STORY BY RUTH RONNAU

For whatever reason, wearing athletic clothes to class and to places other than the gym has become a new fashion statement. Maybe people like wearing athletic clothes because they are comfy.
Maybe people like wearing them because they make their butts look great. Maybe some people just like wearing athletic clothes. Whatever their reason is: I don’t care.
What clothes other people wear doesn’t really affect anyone besides the person wearing them. I mean does someone wearing athletic clothes change my day in any way? No. Not in the slightest.
Unless you are presenting a group project to your class and your group decided on business casual and someone shows up wearing an outfit reminiscent to a ‘90s work out video, does it really matter if someone likes wearing running shorts?
So if you find yourself judging someone on the clothes that they are wearing, ask yourself: Does it really matter? Then remind yourself to not be a jerk.
Whatever other people seem to be wearing, what matters most is what you are wearing.
Are you comfortable in your clothes? Do your clothes make you feel pretty? Or is that tag in your collar scratching the back of your neck, making it impossible for you to concentrate? Are your thighs sticking to the seat of your chair making you wish that you’d worn pants instead? Does the t-shirt you’re wearing make your biceps and chest muscles look like you’re Chris Evans?
All of these questions, and your answers, are infinitely more important than evaluating someone else’s outfit.
If they are more comfortable coming to class wearing athletic clothes than jeans — that’s their prerogative. Instead of judging someone else’s outfit, take a long hard look in the mirror. Liking the way you present yourself is more important than anyone else’s approval.
Be confident in your own body and you’ll no longer care what anyone else is wearing.
By feeling comfortable in your own clothes and your own body, you will also be happier in general. Letting something that you have no control over change your mood is just a pointless waste of energy.
Use the energy that you would normally spend on giving someone the once-over and complaining to your friends about the latest fashion trends to do more productive things like your homework, finding a sweet-ass internship or even spending time with your friends.