Excuse me, I need to phone my fashion consultant...

I am still behind in my blogging. Please bear with me as I catch up!

I have become aware that I need to phone home for a new wardrobe. Going to class in sweats and a tee is NOT an option in Poland.
Thinking of class at home, I have to laugh. The majority of students are in sweats, pajamas, or just plain jeans and tees and it's a miracle if they walked into class actually on time. Literally rolling out of bed and going to class isn't an odd occurrence. Girls sport their hair in ponytails that resemble a rug that's been put through a blender, make-up may still be on from the party they attended last night, and breakfast is being eaten while class is in session. Guys also go for the "Hello, professor, I JUST woke up" look. If someone comes to class in heels and a dressy top, you assume that they are either giving a class presentation or they are going on an interview or an important meeting after class. Dressing up for classes just isn't common.
However, in Wroclaw, Poland, I feel that I am constantly being chased down the sidewalk by a pair of stilettos.
When arrive to my courses, I usually feel a person wearing red at a funeral. Everyone is dressed so nicely, especially the girls. Their hair is done nicely, and if it's in a ponytail, it's not because it hasn't been washed or because they had a bad case of bedhead. Make-up is perfectly (if not liberally) applied, the shirt is fresh and fashionable. Jeans or other skirts with leggings/tights are polished off with an attractive pair of heels or boots. And of course there is a matching or complimentary handbag. Even their coats are nice, though. I know I was hard-pressed trying to find a decent looking warm winter coat in the states, but here, they are everywhere.
I've never been one to dress up everywhere I go, and it's a bit difficult running errands here. If I need to go to the shopping center to pick up some food, I can not go in my sweats. I did once, and I received a lot of unpleasant looks. At home, I work around the house in sweats and a tee and just run errands as need be, no changing necessary. Here, I change when I'm milling about the dorm, but as soon as I need to go anywhere, I have to put on "decent" clothes. Even just walking room to room, I get odd looks if I'm not dressed "properly." And what I wear out still usually looks too casual next to what they have on.....
Maybe the Polish girls just wear nicer pajamas than I do.