Yes, you should follow dress codes, and be professional when required and dress up for a fancy night out, but no you don't have to dress any better than a t-shirt and shorts just for an average class day or a trip to the store.
Don't get me wrong, dressing up for a night out is always fun, but there's a difference between dressing up because you want to and feeling like you have to dress better than a t shirt and shorts on the daily. Dress for yourself not for the approval of others! Your personality and your heart are what matters not the clothes you wear! Not dressing up doesn't make you any less respectable but, it does make you comfortable all the time!
1. Comfort > Style
The key is to not care what others think, and dress based on your preferences! Sometimes dressing up can be so fun, but when it comes to daily life I am a firm believer in comfort over style-- Am I right? But hey you can find tons of really cute running shorts and get awesome t-shirts. No joke though running shorts are life and they meet the standard of cute and comfy. Plus, pair some running shorts, a t-shirt and Chacos and you are set for an adventure at any time of day!
2. You don't need to impress others with your dress.
Dress up when you want to dress up, but don't dress up to impress others! Your friends are going to love you for you not for the clothes and brands that you wear! There are always times where being overdressed is better than underdressed but when it comes to just an average day, you can still dress comfortable and mix it up! Mix it up with jeans and a t-shirt, jean shorts or even just running shorts! Go for a new look that is still comfortable and fits your personality! Any guy who loves your unique style, and doesn't care about the brands you wear is definitely a keeper!
3. Be yourself
If shorts and a t-shirt is your type of style, don't be afraid to rock you! Wear a big t shirt and shorts to class or to the store and don't worry about others! Maybe your friends don't have the same style as you but it is totally okay not to "fit in"! Wear sweats to your 7 am class without worrying what others are thinking because if anything they are jealous that they aren't as comfortable as you!
4. Save time picking out outfits.
I know if I try to match outfits or dress cute it will take additional time every morning to pick out an outfit and actually stick with it. We've all experienced changing 17 times before getting out the door!
5.People notice when you dress up.
If you aren't wearing dresses everyday, when you actually do- people will notice!
If you love dressing up or dressing down there is absolutely no shame as long as you are being yourself and not dressing for the approval of others! Now- a- days everyone is so worried about what people are wearing, the brands they are sporting and if their clothes will make them fit in. But-- reality check: your clothes aren't what matters, its the heart behind it!