 "Photo: JUDSON PECK/THE BATES STUDENT")
After Letters to the Editor from my respected Bates colleagues were published last week, I thought it would be best to elaborate on style. Fashion is different for every person, but it also involves individual meaning and character. What one person considers “stylish” may not necessarily be what another person would consider. The Best Dressed column is an exquisite way to depict fashion on campus. Choosing a “Best Dressed” winner each week does not mean that he or she represents the style that everyone else should emulate. I am freely exploring style cultures at Bates, and I think everyone puts a personal effort into his or her own presentation. Instead of getting caught up in what style should mean to everyone, or what fashion means for a Best Dressed nominee, we should celebrate our differences.
In that spirit, this week’s Best Dressed feature delves beyond the ordinary. Professor of Sociology Sawyer Sylvester was explained by one student as “the man” for always looking “classy and sharp.” Sylvester notes how he has always dressed in such a manner. He wears tweed jackets daily, and “I always have a necktie,” he said. His color choices are usually on the pale side, and he calls his shades “muted in color.” To top off his look, he wears L.L. Bean shoes as an added staple. His outfit for a typical workday includes a variety of these pieces of clothing.
“One of my colleagues once said about me that I have the world’s largest collection of neckties,” Sylvester said, reminiscing about the comments he has received. His style has been the same over the years, and he does not intend to change it now. Commenting on the latest men’s fashion, he said that he couldn’t be less interested. Students often talk about Sylvester’s sophisticated appearance and put-together clothing choices. One passing student remarked, “Check out Sylvester’s bowtie today!” Sylvester concluded by noting that there’s a “delightful variety” of style among students. If we did not all express ourselves differently, then wouldn’t we be missing out on the spice of life?
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