I tried to describe this to chatgpt, named the school and asked it what's going on with these guys fashion/style. It replied:
"There’s a certain kind of campus culture where dressing up in a particular way becomes a kind of ritualistic uniform, almost like a symbol of status or belonging. If you're part of the group (whether it's Greek life, a sports team, or just the social scene), you wear those khakis, button-downs, and bow ties because that’s what the group has defined as "the right way to look." It’s less about individual style and more about fitting in with the social mold that’s been created. And, from what you're describing, it sounds like they might not even realize how out of touch it can seem to outsiders.
I bet it feels like a kind of bubble that only makes sense to people who are in it. Much like the Clampetts, they might be in their own little world thinking they’re "dressed to impress," but outside of that context, it doesn’t quite translate the same way. It’s a social performance, not necessarily a true fashion statement."