Professor Fashion: Professor Tobias Ritter

Did you know that students paid attention to your style?

Yes. When I first started teaching five years ago, I got a few positive comments through the CUE evaluations.

What’s your morning routine?

I never really think about it too much. I have two kids, so in the morning I’m just trying to make sure they’re happy.

What’s your personal reason for dressing well?

I think it’s a sign of respect for students. And it’s a way to make yourself presentable and show that you take the class seriously. I think clothes, when they help me feel appropriate, can help me to communicate well. On the other hand, I really don’t care about how students dress.

I noticed you’re not wearing a tie. Do you ever wear them?

Oh, no ties. I think they’re uncomfortable. I’ve worn maybe three ties in the past five years.

So how would you describe your style?

I was afraid you were going to ask that question. Well, one thing I like to do is match my shirt with my socks. I also like to wear intense colors, like pink or red shirts. I guess you can’t really tell that since I look all boring in black and white today. Sometimes I really enjoy wearing a pair of brown pants during the fall to match with the leaves on the ground, kind of as a way to model the season.

Where do you get your clothes?

Well, I really like Hugo Boss. Honestly, I don’t really enjoy shopping that much. I go once every two years and spend a lot of time in the store picking out all that I need.

Wow, that’s a really long time. So you don’t really change that much, do you?

No, no I don’t.

Do you look at yourself in reflective surfaces?

No ... I don’t believe so.