Styling on BulSUans' dress code policy

Bedylyn Pacete

October 22, 2023

Group of BulSUans in their distinct clothing during free-uniform Saturday on October 21 at Federizo Hall, Bulacan State University, Malolos City.

Photo Credits by: Bedylyn Pacete

BulSUans were introduced to the challenge of making themselves known in the pool of students on their uniforms, and one way advised to do it is through proper styling.

Bulacan State University (BulSU) is a home for a wide spectrum of BulSUans with broad personality variations that can be showcased in the most unique and fun possible way as proven by their remarkable style on the return of face-to-face classes in 2022 wherein students were allowed to enter the university with their preferred clothing, or OOTDs—a shortened term for "Outfit Of The Day".

However, on September 25, students were reminded by the Office of Safety, Security, and Disaster Risk Management (OSSDRM) that the dress code policy issued by the Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS) will be strictly observed to uphold formality among BulSUans, a decision also that advised campus security guards to track the names of those that will not comply with the rules in dress code which intensified the necessity for students to oblige.

How to break away from basic uniform?

Althea Ileto in her styled uniform while wearing a hairpin accessory on October 21 at Federizo Hall, Bulacan State University, Malolos

City. Photo Credits by: Bedylyn Pacete

The re-implementation of dress code policy on BulSUans after the institution's halt of in-person operations caused by COVID-19 pandemic limits the maximum extent of unbothered freedom of fashion expression within the BulSU premise, which forces students to bring out their best take to showcase their style on their uniforms during weekdays apart from Wash Day Wednesday, and Organization Shirt Friday.

Althea Ileto, a journalism student, deals with the challenge associated with the BulSU mandatory uniform by taking advantage on the flexibility of fashion.

"Pwede namang iba-ibang style ng palda, regarding naman sa shoes, pwede namang black shoes, may heels, or pwedeng boots ang i-partner sa uniform, and pwede rin sa hairstyle, hair clips, mga ribbons," she advised.

While Keane Ponce from the broadcasting program emphasized the importance of establishing a brand for the sake of sense of style survival in the era of uniforms in BulSU.

"I always look for some way para maalala ako ng tao, like when you see me in Federizo Hall, I always wear sunglasses; kapag nakakita ka ng sunglasses, red hair, [black] lip liner, it's Keane Ponce," she said.

In the current landscape of Bulacan State University, BulSUans testify that it is possible to shine in respective uniform by complementing it and to go beyond its simplicity by giving oneself more emphasis.

Living with guidelines

A student in his uniform during free-uniform Saturday waiting for their class on October 21 at Federizo Hall, Bulacan State University, Malolos City.

Photo Credits by: Bedylyn Pacete

Despite the restrictions on fashion urged by the strict observance of OSSDRM on dress code policy specifically on uniforms during weekdays at Bulacan State University, BulSUans still believed that complying is an ideal choice in self-presenting as student.

Ileto approved that it is not a problem to follow the guidelines in line with the mandatory uniform as it takes away the hassle of choosing an OOTD for every class.

"Pero sa akin, okay lang naman na may times na naka-uniform kasi mahirap ding mag-isip kung ano 'yung OOTD na susuotin mo," she said.

Most of the students are not bothered by the return of uniforms as they deemed it necessary already after a year of preparation given by the BulSU administration.

"I think it's time for us students to wear uniform din," similar take from Ponce who was convinced that it is time for BulSUans to comply with mandatory uniform.

As students find it important to abide on dress code policy, it is mirrored by Ileto and Ponce that being extra in self-expression through fashion runs in the blood of BulSUans to be able to come up with additional measurements to turn basic uniforms into something that can be personally attributed to every student.

Keywords:

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