How to Love Your School Uniform

With the beginning of the school year just around the corner, I thought it would be a great time to discuss school uniforms. Personally, I go to a private school where most of the students hate the uniform there. This is completely understandable with all the restrictions on what they can and cannot wear, along with the “inability” to express themselves. I have actually never disliked my school uniform or dress code like the majority of students. I felt like it never hindered my ability to express myself, and I saw it as a challenge to be more creative within the guidelines. Some of the tips I give might not be appropriate at your school, so it’s important to read your school’s guidelines before using these tips!

I’m going to start with the most basic, yet important piece of advice when it comes to styling your school uniform: You must remember that it is a uniform. This may sound redundant, but when you think of what a uniform is it sets a standard for what you should look like. Uniforms are polished, professional, modest and preppy. Although some may think that uniforms are drab and monotonous, your uniform will be whatever you make it. While remembering what a uniform is, do not try to make your uniform something it isn’t. This means that you don’t try to make it casual by wearing jeans with your polo or wearing accessories that were never meant to be with your uniform, and ESPECIALLY do not try to make your uniform sexy. Attempting to make your school uniform have some form of sex appeal is the most unbecoming thing you can possibly do to your uniform. We are all at school to learn first and foremost, so revealing outfits should be saved for other environments. When you’re attempting to find creative freedom in your dress code, see if your school allows bags instead of backpacks, jewelry, and the color palate you are allowed to work with. If you don’t have a lot of classes or school supplies then you can use a cute tote bag to carry your stuff. If you have a lot to carry, stick with a cute backpack because being practical is more important than looking cute. Jewelry can really level up any outfit, but it’s important to not go over the top with your uniform. Personally, the only jewelry I wear to school is pearls, diamonds, simple bracelets, and watches. I don’t advise wearing trendy jewelry like choker’s, and layered necklaces because they don’t belong with your uniform. At my school I have complete creative freedom over my bottoms, this means I can choose the style, color, and length as long as it’s not shorter than three inches above the knee. Knee-length skirts and chinos are wonderful options, they come in many colors, are comfortable, and can be very sophisticated. My top-secret tip to making my uniform look great, I tailor my polo’s to fit me better. I have been tailoring clothes for almost a year now, and I decided to experiment with my uniform. I love the look of a fitted polo, and my uniform was far from that, it hardly fit me at all. The sleeves were halfway down my arm, and the shirt had so much extra fabric around the waist. When I fixed the shirt, my uniform looked so tailored and clean, a nice comparison to before since it was so frumpy. If you aren’t allowed to alter your uniform, a great alternative would be to tuck in your shirt. By tucking in your shirt, it hides the extra material and it also defines your waist. Some wardrobe pieces that can add flair to your uniform are hair accessories, cardigans, and cute shoes. I love to wear thick headbands, pearl and tortoiseshell hair clips, as well as ribbons in my hair with my uniform because they are timelessly elegant and simple hair accessories that can really level up your uniform. For shoes, I usually go for a low heel about two inches high, and I also wear flats as well. Cardigans that don’t stand out too much from your outfit are always great because they help tie your outfit together, especially if your school is freezing! Makeup and how you do your hair can really make you stand out since everyone is basically wearing the same thing, it leaves the focus on your features instead of what you’re wearing. The most important thing that will help you look and feel great in your uniform is your confidence while wearing it. I hope you enjoyed reading these tips and that they help you feel more confident while wearing your uniform!