where the dress code was much more formal. Every day, we wore collared shirts, belts, and leather shoes, and jeans were not allowed. We also dressed up with blazers and ties on Chapel Day, which was every single Thursday. At first, it felt awkward, but I soon learned what it meant. Dressing up every day gave me a sense of pride and structure. It made each morning feel intentional and reminded me that school was a place for effort and respect.
I still love that classic prep style; the blazers, ties, v neck sweaters, and knitwear layered over crisp shirts. This style is timeless and inspires my confidence, connecting me to pride. Dressing that way can change how you think and act; it can make you feel ready to face the day with purpose.
However, coming to Blair taught me another side of the meaning of style. The flexibility here, especially being able to wear jeans, completely changed my daily comfort. After years of dress pants and ties, slipping into a pair of jeans feels as comfortable as it can get. It’s a small thing, but it makes a big difference in how you act, hanging out with friends and running to classes. It brings a sense of freedom. Jeans let me express my personal style while still fitting into the school’s classic look. Probably, if you saw me, I blend both classic and modernity, exactly what Blair wants. For example, every day I wear a classic Brooks Brothers shirt, jeans, suede sneakers, knitwear, and a wool or suede jacket. This is my new style, allowing me to connect my past life to my current one, essentially two in one!
That sense of real satisfaction comes from balance. Blair’s dress code allows individuality without losing refinement. I can still wear knitwear, button downs, and sweaters that remind me of Cardigan, but now I can mix them with sneakers or jeans and still feel appropriately dressed. It feels genuine; I am now creating my own style. Looking back, sometimes I think I might have been wrong trying to copy the classic prep style exactly.
The look at Blair goes beyond clothing. It benefits the student body, school life, and the entire community in powerful ways. When students dress with intention, it sets the tone for how we learn, act, and connect. Wearing something that feels polished yet comfortable helps us be confident; we’re more alert in class, more respectful in school meetings, and more professional in how we carry ourselves. It allows us to be extra intentional and look closely at small details.
The dress code also strengthens school spirit and equality. When everyone follows the same expectations, equality naturally follows. No one feels out of place or judged for what they wear, and the focus shifts to how they contribute. That sense of unity shows up everywhere, in classrooms, on Blair Walk, at team dinners, and in chapel. This is what our community is really about.
For the broader Blair community, the dress code shows pride and identity. Visitors notice it right away, the way students dress and carry themselves around campus. It shows that Blair students take their education seriously but don’t lose their individuality. Teachers and staff are in the same balance, carefully modeling it.
In the end, Blair’s dress code benefits everyone because it represents balance, between self expression and respect, comfort and discipline, tradition and progress. It reflects how everyone approaches their daily life. Blair’s dress code brings a broader connection to identity. Simply, it is not about the dress code; it is about who we are, as a school and as individuals.
