Navigating the tug-of-war between looking “pretty” and expressing individuality, leads to the empowering realization that personal style is less about fitting in and more about owning who you truly are. Imagine walking into school, and the first thing you notice is the striking contrast in outfits. Some students exude classic elegance in form-fitting dresses and polished shoes, while others flaunt an eclectic mix of patterns and style, such as plaids and hot neon greens that scream individuality. The tension between dressing “pretty” and dressing “interesting” has become a hot topic among students, and for many, it’s a daily dilemma that influences not just their style, but their confidence and identity.
For those who embrace the pretty aesthetic, it’s all about fitting into societal norms. Outfits are polished, flattering, and tend to follow the traditional guidelines of beauty. These guidelines may be the little things, like makeup or a new nail trend.
“I love when people compliment my look,” said freshman Claire Sandoval. “It feels good to know I’ve put together an outfit that others find attractive.”
From dresses to form-fitting jeans, looking pretty often gets you noticed—but it’s not always comfortable. Tight clothes and heels, while stylish, can feel restrictive.
On the flip side, there’s the appeal of dressing interesting. Students who prefer a more creative and quirky aesthetic often describe it as freeing. There are multiple sayings that go along with “dressing interesting,” like “girl pretty” and “unconventionally attractive” where someone may go with a more unique or out of the ordinary aesthetic, at least not something that you may see on a daily basis.
It’s fun to experiment with colors, cuts, and combinations. And baggy clothes can be way more comfortable than tight outfits.
However, embracing an avant-garde look isn’t without challenges.
“Sometimes people don’t get it,” said freshman Bailee Wollock. “They judge you for looking different, or they might think it’s weird.”
Whether it’s an unusual haircut or an unexpected accessory, dressing interesting can bring more judgment from peers who don’t understand the vibe. This creates a tension between feeling confident in a bold outfit and feeling insecure when surrounded by others in more “boy pretty” styles. “Boy pretty” is the typical “male gaze” idea of how everyday men or women view the opposite or same gender. This is a certain “look” that people are attracted to simply because they look seductive. For example, in the entertainment industry, a “boy pretty” celebrity may be Margot Robbie, who is the epitome of that attractiveness.
“There are days when I see others dressed in pretty, polished outfits, and I start to second guess myself,” said freshman Mayisa Kouwonou. “It’s easy to feel out of place.”
For students in the dating scene or in any relationship romantically, this adds another layer to the dilemma.
“I feel like I have to dress pretty if I want someone to notice me,” freshman Sunny Shi said. “But I also want to be true to my own aesthetic.”
Many agree that attracting the right person means staying authentic to your style, rather than adjusting your look just to fit in. Ultimately, fashion is personal, and for most students, the real challenge is finding the right balance. Some find themselves leaning more toward “pretty” one day and “interesting” the next. Others may also adjust their style to attract more friends who may be different from their own.
“I’m trying to find a mix that works for me,” said senior Kandice Quinones. “It’s not always 50/50, but I think that’s what makes it fun.”
Whether students favor a classic pretty look or prefer to push the boundaries with interesting choices, the most important thing is to feel confident. Fashion is about self-expression, and as long as you’re comfortable in your own skin (or outfit), there’s no wrong way to dress.
