How to Customize a School Uniform

Co-authored by Elle Monus

Last Updated: January 4, 2023

Tired of wearing the same thing as everybody else, day in and day out? With a few of these tips you can modify your uniform to showcase your personality while staying within the confines of school policy.

Part 1

Part 1 of 5:

Determining the boundaries

1
Figure out what is allowed and what is not as far as uniform modification in your school dress code. Many schools with uniforms do not allow direct modification of the uniforms, but will allow accessories and small additions. If you are unsure of what exactly you can and cannot do, check with the office beforehand.
2
Decide what kind of statement you'd like to make. Personality is the biggest factor in how you'd like to change your uniform. Pick your style and stick with it.

Part 2

Part 2 of 5:

Making small changes

1
Add small touches to your uniform. Tasteful pins are a good non-permanent addition to your jacket or sweater. Adding new buttons to your jackets and shirts is a small but individual touch. Adding colorful ribbon to the edges of your clothing (or the top of your socks) is also a small but effective way to alter your uniform. Iron-on patches are great, but only if they are allowed. If you are not sure about permanently affixing something to your uniform, use safety pins and pin the patches on.
2
Get creative with accessories. This is probably the easiest way to change up a boring look. Adding things like hair clips, clip in extensions, jewelry, makeup, nail polish, and socks can change the whole look of an outfit.
3
Add funky jewelry. Make some out of bright duct tape, find beads, search through your house or art class for anything that's cool.
4
Choose other clothing pieces that work well with your uniform. This is where you can go crazy, if your school allows additions. A bright pink trench coat? Why not! Bright blue leggings? Go for it! If you don't have shoes that you are assigned, choose shoes that really show off who you are. Preppy folks can wear moccasins or Mary Jane shoes, punky/emo students look great in converse high tops or plaid slip-ons. Backpacks are another great way to show off your personal style.
5
Wear knee-high socks or no socks at all.
6
Carry a super cool bag or backpack. Sew labels, logos or patches onto the bag to improve a standard school bag.

Part 3

Part 3 of 5:

Reinterpreting the uniform

1
Look for a loophole in the uniform policy and make the most of it. Let them tell you what's wrong and then fix it if you have to. If it looks good, teachers won't write you up they will actually commend you on your style. If they give you detention carefully show them your loophole and get off with a warning.
2
Reflect yourself through outside sources. Although you cannot change the school uniform policy, you can change how you interpret it. There are a variety of blazers, slacks, skirts and button down shirts out there. Find one that you feel comfortable in, but still complies with school policy.
3
If you only have to stick to certain colors, you really are in luck! If the colors are blue, white and black, but you have been wearing a white shirt, blue skirt and black shoes every day of your school life, go wild! If you have no money and your parents are tightening their purse strings, customize your clothes. On a white shirt sew on black and blue felt patches and make a black, white and blue felt tie by braiding yarn and tying it like a tie!
4
If you're a guy, there are other things to do! Cool socks , shoes, undershirts, and belts can look great on guys. Part your hair differently, or gel it too.
5
Doodle tags or pictures, song names or notes onto the uniform with fabric pen. Just check it washes out first!

Part 4

Part 4 of 5:

Hair

1
Wear something really funky in your hair, whether it be a cool rubber band you found or some really awesome colored yarn. Something you made looks the coolest.
- If you have medium hair, tie it up with a colorful band with a headband or let it flow, be confident.
- Long hair should be tied up high up or let down with a headband for a preppy look.
- The tomboy short hair should be with a headband or clip. Also nice if plain.
2
Wear headbands.

Part 5

Part 5 of 5:

Rocking your attitude

1
Rock that uniform with a great attitude!
2
Have great posture. Always stand straight for better clothing posture.
3
Keep your clothes in good condition. Iron your clothes
4
Get enough sleep. This will keep your skin looking its best and your spirits high.
5
Stay in school. You're not there to be a fashion statement, remember to study hard.

Community Q&A

Question

My school uniform is navy. What do you recommend? I have a floaty pink scarf, bracelets and a brown leather belt to finish off the look. I also put on tinted lip balm and concealer. What else?

Community Answer

Do different hairstyles every day. To switch it up a bit, put on some highlighter.
Question

My school only allows clear tote bags. What should I do?

Community Answer

You can add decals to the bag. Just make sure to keep them school appropriate.
Question

My school has a uniform and doesn't allow anything else; even shoelaces have to be black. I can only wear my hair in a ponytail and can't wear makeup. What can I do?

Tara Burke

Top Answerer

Focus on things you can control; develop a great skin care routine, wear cute but simple jewelry, and try learning how to do undetectable makeup.

Warnings

Some teachers can be picky and tell you to take it off, so try to stay away from them or don't wear it when you have them for a class.

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Try not to go overboard, because you can look like you've been trying to be a showoff.

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Try to avoid hanging tempting things off of key chains on your bag, or you might find that someone steals them!

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Prepare to face the dangers of Headmasters and Teachers nagging you about uniform.

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Don't copy anyone unless you've got permission! If you copy someone they might not like it and might start to hold a grudge against you. Do not copy if the person is popular and you don't have their permission - most people will listen to whatever the popular person says and agree with them. This probably means you will rapidly lose friends.

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