For those of us who are educators or advanced-degree students, our workplace is our classroom. Whether teaching or learning, we can expect our appearance to be evaluated alongside our achievements.

The judgment we demonstrate in our grooming and style will be critiqued as closely as the lessons we teach and the grades we earn. So we wonder if it is to our advantage to dress like the campus crowd, or the professional we want to be. This isn’t always easy with today’s styles and looks.

Urban wear is huge in the college environment both day and night. At my company, we handle the Web sales for many licensed hip-hop brands. Known for their uniqueness, urban wear is fabulous for a college campus because the apparel and accessories are comfortable and fashionable. As a result, urban wear has evolved from street fashion into a lifestyle that crosses over into the workplace, too.

Obviously depending on your area of work, this hip apparel could be deadly if not properly considered. If you are in the arts, music, or communications, you have a little more freedom. But if you are in a more serious field like medicine, law, government, or even education, you should try to find urban wear that offers a more conservative style.

If urban wear is not for you, then your classroom wardrobe should mirror your office wardrobe.

Pressed white shirts, pullover sweaters, and smart pants are the way to go. To keep your options open, wear the look without the logo and you can still enjoy the fashion without the fear!

Now for this week’s letters:

Dear Jen:

Winter sweaters are the only sure way to keep warm in my office, but send a casual signal even when worn with a dressy skirt. Any ideas how to add formality to this basic?

– Renee, Great Neck, N.Y.

Dear Renee:

Add a simple collared button down shirt underneath any cardigan or a pull over sweater. This does wonders to enhance an outfit.

Dear Jen:

I love retro, and because I am tall and very, very slender I can usually get away with it. Will I be promotion-challenged if I keep wearing the skinny ties of the ’60s or suede elbow-patched sport jackets? If they are still on the racks then aren’t they still in style?

– Alex, Flushing, N.Y.

Dear Alex:

As far as appropriateness, take cues from your work environment – if your colleagues start humming ’60s sitcom tunes when you are around, it is time to update your wardrobe. As for getting promoted, if you are an outstanding worker, your boss will probably let you know if your wardrobe needs to change with tactful suggestions.

Dear Jen:

My assistant is constantly nibbling snacks at her desk. I always feel like I’m interrupting her when I approach. What can I do to discourage the noshing?

– William, New York City

Dear William:

The best way to handle is to be direct yet light by noting it with a question. “Every time we meet you are nibbling and noshing How do you do it and stay so trim?” Hopefully she will get the hint. If not, speak with your human resources person and brush up on the company policy which may in fact discourage eating at desks and require eating only in the lunch room.