How to Look Good in School Uniform: 7 Ways to Make It Better
Find Stores You Love That Make Uniforms • Invest in Sweaters • Jewelry • Fabulous Shoes • Purses and Belts • More ...
Uniforms don't have to be BORING! Check out guest contributor Erica Long's tips and get ready to go to school in style.
No longer are private schools the only ones requiring their students to wear a school uniform. Many public schools around the United States are doing it too. If you find yourself wondering how to look good in school uniform, you are definitely not alone. While uniforms can be beneficial, they are mainly a pain in the butt. There are many ways, though, to make your uniform not so awful. If your goal is figuring out how to look hotter in school uniform or simply how to look cute at school, we have you covered. Here are seven ways to make you stand out in a sea of sameness and find cool uniform ideas for school.
Before we dive into the tips, let's look at a quick breakdown of what we are working with.
| Aspect | The Struggle | The Fashion Solution | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Color Palette** | Usually limited to navy, khaki, or white | Use accessories to add bright pops of color | | **Fit and Cut** | Boxy, stiff, or unflattering standard cuts | Shop at trendy retailers for better tailoring | | **Overall Vibe** | Blending in with a sea of sameness | Personalizing your look through hair and shoes |With that context in mind, let's explore how to make your school uniform better.
1. Find Stores You Love That Make Uniforms
Many stores such as American Eagle, Aeropostale, Hollister, Old Navy, and JC Penney carry cute and affordable uniforms for students. Stores such as American Eagle tend to design their uniforms to be more flattering than if you bought your uniform from a place that only sells uniforms. When you want to know how to make a school uniform look good on a girl or guy, finding a brand that understands modern fits is the first step.
2. Invest in Sweaters
My school requires us to wear white, navy, or hunter green polos. One way to make your polo look not so boring is to wear some bright sweaters with it or a great jacket. It makes a huge difference when you pair a bright sweater with your polo, not to mention it tends to be cold in the classrooms. School uniform ideas fashion starts with layering, and having a solid sweater rotation keeps you cozy and stylish.
3. Jewelry
Jewelry makes a big difference with any outfit, but especially uniforms! Dress up your uniform by wearing bold earrings, bracelets, watches, and necklaces. Jewelry is like the icing on the cupcake. Without the icing, your cupcake just isn't as pretty or exciting. Well, without jewelry your uniform will also not be exciting. If you need more inspiration on how to accessorize outfits, remember that small details make the biggest impact.
Consider adding these quick, everyday pieces to your rotation:
- A delicate chain necklace that sits right above your polo collar
- Stackable rings to show off your personal style
- A colorful, oversized watch to break up the uniform colors
4. Fabulous Shoes
Shoes are also an important factor in any outfit and one that people tend to overlook. Pair your uniform with some colorful and interesting shoes. At my school Vans, Keds, Converse, sandals, and flats are all the rage. I am especially obsessed with Keds. They come in many colors and designs and brighten up my uniform. This is also a great opportunity to coordinate your footwear with the bright layers we mentioned when discussing investing in sweaters.
5. Purses and Belts
Another way to take your uniform to the next level is to buy bright belts and a good purse. My school requires us to wear navy or khaki pants, and when I wear a bright belt with my pants it really makes it pop. Buying a great purse is also a must. I don't know what I would do without my purse! It is an easy answer to how to make uniform look cute without breaking any dress code rules.
6. Hair and Make up
Doing different things with your hair and makeup will definitely turn your uniform from drab to fab. So don't be shy, curl your hair tomorrow and try out that new makeup idea you found on Pinterest. Experimenting with cute school hairstyles is a fun, dress-code-approved way to look your best every morning.
7. Backpack and Lunchbox
Yes, even your backpack and lunchbox can make you stand out in the school hallways. Buying a backpack that has a cool design and that is colorful will only add to your style, and if you bring your lunch to school, then find a lunchbox that also has a cute design. Places like Target always have adorable and affordable ones. These practical items are essentially large accessories, so treat them as a major part of your overall look.
Challenge yourself to see how many ways you can make your uniform different. Uniforms don't have to be so awful, and by doing these things you will quickly be the school fashionista. There are so many good things about school uniforms when you take control of the styling and make the look entirely your own.