How to Dress Fashionably in a School Uniform

Last Updated: October 28, 2021 References

School uniforms can feel unstylish and frumpy, but they don’t have to be. It’s easy to make your uniform more exciting and fashion forward with just a few alterations. You can pick stylish items to go with your required wardrobe and amp up your outfit with fun jewelry and accessories. To round out your look, make sure your hair, nails, and makeup are also stylish!

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Customizing Your Uniform

1
Wear a statement jacket on your way to and from school when it’s cold. Pick a colorful bomber jacket, a classic denim coat, an edgy leather jacket, or a polished wool coat.^{[1]
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Sheila A. Anderson
Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon
Expert Interview. 9 August 2021.} Most schools don’t regulate what kind of coats students can wear outside of school, so use this freedom to show your personal style and add some edge to your uniform.^{[2]
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- Remember that if you get cold during class, you might not be able to wear your jacket if it doesn’t fit the dress code. Keep an acceptable sweater or cardigan in your locker in case you do feel cold and need to cover up.
2
Get a pair of fun shoes if you don’t have to wear a specific pair. Most uniforms require that your shoes are a specific color, but don’t specify a style or material. Pick a pair of oxfords, flats, or even high-top canvas sneakers in that color. Decide if you want them to be patent leather, suede, or other type of material or pattern to show off your fashion knowledge.^{[3]
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- Make sure your shoes are comfortable and you’re able to walk in them.
- Your school might restrict the type of shoe you can wear. Some schools don’t allow heels of any type, so check the dress code before you buy!
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3
Put on a pair of socks in a fun color to show your style. Choose a pair of socks in a color that compliments your uniform. For a uniform that has prints, choose a solid-colored pair to keep the uniform from looking busy. If your uniform doesn’t have patterns, feel free to pick a pair of socks with a fun pattern or print.^{[4]
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- If you’re having trouble matching a color to your uniform, pick a pair that include your school colors to make the look purposeful.
- For girls, you might be able to get away with wearing socks that have lace or crochet trim around the ankle.
4
Opt for a bow tie instead of a regular tie. Most school dress codes allow students to wear either ties, bow ties, or “cross” ties. To make your outfit stand out, wear a patterned or solid-colored bow tie. If there’s a special occasion coming up, like Christmas, St. Patrick’s Day, or Halloween, try to pick a themed bow tie with a fun pattern or print.^{[5]
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- Be sure to check your school dress code to make sure bow ties are allowed. If it doesn’t say that they’re forbidden, you can normally wear one since they’re considered more formal than a regular tie.
5
Layer a lace camisole under your shirt and let it peek over the collar. This is a great way to add a pop of color to an otherwise dull uniform. Pick a color that complements your polo or blouse, and leave the top button undone if you’re allowed to. Make sure the lace is visible, but isn’t so revealing that your chest is showing.^{[6]
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- Some strict schools may require that you have the shirt completely buttoned. Check your school handbook to see if you’re allowed to try this look.
- If you get told that you’re out of uniform, you can simply button the top button to cover up the cami.
6
Roll up the sleeves of a guy’s uniform for a more laid-back look. If you don’t have to wear a blazer or sweater, unbutton the cuffs of your shirt, and fold the sleeve in half so the cuff is at your elbow. Then, fold the sleeve in half again to cover the cuff with the sleeve of your shirt at the elbow. This will give a more carefree, rebel-looking style.^{[7]
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- Keep in mind that some schools won’t allow you to fold your sleeves like this. If your school doesn’t allow fully rolled, try half-rolling the sleeves up to your mid-arm.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Picking Fashionable Accessories

1
Pin a button or brooch onto your blazer or shirt for a retro style. This is a great option for any student to express their style without breaking dress code. Head to your local thrift store or search online for vintage pins, buttons and brooches. If you want to go for a preppy feminine look, pick a jeweled cameo brooch. For an edgier style, choose a simple button or enamel pin with an animal, word, or symbol on it.^{[8]
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- Keep in mind that your pins should be school-appropriate. Don’t choose a button that has a swear word on it or anything that could be considered inappropriate.
2
Wear statement jewelry if your school allows it. One of the best ways to show off your style is by dressing up your uniform with jewelry.^{[9]
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Expert Source

