Athenian Teachers Display Wide Range of Distinctive Fashion Styles
Within the Athenian community there are diverse races, personalities, and interests. With that also come unique dress styles and fashion senses. According to Athenian’s philosophy, free dress allows us to express who we truly are and is why we are not confined to restricting uniforms. As seasons change and temperatures drop or rise, the fashion choices of many change, and especially with the influence of social media trends, styles can vary drastically. For some, the clothes they put on are not just pieces of fabric sewn together, but reflect their mood, intentions, and attitudes for the day. However, Athenian teachers are not only models who casually strut the Athenian campus runway, but role models for inclusivity and diversity.
When discussing teachers' fashion, many mention the literature teacher, Kimiko. Just like her beautiful words and language, her daily outfits are impeccable. From feminine touches to masculine colors, from layered jackets to simple shirts, Kimiko can pull it all off. Her outfits generally combine mixed elements, textures and styles, while creating a balanced and welcoming appearance. “I like to mix modern and traditional elements of style,” she said. As different cultures’ styles fuse together, it can open the door for all kinds of creativity. When uniting distinct styles, utilizing more basic and versatile garments -- for instance, jeans and neutral colors -- can come in handy.
A common and notable element of Kimiko’s outfits is the subtle addition of Japanese cultural components, such as traditional forms of dyeing. The influence of Japanese elements in her outfits has become an iconic and signature feature of her style. Furthermore, Kimiko notes that her Japanese grandmother, who was a sewing teacher, gifted her many unique hand sewn pieces, including kimono jackets, full kimonos, and obi belts that are especially treasured. She said, “I keep them in a tightly sealed box and sometimes, occasionally for graduation or for an occasion, I’ll wear one of the pieces she made. Those are the most special pieces I have.”
On the other hand, some teachers prefer to spend their precious brainpower on things other than putting together an outfit. One teacher who does this is Molly, both a school nurse and a physics teacher. For Molly, comfort is the number one goal of an outfit. “My biggest criteria for clothing is can I wear flip flops,” she says. Molly describes her style as feminine, relaxed and snug. Despite prioritizing comfort, standards for looking neat and appropriate still have to be met. Meeting at a balanced center between practicality, comfort, and presentability, Molly’s fashion is soft yet solid, and allows freedom for accessorizing and moving conveniently. When time is not a worry, a casual and flowy sundress becomes an appealing option, especially during the spring, the season Molly loves to dress for most. In addition, within the physics department, teachers often share similar styles. Molly says, “Emily and I, especially around this time of year, are very much into sundresses. That’s our vibe for sure.” However, when time slips out of hand and feels uncontrollable, a quick decision of some adaptable black work pants paired with a shirt is made, particularly as she is also a busy mother. Then there are the desperate times when the ultimate solution is called for: scrubs. “I have nine sets of scrubs for my summer work here because I work as the nurse for the summer camps,” Molly says.
Many other teachers make stylish decisions with their outfits everyday, including Peter Bonfanti, says Sophmore Vaishnav Anand and Senior Teni Salako. Peter’s outfits are described as business-casual, corporate-attire, and oversized. Vaishnav and Teni said, “It's giving early 2000s baggy suits.” The loose and roomy fit of his clothing works well with his slimmer proportions, and gives shape to the overall attire. “He’s kind of on the skinnier side, so it fits his build… It's just iconic, because it fits him so well.”
Athenian teachers demonstrate the full range of fashion styles. Many teachers choose to dress on the leisurely side, while others choose to dress on the formal side, highlighting the freedom and individualism on the Athenian campus. Kimiko said, “I think fashion is one way to express your voice or your identity and I think that aligns with who we say we are.”