How to Look Great with a Strict School Uniform Code

Co-authored by Dina Scherer

Last Updated: November 15, 2024

A strict school uniform can be boring and stifle your creativity. Luckily, there are several things that you can do to look great every day in your school uniform. Consider changing your uniform, accessorizing, and revamping your daily hygiene to keep your uniform feeling fresh and trendy.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Changing up Your Uniform

1
Tailor your uniform. All clothing looks best if it fits well. Take your school uniform to a professional tailor. A tailor will adjust your clothing to fit your body shape. Remember to take all of the pieces of your uniform to the tailor for best results. ^{[1]
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- Adjust the length of your shorts or skirt. Just be sure to remain within the uniform guidelines that your school provides.
- Inform the tailor to whether your shirt is to be worn tucked or untucked.
2
Purchase a variety of pieces. Some schools just provide guidelines for their uniforms. If that is the case, be sure to purchase a variety of pieces that fit within those guidelines. Buy short sleeved and long sleeved shirts. Order pants, shorts, and skirts. Buy as many colors as is permitted by your school’s uniform guidelines.
- The best way to have a wardrobe that makes you happy and gets you excited every morning before school is to make it really reflect who you are as a person. To do that, make sure to invest in pieces that really fit your body type and that make you feel more confident.
- It's also important to give yourself flexibility to dress according to how you're feeling at the moment and to who you are as a person. Bring authenticity to your looks, instead of simply dressing with what's trendy at the moment.
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3
Add a cardigan. In cool months, add a cardigan or sweater that compliments your uniform. Some schools may provide this cardigan. If not, buy a few that fall under the uniform guidelines. Your cardigan can be worn buttoned, unbuttoned, or tied around your shoulders.
- When wearing a cardigan, it's important that whatever you wear underneath is not also long so it doesn't drag the eye down and make you feel very long in the torso.
If you have an option on what shoe to purchase, buy a variety of shoes to alter your uniform. Select dressier shoes to compliment a skirt and casual shoes to go with pants.

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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Accessorizing Your Uniform

1
Add a scarf. There are many different types of scarves that can be worn many different ways. Add a colorful or patterned scarf that compliments your school uniform. ^{[2]
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- Wear a scarf around your neck or as a shawl for added style and warmth during cool months.
- Tie a small scarf in your hair around a ponytail or as a headband.
If you are wearing a skirt or shorts, you can change your socks or tights for a change in uniform. Pair colorful, knee high socks with dress shoes. Wear solid or eye catching, patterned tights to compliment your uniform.
Change up your school uniform by adding a belt. Buy a variety of colors to compliment different uniform combinations. Match your shoes with your belt to appear very stylish.

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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Looking Your Best

1
Keep your uniform clean and wrinkle-free. Wash, dry, and iron your uniforms regularly. Tuck your shirt into your pants for a more crisp look. A clean, pressed uniform can look very sharp and stylish. Wear your uniform confidently.
- Read the cleaning instructions on the tags of your uniform pieces to ensure correct cleaning.
2
Style your hair each day. Make sure that your hair is clean and regularly trimmed. Style your hair differently throughout the week to help keep your uniform feeling fresh and trendy.
- Girls can wear their hair down or up. Add hair clips and headbands to change your hairstyle.
- Be sure to read your school’s uniform guidelines to determine if certain hairstyles are restricted.
3
Wear makeup. Express your creativity through makeup. Experiment with different shades of eyeshadow and lip gloss. Change your makeup routine so that it doesn’t feel as uniform as your clothing. ^{[3]
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- Watch makeup tutorials on Youtube to find new ideas.
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Question

What if I have to wear a blazer and only light make-up?

Community Answer

Try rolling up the cuffs or pushing them up your arms, or if you prefer, pull them longer for a more feminine look. For light makeup, you could check YouTube for tutorials, or just go really heavy on the mascara and cover up blemishes with concealer. Blush is also classified as light, but I would stick with a less glittery one. Try switching up your earrings or roll up the cuffs of your pants. Wear a hair tie on your wrist, or try an understated chain around your neck or simple bracelets.

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Question

What if you can't wear makeup at school?

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It is best to follow your school rules. Try adding accessories or changing your hairstyle.

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What could I spice up when everyone literally wears the same uniform?

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Try different hairstyles to help keep you feeling fresh.

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Tips

Buy new accessories for school, such as a scarf, hat or gloves.

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If you have questions about your school’s uniform guidelines, ask a teacher or administrator.

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Stay within your school uniform guidelines.

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Warnings

Breaking your school’s uniform guidelines could result in punishment.

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How to Look Great with a Strict School Uniform Code

Steps

Changing up Your Uniform

Accessorizing Your Uniform

Looking Your Best

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Tips

Warnings

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