Sheila A. Anderson
Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon
Expert Interview. 9 August 2021.} Pick a statement necklace paired with simple earrings and a ring or 2. If you aren’t allowed to wear necklaces, pick a pair of fun earrings, like tassle or pom-pom earrings to match your uniform.^{[10]
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- This is also a helpful strategy for drawing people’s attention away from your uniform and onto your face.
3
Put a headband, ribbon, or bow in your hair for a classic feminine look. Choose a solid-color, embellished, or patterned headband, and wear it with your hair up or down. If you don’t like headbands, purchase a bow on a clip and put it in your hair to hold back your bangs or use it highlight a sleek ponytail or high bun. You can use a ribbon to pull up your hair, or incorporate it into a classic braid.^{[11]
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- Most schools allow hair accessories, but some might require them to be solid colors. Check your school handbook to make sure.
4
Wrap a trendy scarf around your neck in the autumn and winter. For a cozy and trendy look, put on a wool scarf with a fun pattern in colors that match your uniform. If it’s warmer outside, try tying a silk or satin scarf around your neck with a bow for a classic fashion statement.^{[12]
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- If your school has rules about not wearing hats, they may not allow scarves. Be sure to consult the handbook before you wear a scarf to class.
5
Tuck a pocket square into your blazer for a classic masculine look. Pick a small, square piece of fabric, and fold it into quarters. Position it in your pocket so the folded corner of the square is pointing up to your shoulder. Be sure to choose a fabric that matches with your school uniform or tie.^{[13]
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- For an edgier look, try mixing patterns, like stripes and polka dots, or use a pocket square that showcases your interests, like one printed with binary code if you like computer science.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Maintaining a Well-Groomed Appearance

1
Choose a flattering hairstyle to complement your outfit. Stick to a natural hair color, like blonde, brunette, or black. For daily wear, you can curl your hair, wear it straight, or let it dry naturally. If you’re going to wear your hair natural, use a balm or styling pomade to reduce frizz and make the style look more polished.^{[14]
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Expert Source

Sheila A. Anderson
Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon
Expert Interview. 9 August 2021.}
- For an easier style, you can pull your hair into a ponytail, high bun, or French braids. These will keep your hair out of your face while appearing put together.
2
Wear light, natural makeup that highlights your best features. Choose light neutral colors for your eyeshadow, and wear a light or medium coverage foundation. Avoid shimmery eyeshadows, highlighters or blush, and apply a single coat of mascara to accentuate your eyes.^{[15]
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- If you want to wear lipstick, opt for a subtle gloss, or pick a nude or muted pink shade for a natural look.
- Some schools don’t allow any makeup for students under a certain age.
3
Keep your nails clean and choose a clear or neutral polish. Trim and file your nails regularly and use a brush to clean under the nails. If your school allows nail polish, stick to a solid neutral color, like nude or muted pink. If your school doesn’t allow polish, choose a clear varnish to show off your natural nails while protecting them from damage.^{[16]
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- Try to avoid biting your nails, which can make them look messy. If you’re having trouble stopping your habit, purchase a “no-bite” nail polish, which will have an unpleasant taste when you bite your nails.
4
Try slicking back your hair if you’re a guy for a more retro look. The dress code for most schools requires that your hair is out of your face. If your hair is getting longer, use a pomade to push the hair around your face back. Slick the back of your hair down for a more polished look, and keep your hair off of your collar if your school requires it.^{[17]
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- Some schools might allow you to pull your hair back into a bun if it’s longer, as long as it’s off of your collar. Be sure to check your school dress code to ensure that this is allowed.
5
Trim your facial hair regularly to keep it looking polished. If you’re growing out a beard, sideburns, or mustache, be sure to trim it into shape regularly. Your facial hair should never look scraggly or unkempt, as this can be considered out of dress code. If your school doesn’t allow facial hair at all, remember to shave every day or every other day, depending on how fast your hair grows.^{[18]
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- If you have trouble managing your facial hair, visit a barber and ask them to clean it up to a polished, classic style. Be sure to bring an inspiration picture to give them an idea of what you want your facial hair to look like.

Community Q&A

Question

My school won't let me wear a head band or makeup. How can I look good in my uniform?

Samantha L. Campbell

Community Answer

If your school doesn't allow makeup, focus on making your skin look great by establishing a skincare routine. You might feel better about not wearing makeup when your skin looks great even without it. For your hair, try styling it in different styles, like a high bun or a pony tail with your hair curled at the ends. Use gold, silver, or multicolored bobby pins or clips to hold your hair in place and make a fashion statement.
Question

If you have a pretty relaxed style of uniform, but it's very hard to match with and accessorize, how should you pick accessories?

Samantha L. Campbell

Community Answer

Start by choosing accessories in one of the colors in your uniform, like a navy blue, dark red, or even green. Choose simple accessories, like solid-colored socks, stud earrings, or a solid-colored scarf. If the uniform is relaxed, try wearing only 1-2 extra accessories at a time to keep it from looking over-styled.
Question

What colors look good with a uniform?

Community Answer

When picking accessories for a school uniform, your best option is to go with the colors of the uniform. Also, colors like white, black, gold and nude generally go with any school uniform.

Warnings

Read your school handbook closely so you know what is and isn’t permitted when it comes to altering or accessorizing your uniform.

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