Implementing Your Own Style Into the School Uniform

Alana Barahona

Some students feel like school has become extremely strict when it comes to wearing uniforms properly. It seems like more students have been given dress code violations, and various emails about this issue have been sent to the student body and parents. Every student is allowed five uniform violations before they get a detention, but it's a common sentiment among students that this puts them in a bubble and robs them of self-expression. 

With that in mind, I'd like to share with you some ideas for how you can implement into your uniform so that the feeling of lack of self expression fades away.

Hairstyles: A hairstyle can be the perfect way to implement your own style into the school uniform. Having a different hairstyle every day or sticking to the same one that makes you feel comfortable is a perfect way to feel like yourself while still following school uniform guidelines. Adding extra accessories like nice ponytail holders, bows, or headbands can really tie your look together while adding a pop that will make you stand out. 

Shoes: Even though AST has some guidelines about shoes--especially their colors--you can still find shoes that fit your style in school-approved colors. Whether that is mainly white, black, grey, or navy blue, any pair of shoes you feel comfortable in is acceptable. These can even have a very small pop of color that can help you branch out from just the normal school colors. Having shoes you feel comfortable in is another great way to implement your own style into the uniform. 

Jewelry: AST does not have very strict rules about what jewelry you can or can't wear. For example, I love to stack some bracelets and necklaces that represent who I am as a person. Some of my jewelry represents my religion, others are friendship bracelets friends have made for me, and also I have some bracelets I have made for myself that represent my passions. Not only that, but wearing different earrings every day is a great way in which I feel like I can express myself. 

Phone Cases: Even though it is not something we physically wear on our bodies, for many of us, a cellphone is like an extension of our arm. We have it on our hands so much it is basically a part of us (for better or for worse). Finding a phone case you like and that suits your personality is a fun way to discreetly implement your style into your school wardrobe. Another thing I like to do to my phone to make it more “me” is adding charms to the side of the case or customizing my wallpaper making it pop out more. 

Mixing and Matching: This one actually includes the uniform itself. You can mix and match different items that are part of the uniform. Like for example, you can mix the school polo with PE shorts for hot days, or you could use your jumper with the polo but change it up by wearing the normal one most days and the long sleeve polo when it's colder. You can also use the different sweaters the school offers, whether that is the jacket, hoodie, or zip-up sweater. Mix and match these items, however it is allowed, so you can feel more comfortable when coming to school. 

And Finally... Attention, HS Eagles! I feel that better times are coming. Thanks to the student congress and some students from the Theory of Knowledge class, when we get back from winter break, we will be able to use our La Furia or Once an Eagle shirts every Friday! This will give us a little more liberty when it comes to our uniform, and I'm personally excited about it! Try to have some fun with this good news and the tips I listed above.