During the day, students sport baseball caps and college logo sweatshirts, but at sunset, they often emerge transformed. The evening look can be bare midriffs and short skirts for those heading out shake it at a local dance spot. Or it might be Gap flannels and jeans if unwinding in a low-key bar is the plan.

Students' appearances change dramatically from day to night depending on where they're going, and the clothes they choose depend on a few factors.

Girls usually dress up more --going for sex appeal and style --as opposed to guys who seem more concerned with comfort.

"You want to look good," said Belinda Schippleck (junior-human development and family studies). She confirmed she does not care what she looks like during the day but stresses that nighttime is the time to impress when people want to meet new faces and run into old ones.

A dark-haired girl was laughing and shouting over the drone of music at Crowbar, 420 E. College Ave., wearing the latest fashions. In a sleeveless half-shirt and rayon pants, she and her friends pulsated to the dance rhythms. Next to her is a tiny blonde with a short black skirt and a white shirt tied at her waist.

From the look of their attire, one would think it was springtime. And even though it's below freezing outside, with people nestled in their winter coats and scarves, those girls are actually dressed appropriately for the crowded, humid bar.

Dance clubs are common ground for "flaunting your stuff" for both guys and girls -- although their definitions are not necessarily the same.

Anthony Febbo, a bartender at Crowbar, thinks that peoples' idea of dressing up is different.

"It can vary depending upon the individual," Febbo said. However, jeans, flannels and T-shirts seem to be the college staples, he said.

Julie Bidrack, a cocktail waitress at Player's, 112 W. College Ave., also said guys usually wear jeans and flannels. But Tuesday, Thursday and Friday nights draw the dance crowds, where she sees girls wearing half-shirts and skirts.

For Steve Du Da (senior-environmental resource management), the grunge look and flannels are common for nights he goes out to see bands. But he goes all out when he goes dancing, adding cologne and jewelry.

Although flannels are the uniform for places like the All-American Rathskeller, 108 S. Pugh St., and the Brewery, 233 E. Beaver Ave., Phil Berry also leans more toward dressing up when he goes out dancing in order to fit in.

"You definitely try to catch people's attention," said Berry (junior-hotel, restaurant and institutional management).

Paul Lowery, an employee at the Phyrst, 111 E. Beaver Ave., said the bar, which features bands such as Man Alive and Queen Bee and the Blue Hornet Band, is usually casual.

"(Styles) vary widely depending on the entertainment," Lowery said.

One rule that appears to be unanimous, however, is layering, especially if the agenda is dancing. It is a major concern for Barb Will (senior-health policy administration) who likes to wear button-down shirts and believes comfort is the key since they never know how hot or cold it will be.

Chris Shewalter, assistant manager at Zeno's, 100 W. College Ave., said he sees a lot of laid back styles and described students and local residents as "pretty original."

"People stand out and you can tell what group they hang with," Shewalter said.