As much as you may have been denying it, there is no escaping the truth: It’s time to go back to school. For many of you this means back to the daily school uniform of pleated skirts and white polo tees. And when it comes to uniforms, there is not much room to express yourself with your own personal style. To ditch the monotony, here are some tips and tricks on how to personalize your uniform for a fresh take in the homogeny of school schedules and homework.
The Trendsetter
For a break in the monochromatic feel of a school uniform, choose a sneaker in an exciting print to instantly spruce up your outfit. Of course you can opt for a different color or pattern, but then again, what’s not to love about leopard? I chose a pair of leopard sneakers from Steve Madden with a pair of grey ankle socks for an unexpected color contrast. There are other really great options at Forever21, American Eagle, or Vans. Experiment with different colors, patterns or sock lengths.
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For an extra dose of glamour, opt for a headband in a fun color of your choice to accentuate your face and draw attention to your smile, of course! You can find these almost anywhere. I got mine at Forever 21.
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For those of you who are accessory junkies, stacking your favorite bracelets can easily add some color to a drab uniform ensemble. Bracelets can range from dainty and minimalistic to chunky and edgy. I chose the latter. The bottom bracelet is from Tobi and the top bracelet is from Forever 21.
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The Girly Girl
Oxfords are the perfect shoe for an ultra-feminine style. I don’t own a pair myself, but these floral oxfords are the perfect take on the classic oxford. Pair them with a white knee-length sock to give off that preppy style.
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Headbands are simple and easy. They are perfect for school! Think Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl, and choose a flower or bow headband for a girly touch.
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To add your girly side to your dull uniform, grab a pair of lace tights! You can get a pair for cheap at Claire’s or Target.
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The Edgy Rule-Breaker
Platform sneakers are making a big wave this season. They are the perfect update on the everyday sneaker, plus they give you a few extra inches of height! I’m wearing a pair from Jeffrey Campbell in the photo, but there are other comparable styles that can be found at H&M.
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For an added touch of edge to your hair, the half-up bun is a really easy and unique style; simply pull of half your hair up into a ponytail and then twist it into a bun. Secure with bobby pins, and violà!
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Choker necklaces have made a serious comeback from the 90s! You can find them online at Etsy, Amazon, and most accessory stores, or you can even make them yourself!
Standing out and expressing your individuality is the perfect way to define yourself at school, a place where it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle. I hope these uniform styles inspire you to define your personal style and break out of your monotonous school uniform.
Note: I know that many schools have different levels of strictness regarding uniform rules and dress codes. I acknowledge that some of these suggestions may or may not comply with these rules, and for that I am sorry.