(October 27, 2011)– “I hate the dress code because the administration tries to make us ‘young professionals,’” said junior Erin Quiambao. Since the founding of Clark Magnet, the required dress code of solid-colored polos and pants without outside pockets has not changed. However, many students have not always been particularly in favor of being restricted to such regulations as collars and khakis.

Breaking the rules of the school’s dress standard is not uncommon among the classes. Countless students tweak their clothes and outfits to be more appealing to them and their style, while some flat out break the dress code. But with every broken rule, there is always a consequence.

Having never been caught for breaking dress code in two years, one Clark student (who wishes to remain anonymous) was recently punished for wearing pants with outside pockets, a type of pants that she has worn nearly every single day over her past years spent at Clark. “I thought that getting caught would happen eventually, but not any time soon,” this student said. “It was really shocking because I see people who have pants with visible pockets all the time, but haven’t gotten in trouble before.”

Many students feel that the requirement for khaki-style pants is unnecessary and unfair. Some of them think that having to go out of their way to purchase clothing that fit specifically to the Clark Magnet dress standard is a hassle. Making sure that the clothes are of good quality does not necessarily come cheaply either. “Finding pants without pockets is really expensive and kind of pointless—pants without pockets and pants with pockets are basically the same thing,” said junior Karen Wong. (Adviser’s note: Wong indicated in 2014 that her actual comment at the time of the article was the following:  “Despite what other students may have said about the controversy between pockets and no pockets, I believe the dress policy is a good thing for a professional environment.” )

Still, while some think that the purpose of the dress code does not help the learning environment, others have come to appreciate why Clark students should dress the way intended. As a freshman, junior Jacqueline Bagumyan felt the urge to try and rebel against the attire requirements, not understanding its purpose, but over the years has realized that it’s better to have the dress code. “People wouldn’t expect it out of me, but I like it,” said Bagumyan.

She thinks that the dress code gives students an appearance that they are more mature and responsible. “If you look bad, you’re going to feel bad. If you look mature, you’re going to act mature.” Students such as Quiambao enjoy spicing up their everyday Clark attire by mixing and matching with different sweaters, cardigans and undershirts. The trend of assortments of button-up shirts is seen on many Clark students, male and female alike.

While Quiambao keeps the dress code standard in mind—often wearing button up shirts and cardigans—subtle strips are worn on her clothes, as part of her method of tweaking the standard. “I’m really trying this year to follow the dress code,” said Quiambao. “But there shouldn’t be one. I don’t work with polos and non-jeans.”

Regardless, tweaks are equivalent to violations when they break the dress standard. “Any time a student has anything that’s against dress code,” said Assistant Principal Lena Kortoshian, “whether it’s things like tweaks or stripes, there will be consequences.”