How To Accessorize Your School Uniform
Depending on how you look at it, wearing a uniform is either a total drag or a blessing in disguise. Not having to pick out new outfits every day is a huge time, money, and brain saver, but it also means you can tire of your school-mandated attire quickly.
Luckily there are tons of ways to amp up your standard issue getup. The first thing to consider are the options your school provides. Are you able to choose between a classic or club collar? Are there different kinds of bottoms to choose from? Pick the best of what you're offered, and then accessorize, accessorize, accessorize!
And trust us, you're not alone — even the supremely stylish Susie Bubble had to wear a uniform at one point. She combated the wardrobe blues with a little bit of DIY and a lot of creativity. Her favorite piece of advice? "If you've got a standard button-down shirt, a sweater, and a skirt, then wear something with a pop of neon to pep it up a little bit, like a cute satchel."
Click through for all of our top outfit-enhancing tricks.
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1/8Shoes
A cool pair of kicks is your first line of defense when it comes to uniform accessorizing. Floral lace-ups, two-tone ballet flats, metallic sneakers — the options are endless! And what if your school mandates a certain type of shoe? Dress them up with colorful laces, of course.
ASOS Mermaid flat shoes, $66. ASOS.com.
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2/8Sick of your school-issued duds? Follow our tips, and liven up your classroom look.
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3/8Socks
Even if your school doesn’t allow you to get too crazy with your footwear, a bright pair of patterned socks will mix things up nicely. Trouser socks look cute slouched with loafers, while knee socks make a bolder statement. And when temperatures dip, a fun pair of tights is all you need to set you apart from the pack.
Happy Socks for Madewell Trouser socks, $12. Madewell.com.
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4/8Bracelets
Up your wrist game, and stack up! While we love a bold necklace or big earrings, sporting an arm full of bracelets is definitely the easiest way to express your style. Mix plastic, metal, beaded, and woven pieces, or go with a matching set of bangles. Another one of our favorite tricks is to gather a whole bunch of watches and wear them on one (very punctual) wrist.
BaubleBar Violet trillion cuff, $32. BaubleBar.com.
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Celebrity StyleBella Hadid Served Bridgerton Realness at Cannes
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5/8Hair Accessories
There are oh-so-many ways to subtly incorporate your personal taste into your ’do. You don’t need to go full-blown flower crown for a day of class! Instead, try out an embellished headband or hair tie; barrettes and clips are also good options. And the styles are seriously infinite — you can find hair accessories with ladylike pearls, edgy studs, and everything in between.
Forever 21 Glitter metallic bow elastic, $1. Forever21.com.
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6/8Pins
Bring back the brooch, we say! Pins are a retro-cool way to spice up an outfit. Thrift stores are brimming with old school cameos and jeweled pieces, though you can also find some at your favorite fast fashion stores. If you want to go more grunge and less girly, cluster some small graphic buttons on your top.
Juliet & Company Vintage cameo brooch, $65. Shopbop.com.
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Celebrity StyleBella Hadid Served Bridgerton Realness at Cannes
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7/8Bag
While we’re big backpack advocates, a bright tote or satchel can really elevate your school-time ensemble. Make sure you find one that can fit all of your books and supplies, but don’t skimp on style. Bright shades and funky patterns instantly brighten an otherwise drab getup — just don’t do the school-bag-plus-purse combo...one carryall will suffice!
Marc by Marc Jacobs Nylon tote, $198. Net-a-Porter.com.
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8/8Jacket
Okay, jackets aren’t exactly an accessory, but they are necessary! Since you have to wear one anyway, it may as well be super cute. Pick a cover-up that conveys your look, like a peacoat if you’re preppy or a bomber jacket if you’re sporty, and you’ll instantly feel more like yourself.
Topshop Floral bomber jacket, $96. Topshop.com.
