You're about to go back to school, and you know what that means: it's time to choose the best clothes to look your best. Unfortunately, if you are part of a growing group of students around the world, your new wardrobe will be a school uniform. Don't panic. If your school requires a uniform, you can still maintain your uniqueness. It's hard enough to express your style when everyone has to wear the same thing, but it's not impossible!
Steps
Study the dress code of your school. Get a copy of the rules and read them carefully. Some schools may be stricter, so ask a manager for confirmation. Try, if possible, to stay true to your individual style.
Method 1 of 9: The basics
Step 1. Stay clean
Take a shower every day. Use natural, scented products, body creams, and a good deodorant.
Method 2 of 9: T-shirts
Step 1. If you have to wear a polo shirt:
make sure it's the right size by trying it on and letting it shrink. For the most popular styles, it is imperative that it be the right size or close-fitting. However, even the looser jerseys can be significant, especially if you are more "rock". Another element is the fabric. Some uniform stores have a couple of different fabrics to choose from, such as cotton or linen. Also, consider shirts of a slightly different shade from the others. In some schools you can do this, but in others you can't.
Step 2. If you have to wear a blouse:
you can find fitted blouses, which are much more flattering on most girls, if that's your style. 3/4 sleeves are usually prettier if you're allowed to wear them.
Method 3 of 9: Skirts
Step 1. Get skirts of the right length (neither too long nor too short)
Schools do not approve of transforming a long skirt into a miniskirt. Many have no problem with bare knees, however.
- If you can have it made to measure, so much the better.
- Make sure the skirt is straight, and take the right measurements. If you're not used to sewing, don't cut your skirt. If you know someone who really can sew, ask for their help.
Step 2. If allowed, buy a skirt with a hint of personality; for example with laces (gothic), bell, wrap (retro), pleated or layered (trendy)
You can also go a little beyond the school restrictions, as long as you don't overdo it.
Method 4 of 9: Pants
Step 1. If you can wear pants, then choose tight or slightly baggy pants, such as military ones
If you're feeling lucky enough to try jeans, then rivet-free black skinny jeans are great. Some schools may have one day a week where you are allowed to wear jeans and / or school merchandise. If you can do it, take advantage of that opportunity and wear jeans. If there are rules on what types of jeans you can wear, check for stiffness. If your school is very tolerant of types of jeans and everyone breaks the rules, do so too. Choose whether to follow a tomboy style, trendy, sexy, etc.
Method 5 of 9: Hoodies and sweaters
Step 1. If you prefer tight-fitting dresses and sweaters, just purchase one size down
However, a slightly larger size is better for the more alternative ones, as long as you don't overdo it. If you can get by with a sweater / sweatshirt that is not part of the school uniform, then you could take a black sweater that suits your character and figure, rather than the deforming sweatshirts provided by many schools. Some schools allow layers, such as turtleneck sweaters, solid color sweatshirts, school sweatshirts, sleeveless sweaters, etc. If you look cute and feminine when you are sleeveless, wear a short-sleeved white blouse, and if you can wear different colors for the vest, choose a cute one, such as pink. If you have a limited number of colors available, such as just blue, that's fine. If you are able to wear sweaters and have various options, choose another cute and lively color. If you can only wear blue or white, choose the color that makes your hue stand out the most. If your school allows you to wear sweaters, wear a cute white one, or a sweatshirt, to look much simpler and more normal. If you are allowed to wear plain colored jackets, choose cute colors to be more natural. Turtleneck sweaters are cute, depending on the color. School sweatshirts are great and are granted. If you don't like your school, however, avoid wearing school clothes, otherwise you will only support and finance it.
Method 6 of 9: Jackets
Step 1. If you or a family member know how to use a needle and thread, change the buttons and add a couple of decorative zippers (if possible)
Attach badges of your favorite artists or quotes you like to the lapels. Also attach / sew suitable patches to the sleeves.
Make sure it's allowed, or you risk getting yourself into trouble
Method 7 of 9: Shoes
Step 1. If there are no shoe rules, you have a lot of choice here
You could wear Vans or AllStar (alternative) in matching colors, or try military / Doc Martens (gothic / alternative) boots. They look great with just about any dark garment. Also, on warmer days, try sandals or flip flops. Choose your shoes carefully - depending on the school, you may have to walk a lot, so choose comfortable and match the rest of your style.
Step 2. If you are forced to wear boring 'regulation' shoes, you may find some cute black ballet flats
Don't spend too much on the shoes you take to school, because regardless of the cost, wearing them every day will eventually get ruined. It is easy to find for around € 5-10 / pair.
Method 8 of 9: Hair
Step 1. Use your hair to express your style
The hairstyle is essential. Schools with uniforms tend to have rules on hair length, color and hairstyle as well, but you should still have a good margin to stand out from the crowd.
Step 2. Shape:
you can wear them straight, curly, tied, wavy, etc. It really makes a difference! Try to change often, leaving the mystery behind.
Step 3. Cutting:
hair offers so many different possibilities. You can grow them (make sure you keep them healthy) or cut them short. Wisps and bangs are cute too. Try a mohawk or rasta cut if you dare! If boys can, why not girls? Do what you want.
Step 4. Hairstyle:
high tails and buns are very cute, especially with ribbons around them. As well as low or side tails, pigtails or braids. Just do what you like. Buy an assortment of bows, ribbons, headbands, barrettes, headdresses and whatever you want to use to style your hair.
