You might also ask an administrator or teacher if there are any outdated or unenforced rules that you can ignore in the dress code guidelines.
You may be required to wear shirts that have collars and sleeves. While that certainly limits you, it doesn’t say anything about pockets vs no pockets or button fronts vs polo shirts. In this example, if you don’t like polo shirts, get button fronts. Your dress code might also require black or brown shoes, but make no mention of the laces. In this case, you could lace your shoes up with funky colorful laces that display your personality. Be sure to keep some extra approved clothing in your locker in case the administration asks you to change. You don’t want to have to go all the way home to get some new clothes.
Think about what you actually wear and what fits with the dress code. Keep the clothes that fit in both of these categories towards the front of your closet.
If your dress code requires a polo shirt, but doesn’t indicate a color – try wearing a bright yellow polo, a neon pink one, or any other color that expresses your style. As jackets are usually not heavily regulated by dress codes, try to get a brightly colored jacket for the winter months.
Consider adding a cardigan with a ruffled front, a button up shirt with decorative buttons, or a tie with an interesting pattern.
If your school requires black slacks, consider purchasing a pair with flared legs instead of the standard slim leg cut.
You can also try rolling up your sleeves – this works for either long-sleeve or short-sleeve shirts.
While holding the overlapped fabric together, roll the jean up about an inch or two to make a cuff. You can leave it like this, or roll it one more time. Pinch and fold over the fabric before you roll the cuff a second time.
Try bright neon colored socks, or socks with a fun pattern. Just make sure the socks don’t have anything offensive on them.
If your school strictly requires brown/black shoes, then slowly add little things. Try a colorful shoelace, or try gluing little rhinestones on and see if you can get away with it.
Try wearing colorful tights under your uniform skirt. You might also consider wearing colorful long-sleeved t-shirts under your uniform shirt for layering, keeping warm, and simply looking cute.
You can also sport unique jackets that express your sense of style in the colder months.
Did your mom already buy you a drab brown belt? Glue glitter on the buckle or otherwise embellish it. If you can’t add anything or don’t want to, you can just use a black belt with a vintage buckle.
This is a great way to add a flare of individualism to a dress code without too much pushback from the administration. For guys, try wearing a cool chunky watch or a fun necklace. You might also consider adding interesting buttons or pins to your jackets or backpacks.
This option is perfect for both boys and girls to add a little flair to their wardrobe.
If there are limits even for bags – you can always put pins and such onto it for decoration and flare.
Your hair doesn’t have to be boring! Look online for hair tutorials and ideas. Crazy styles can be fun, and there is rarely a rule that says you can’t.
