Q&A for How to Dress for School

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  • Question
    What should I wear if I want to look like I'm not trying super hard on the first day of school?
    Sheila A. Anderson
    Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon
    Sheila A. Anderson is a Certified Image Consultant, International Branding Icon, and the Founder of Image Power Play, an impression management and personal branding company. With over three decades of experience, she specializes in empowering corporate professionals to raise their personal image to meet the value of their brand. Sheila is a Certified Image Consultant with The Image Resource Network and a Certified Universal Style Consultant with The Universal Style International. Sheila is a member of the C-Suite Network Advisors and the author of the book, I.C.U., The Comprehensive Guide to Breathing Life Back Into Your Personal Brand.
    Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon
    Expert Answer
    If you're looking to keep it casual and you don't want to stand out, I'd recommend wearing neutral colors and keeping your outfit mostly monochromatic. If you don't overdo it with the colors, your outfit won't draw a ton of attention.
  • Question
    How can I make my school uniform more interesting?
    Sheila A. Anderson
    Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon
    Sheila A. Anderson is a Certified Image Consultant, International Branding Icon, and the Founder of Image Power Play, an impression management and personal branding company. With over three decades of experience, she specializes in empowering corporate professionals to raise their personal image to meet the value of their brand. Sheila is a Certified Image Consultant with The Image Resource Network and a Certified Universal Style Consultant with The Universal Style International. Sheila is a member of the C-Suite Network Advisors and the author of the book, I.C.U., The Comprehensive Guide to Breathing Life Back Into Your Personal Brand.
    Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon
    Expert Answer
    If your school has a dress code, you probably don't have that much freedom in the clothing department. However, you're probably allowed to wear some accessories! Scarves, belts, hats, and statement jewelry are all fun ways to play up a boring school uniform.
  • Question
    What's a good way to reinvent my look for a new school year?
    Sheila A. Anderson
    Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon
    Sheila A. Anderson is a Certified Image Consultant, International Branding Icon, and the Founder of Image Power Play, an impression management and personal branding company. With over three decades of experience, she specializes in empowering corporate professionals to raise their personal image to meet the value of their brand. Sheila is a Certified Image Consultant with The Image Resource Network and a Certified Universal Style Consultant with The Universal Style International. Sheila is a member of the C-Suite Network Advisors and the author of the book, I.C.U., The Comprehensive Guide to Breathing Life Back Into Your Personal Brand.
    Certified Image Consultant & International Branding Icon
    Expert Answer
    Change your hairstyle! Getting a brand new hairstyle is one of the quickest and easiest ways to totally change your look without buying new clothing or going overboard with a brand new wardrobe.
  • Question
    What if I'm wearing something that I find nice and school-appropriate but my boyfriend doesn't?
    Community Answer
    Ask him why he finds it inappropriate, but don't let him control what you wear.
  • Question
    Can I wear 1950s or 1940s clothes to school?
    Community Answer
    You can wear whatever style that you like and feel confident and comfortable in. Just make sure it stays within the dress code.
  • Question
    Can I wear nice tops that I like to wear when everyone prefers to wear t-shirts?
    Community Answer
    Yes, as long as you are comfortable with wearing them and they fit the dress code, that's perfectly fine. You don't need to dress exactly like everybody else.
  • Question
    How do I create a 5th grade outfit with dark clothing?
    Community Answer
    Try a plain black t-shirt with a dark colored cardigan and dark blue jeans. Adding a pair of earrings, or wearing a cream colored or neutral colored scarf will make the outfit pop. For the shoes, you could dark Converse, or boots, depending on the weather and your taste.
  • Question
    Can I wear an off the shoulder shirt if I am a middle schooler?
    Community Answer
    As long as you feel comfortable in it and it fits with your dress code, wear anything you want.
  • Question
    Can girls wear graphic/band tees? I do in middle school, but I'm not sure about high school.
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can, unless there is a drug reference or something graphically violent on the shirt that may break dress code.
  • Question
    What if I wear a sweatshirt that complies with the dress code, but my sister says it doesn't? Also, why is there a dress code, and why do the teachers pay more attention to the girls than boys?
    Community Answer
    If you know for a fact that the sweatshirt is compliant with the dress code, don't worry about what your sister says. There is a dress code because schools don't want students to be distracted by what everyone is wearing when they're supposed to be learning. The reason girls are more likely to get in trouble for dress code is, first of all, because they're more likely to break the rules in this regard. Secondly, (and this is totally sexist) teachers believe boys are more likely to be distracted by what the girls are wearing.
  • Question
    Can I wear the same clothes to school every day?