Step 5. Color:
whatever color you choose, just make sure it fits you. Ask the hairdresser which colors are best suited to your skin, eyes, etc. Bright colors can be moderate by matching them with your hair color; like black hair with blue highlights, or natural blonde hair with pink / purple tufts. If you want to experiment and completely dye yourself, it's best to do it during the holidays, to see if you like them or to have time to fix them. If your school doesn't allow dyes, try natural highlights or shades.
Step 6. Mèches:
try a washable one first, to see how it looks, before using a permanent dye. Or try colored extensions - they're easy to remove, and you can change colors every day. Plus, they don't damage your hair as often happens with dyes.
Method 9 of 9: Accessories
Step 1. Find a suitable belt that reflects your personality - you need to see a lot of them
Choose according to your style, and remember: a belt that is too elaborate could make the school staff turn up their noses, to the point of forcing you to replace it.
Step 2. Glasses can be very pretty if chosen well
Black with sturdy frames are very alternative. Rockabilly girls look great in leopard frames. You can also choose half-rimmed ones, black / silver / gold.
Step 3. Wear stud or ring earrings, preferably gold or silver
You could mix your earrings and wear them unmatched as well. Take several pairs so that you can change them every 2-3 days. A pair of cute bracelets look good and accent the hands and arms. Get one or more brand name necklaces. If the earrings and bracelets are silver, match the necklace too.
Step 4. Consider how to wear the tie, if it is part of the school uniform
You can wear it very short or long, it depends. In addition, a new tie will be much wider, while a second-hand one will be thinner and flattened by use. Experiment to find the look that's right for you. There are different knots for ties, with slightly different outcomes depending on the knot. Long ties with subtle knots are cute, as are short ties with large knots.
Step 5. Accessories become quite important when the rest of the outfit is homologated
Choose wallets, handbags, backpacks, cell phones, etc. that express your uniqueness. Also, you may want to try decorating pencil cases, wallets, bags, etc. with pins!
Step 6. Some schools don't allow this, but you may be able to draw something on yourself that represents you
Advice
- Find out which managers care about the matter more than others. Some staff members are particularly vigilant, while tall ones turn a blind eye. Get to know your chickens.
- If the uniform includes white t-shirts and pants, don't buy them from school. Pick them up at other stores of the style you prefer: bell-bottom / skintight, or button-up / three-quarter sleeve shirts. Before this, however, consider the possible obligation to have the school logo on clothing.
- If the teachers have an eye on you, and you are a good student, it is easier to get by with subtle (but still quite presentable and harmless) adaptations of the rulebook. A reader of this article, for example, once wore a pair of red snow boots for 3 weeks in the winter without a single comment from the staff, usually very strict about clothing. And it wasn't snowing.
- Recognize the fact that, in an approved context, personality emerges from many more factors, since clothing cannot be used to show individuality. You can build a unique style from the way you move - posture and body language - so experiment with your appearance and project your attitude.
- Ear piercings or piercings are very effective and often allowed. However, keep the accessories under 3cm in length. Make sure you keep them clean.
- Know when to relax, as sometimes it is better to be very casual, like in the common rooms during breaks, while at other times you have to appear awake. You will need to know this to be able to make the most of your appearance.
- If your school logo has lettering, adapt them. For example, if it were "Hogwarts School of Magic" (HSM), since 1857 ": if you know how to sew, you can change it to" Mario (your name), since 1996 (your date of birth) ". Teachers probably won't notice, but when your classmates do, they'll definitely have a laugh and respect you! It is also convenient for recovering the dress in case of loss.
- If you don't want to risk getting into trouble for breaking the rules on clothing, you can dress like the others and play it safe.
- Jewelry may be restricted or banned. If they are banned, better let them go. If they are limited, watch others and see which ones are allowed.
Warnings
- If your uniform shirt is white, check the fabric! Many look thick but are completely transparent. It's not very fine to show a pink bra under your shirt when you bend over. And the same goes for thongs. Try to wear something underneath or, if it's hot, wear light-colored underwear.
- If you have a school tie, at some quiet school you can loosen it and undo the top button. However, if your school is strict on uniforms, avoid these changes, or you risk getting suspended or grounded.
- Watch out for piercings. Some conservative schools only allow earrings on one side and others do not allow males to wear earrings. If you have a piercing (for example on your nose, tongue or eyebrows), it's best to hide it if school is against it, simply by not taking it to school. Some schools will allow you to have a piercing on normal days, but not at official functions such as a mass (in case of a religious school), graduation ceremonies, etc.
- Avoid exaggerating anything - too much jewelry, OBVIOUS deviations from the uniform, etc.
- Go easy on the tricks. Be soap and water, and not only will you feel so much better, but you will also be more beautiful.
- Always, always, always be aware of the unwritten rules, as those may be causing you problems. Some schools do not allow 'decorative buttons'.
- Avoid doing things that are too extreme and out of the ordinary. It may be fine in some schools, but give yourself time to learn how it works if you are a new student.
- Add color to your uniform by wearing some bright underwear and seeing how much you can get away with it. In some cases you may be able to get it out of the shirt; in others you may have to be careful not to show any color.
- Try not to be too rigid with the uniform, but not too little either. Understand when it is important to appear awake (not necessarily for your own good, but for your school). If you behave properly on the right occasions, you have a lot more freedom in quiet moments.
