Wardrobe | Glam up your school garb

School uniforms have a bad rep for being unfashionable and totally uncool. But that’s a rule that can be broken.

As a parent of a teenager, I’m well aware of the daily “end-of-the-world” scenarios involved with getting dressed for school.

But in reality, a school uniform is a great palette for letting your teen’s personality shine. Most schools allow for a range of navy, black and white tops with khaki, navy or black bottoms. This neutral background is perfect for accessorizing and adding anyone’s personal style.

Straight A’s

A is for accessories. And that’s what is going to bring that school uniform out of the lame zone. A few unique statement pieces can make a big difference and are easily showcased when they aren’t competing with a mottled backdrop.

Bangles and bracelets are a perfect addition to any outfit. Easily add school colors, friendship bracelets and bright, patterned bangles.

Funky barrettes and headbands are another perfect way to top off your look. Keep it simple with a bright, wide band or take it up a notch with a bold plaid, big, funky bow or wild barrettes.

Show your colors

If you have to stay within the range of your school colors, try wearing a white top with black pants and add some bangles and other accessories in a range of shades of your school colors. This can add an ombre feel to your attire, and some style to your attitude.

Kooky socks can add a bit of personal flair.

Scarves can add a more feminine touch to a very structured outfit. Grab a floral print for more whimsy, or a graphic pattern for more of a modern feel.

Suspenders are suspenders. Fun, patterned styles or even just a thin pair in black or your school colors are a little addition that can add a big bite of originality.

Best foot forward

By far, shoes are the easiest ways to show off your personality while trying to maintain a serious student fashion attitude.

For guys and girls, Converse All-Stars are almost always a go-to shoe. With such a wide range of colors, prints and even a design-your-own option, “Chuck’s” are an evergreen style.

One of my personal favorites for school, especially for girls and especially with pleated skirts, is the vintage look of saddle oxfords. I love this classic shoe and how it adds a bit of dependability to an outfit, yet still holds its own in the quirky department.

Other options include colorful flats, penny loafers, jazz flats and Mary Jane’s. These can all be worked in to add a modern, more fashionable look to your uniform.
 

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Twinkle VanWinkle ponders, creates and discovers cool stuff about music, movies, food, fashion and so forth. Her thoughtful writings and interactives give great advice about healthy food, cooking tips, DIY projects, fashion and more. She’ll teach you a thing or two about music as well. Along with producing dynamic entertainment content for LIN Media, she is a mother, musician and social media fanatic.

 

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