How to Avoid Being Noticed in School

Co-authored by Katie Styzek

Last Updated: February 3, 2023 References

Blending in with the crowd in school is not difficult. Simply keep to yourself, and quietly enjoy your hobbies and friendships without calling great attention to them. It is possible to go through school without attracting attention, but also remember to have fun while doing so!

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Dressing Plainly

1
Dress in simple colors. If you wish to blend in, you should choose timeless outfits that involve neutral colors (e.g. black, white, and brown). You may want to wear one main color (e.g. blue or pink) along with a few light, dull, or neutral colors.
2
Dress casually. Wear something comfortable and well-fitting, such as a T-shirt and jeans. Don't wear a suit or a dress or anything expensive or elegant looking, because that will definitely make people notice you.
- Avoid wearing baggy, revealing, overly fashionable, or brightly-colored outfits, as it will draw attention to you.
- Find a personal style that feels comfortable, suits you, and blends in nicely with the rest of the students.
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3
Dress for the weather conditions of the day. If it's going to rain, wear something with a hood. If it's warm out, definitely don't wear a jacket, because you'll really stand out when everyone else is wearing shorts and tanks.^{[1]
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Wear few simple accessories, if any. Put away that bold statement jewelry. Avoid sporting necklaces with big beads or dangling earrings, and stick to only one or two minimalistic pieces of jewelry with your outfit.
5
Avoid wearing a unique hairdo. Don't dye your hair bright colors or style it in crazy hairdos; this will only make people notice you more! Usually people dye or style their hair when they want to be noticed. Wear your hair in a neat, plain hairdo that's also flattering around your facial features.^{[2]
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Don't bring expensive technology to school. For example, don't carry your iPod or wear your headphones while you're walking down the hall. You may be drawing more attention to yourself or to your stuff than you think.^{[3]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Keeping a Low Profile

1
Walk at a steady pace. Don't act as though you're frantically trying to get somewhere, but don't walk too slowly, either. Walk the way you normally would at home or in your neighborhood.^{[4]
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Research source} Walk with a purpose, as if you're meant to be doing something and you don't look out of place.^{[5]
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2
Avoid attracting attention in the classroom. Raise your hand occasionally (if at all), and try to avoid answering questions unless called upon. Pay attention, though, so if you are called upon you know the answer to the question and avoid looking flustered, as this would draw attention to you. Sit in the middle or back of the classroom, and focus your attention on the teacher. Don't call out in class or make obnoxious noises or loud jokes, as these draw attention to you.
- If participation counts towards your grade, then raise your hand enough to get a grade that you are satisfied with, you don't need to fail just to blend in.
3
Keep things quiet. Share personal news (e.g. breakups, successes) within your small social circle, rather than announcing them to the world. Have such conversations in areas where students do not usually hang around (such as the bathroom) don't have these conversations in places such as the locker areas or in a lunchroom surrounded by lots of others. Do your best to present a serene face to the outside world, and save your inner struggles for a few close friends, family members, or trusted adults who can listen and keep a secret.
4
Focus on your studies. If you don't want to be noticed between classes, like during lunch, then study or do your homework during this time. Students study in school, so it's not like you're doing something out of the ordinary. If it's too distracting outside, go to the library.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Blending in with Friends

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Surround yourself with a small group of friends. Find friends who share your interests. Don't feel like you need to slip off the radar altogether; school becomes much easier if you have the support of like-minded friends. Find a group that is fun and relaxing to hang out with, and stick together so you don't look like a loner.^{[6]
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- Don't feel like you need to avoid meeting people altogether! If someone seems nice, go right ahead. It would be rude not to reciprocate.
- You are also less likely to be picked on when you are in a group of friends.
2
Stay away from the troublemakers. Don't hang out with people who are always getting thrown into detention. These kind of people can get you into trouble, even if they don't mean to. Getting in trouble will definitely get you noticed, and not in a good way, and it will also make teachers stop trusting you.
3
Avoid going to big parties. Don't attend parties that everyone knows about and that are held by the most popular groups in school. Everyone talks about those parties, and you do not want your name linked up to them.
- Go to your friends' parties, and people you usually hang around with. Do the same with school-related events. Stick to your own crowd, where you will be surrounded by others like you.
- Small groups may be more fun for you than big parties.
4
Avoid spending too much time on social media. It can drain your energy, and the more effort you put into it, the more people will notice you online. Keep most of your social interaction in person, or on anonymous websites that aren't connected with your school. If you do wish to have one, only use it occasionally and do not post too often
5
Be kind to others. Never gossip or talk trash about people, classes or events. This can deeply hurt others' feelings, and it will bring you to the forefront of their minds in a very bad way, and you may become well known for talking trash, which isn't a good way to blend in. If you don't like something or someone, try a shrug and a noncommittal "It's okay" or "She and I don't really click, so I don't hang out with her much."

Community Q&A

Question

How to stop comparing myself with others?

Community Answer

Ask yourself that if it is necessary to compare yourself to others? Remind yourself that comparing isn't fruitful -- it helps no one, and is never really accurate. Everybody is unique, so there is no need to get caught up in comparisons.
Question

As a new kid in school, I am usually quiet and shy. Is that a good thing? Would people think of me as antisocial if I did that?

Community Answer

Being shy or quiet does not mean you're antisocial. It's normal to be shy and quiet when you're new. Try to find friends as soon as possible, but open up at your preferred speed.
Question

What if you are already popular? Will this have the same effect?

Community Answer

If you are already popular, you may be able to follow these steps to go unnoticed. Although, your friends may be worried about you and wondering why you're acting so different.

Warnings

If you are trying to change because of bullying, mental illness, or self-harm, don't face this alone. Find a trusted adult (parent, teacher, school counselor) and tell them what's going on. You deserve to get help, and you deserve a safe and comfortable education.

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Nobody remembers the people in school who blended in with the crowd. You may have to face the embarrassment of nobody knowing who you are at your school reunion.

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Remember, your main goal in school is to learn and build a good life for yourself in the future. Many of the friends you make now, you may never meet again. Have friends, but don't revolve your life around them. Your high grades will enable you to be anything you want to be. That is what remains.

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