    Community Answer
    This is not a good idea because it will difficult to keep your clothes clean, and you also may be bullied by other kids.
  • Question
    How do I look nice for school without overdoing it?
    Community Answer
    Just find a cute shirt and pair it with jeans or leggings. If you'd like you can also add some jewelry.
  • Question
    What can I wear as a 6th grader (preferably nothing dark)?
    Community Answer
    Try to find color patterns you like and that go well together, such as pink and white, green and blue, etc. Also, pay attention to what other people are wearing, because you don’t want to stick out too much. For example, if everyone is wearing jeans, and you wear a long skirt everyday, you might be targeted for bullying. Lastly, wear stuff that’s comfortable.
  • Question
    How do I know what I'll be allowed to wear to school when it comes to dress length?
    Community Answer
    Just make sure it goes down to the knees. You can look up the dress code online (or ask for a copy in the administrative office) if you still feel nervous or uncomfortable.
  • Question
    Can I change my style of clothing for school without people wondering why?
    Community Answer
    Probably, but if you don't want people to notice, try to change your style gradually rather than all at once. If someone does notice, just say, "I'm trying out a new style."
  • Question
    Can I wear clothes that show my stomach or any other body parts?
    Community Answer
    You will have to consult your school's dress code. A lot of them forbid crop tops and very short shorts.
  • Question
    What cute dress colors would be good to wear to school?
    Community Answer
    Any day: a navy blue dress with a yellow cardigan and sandals/flats. Spring: a yellow floral dress with heeled sandals is the perfect outfit to look cute. Summer: a pineapple dress with sandals is the perfect outfit for summer vibes. Winter: a black dress with a light grey cardigan with black tights and black ankle boots is a cute winter casual outfit. Autumn: a burgundy dress with a plaid scarf and brown boots is the perfect Pinterest fall outfit.
  • Question
    Should I wear those things if people in my middle school dress differently? Everyone at my middle school wears ripped jeans and oversized crop tops! I feel like I will be stared at. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Wear what you want! If it were me, I'd probably follow the trend, just because that's my personality. But you should totally feel free to dress differently if you want to. Being original is a good thing!
  • Question
    How do I know what to wear when dressing for school in the Spring?
    Community Answer
    For sunny days, you can do your hair up and wear a nice floral skirt with a classic blouse or other button up. For cooler days you could wear your hair down with colored jeans and a nice cardigan. Don’t forget to accessorize!
  • Question
    Can I wear an evening gown to high school?
    Community Answer
    I would not recommend that, as you would be seriously overdressed and people might tease you.
  • Question
    How can I make a blouse look good when dressing for school?
    Community Answer
    If it's a shorter blouse, wear it with jeans. If it's longer, like a tunic, try some black leggings. You could also add a statement necklace.
  • Question
    How do I pair my clothing when I don't have that much when dressing for school?
    Community Answer
    Check sites like Pinterest for outfit ideas, you can often find good pictures to replicate, with items you already own. Also try pre-making outfits that you know look good, and cycle through them.
  • Question
    What is an outfit that I can wear to school that is comfortable but sexy?
    Community Answer
    You could always go for an off-the-shoulder shirt (if you want to show the bra strap, that's fine too) and pair it with dark skinny jeans and boots (or other shoes).
  • Question
    In my school, we have dress-down Fridays. Everyone always wears cute clothes and I feel weird because my clothes aren't that cute. I'm in 7th grade, what should I wear to look cute but stay appropriate?
    Community Answer
    It all depends on the weather. If it’s nice outside, wear a short sleeved t-shirt paired with some jean shorts or athletic shorts. If it’s cold, choose a sweatshirt/sweater with jeans or leggings. Accessorize however you want to. Just don’t break dress code!
  • Question
    How do I dress for school if my mother won't allow me to dress myself?
    Community Answer
    Put the clothes you want to wear in your backpack and change at school. Before you leave school change back into the clothes your mother wanted you to wear.
  • Question
    As a girl, I strive to be super lady like. But, I also love comfy shoes like vans or Adidas. Is there a way I can strive the girly-girl look with sneakers?
    Mary Beth Toca
    Community Answer
    Try a cute mini skirt, leggings, and vans. Wear a shirt tucked in. Wear a casual jacket.
  • Question
    What could I wear with a crop top that is appropriate for school and how can I wear close that respect my body type?
    Mary Beth Toca
    Community Answer
    It is usually a good idea to dress more modestly for school. Make sure that your school allows crop tops and if you are not sure, don't wear it. In general, avoid wearing any item with too low a cleavage, waistline, or hem to school.
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