Tag Archives: school dress code

School 2

What to Wear on the First Day of School

School 2

The first day of school can be an anxious time for many students, especially if you’re a freshman or new to the school. After a three month break, things can change a lot. Will you have friends in your new classes? Will you know where to go without getting lost? And, of course, what will you wear that will make you look casually hip without looking like you spent all summer obsessing over this one outfit?

Many students like to go shopping for new clothes over the summer. Back-to-school sales are usually too good to pass up with it comes to finding great deals on basics like jeans, tops and shoes. Clothes don’t have to be expensive. Watch your local ads (or talk to friends who like to shop) and shop around for the best buys.

Having a new ensemble for the first day of school can go a long way toward making you feel confident and comfortable. When choosing what you will wear, even if you aren’t going to wear something new, here are a few things to consider.

1.    Clothing should conform to your school dress code. If your school requires uniforms, be sure that you have the appropriate pieces to wear.  If you are uncertain about your school’s requirements, consult the school handbook. When uniforms are not necessary, good taste is the best rule to follow. For girls, avoid any clothing items that show too much skin or are otherwise distracting. Remember that you are not going clubbing or on a date. Boys should not wear hats, clothing that is too baggy, shirts with inappropriate language or images, or any clothing that could be considered gang-related. You are going to school and the focus should be on learning, not on your body.

2.    Dress to look your best, without overdressing. The first day of school is a good time to kick your style up a notch, even if you don’t plan on dressing that nicely most days. This will probably be the first time you meet certain teachers and other students, so you want to make a good first impression.

3.    Choose clothing that is comfortable to wear. It may look good, but after eight hours those tight jeans will be killing you.

4.    Avoid anything that is too flashy or too trendy. Remember, you have to go back to school again, so you don’t want to wear a killer outfit the first day and sweatpants the next. Go for a consistent style that will reflect your personality without overdoing it.

5.    The evening before, check the outfit you plan to wear to be sure it is clean and presentable. If clothing is wrinkled or dirty, wash and iron as appropriate.

6.    Shoes should also be clean and presentable, even if they are not new. Girls should avoid styles that are too high. You may be walking a lot and climbing up and down stairs, so choose shoes that are both comfortable and cute.

Uniform 1

Spice Up Your School Uniform with Accessories

Uniform 1

For more and more young people, back to school shopping is easy. Their school wardrobes don’t include jeans, t-shirts or sneakers because they have to wear a uniform. The upside to school uniforms is that you don’t have to worry much about what you’re going to wear, or keeping up with the latest fashion trends. Unfortunately, the purpose of the school uniform is to make everyone look alike, so it’s easy to lose your individuality amidst a sea of dark blazers and white blouses. There are ways to help you stand out and express your personality though. Try these tips for accessorizing your school uniform and using other variations to spice up your look.

Follow the rules. Know what is allowed and what is not. Get a copy of your school’s uniform policy, and ask an administrator to clarify anything that you don’t understand. Bending the rules might be OK at times, but breaking them is best left to actors in the movies.

Off the top. Hair is one of those traits that will make you stand out when you’re wearing a uniform, so work it for all it’s worth. Experiment with fun hair ornaments such as headbands, barrettes, clips, ribbons, scarves, sparkles and even hair glitter. Try different textures such as straight, wavy and curly, or wear a ponytail one day and your hair down the next. If allowed, you could also experiment with hair color to help you make a statement and keep people guessing. If your school doesn’t permit coloring, try subtle highlights or lowlights.

Good fit, good fashion. If you must wear a blouse or collared top, pay close attention to the fit. A fitted blouse or top will be much more flattering to your figure than one that is too large. Consider buying your shirts a size smaller to get a nice fit.

Walk this way. If you wear pants or trousers, find the right style for your shape. You can choose skinny, flared or a more baggy fit, depending on the look you like. Find shops that sell these styles in the color you need rather than ordering from a catalog.

Skirt the issue. Skirts are a great way to add variety and sex appeal to your uniform. Most schools have a length requirement for skirts, so don’t try to go for the super-mini. Instead, choose skirts with interesting details such as lace trim, pleats or buckles. Add socks or hosiery with patterns or cute details.

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Wear earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets that are pretty but not too flashy. Mix them up from day to day, or find a signature piece that you wear every day. Watches are another fun way to add interest to your outfits.

Wrap it up. An interesting belt can add another element of variety to your school uniform. Look for studded, braided, metallic, patent and other stylish finishes.

Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize. When you’re wearing a uniform, it will be your accessories that help differentiate you from the next face in the crowd. Items such as backpacks, purses and cell phones can be used to let the world know who you are and what makes you special.