How Can I Accessorize a School Uniform & Make it Look Cute?

Accessorizing your school uniform is key to standing out and defining your own fashion look or trend within the parameters set forth by your school. Personalizing your uniform by wearing accessories that complement the color of your uniform or highlight your own features and attributes including your hair, eyes and nails offers a budget-friendly option for pulling a look together.

Things You'll Need

• Nail polish
• Jewelry
• Hair accessories
• Clothing accessories

Instructions

1. Read the uniform section in your student handbook to understand your school's uniform policy and the types of accessories you school allows. Ask your headmaster or teachers if your are have questions about the policy. This will prevent you from purchasing accessories that you won't be allowed to wear and from being scolded for not following school rules.

2. Decide the type of style you are trying to create such as preppy, trendy, bohemian, glam or rocker. Polish your finger nails in a color that accentuates your desired style. Wear black or dark red nail polish for a rocker look, pink nail polish for a glam look, cream nail polish for a bohemian style and a French manicure for preppy fashion.

3. Get your hair cut to represent your style. Consider a shorter, choppy style to create a sporty and edgy look. Add streaks of color to your hair for a rocker style, if permitted. Consider wearing long hair to obtain a glam or bohemian look. Add headbands, ponytails, clips, head-wraps, scarfs and hats to accessorize both your hair and uniform.

4. Look through your jewelry collection and closet for items such as bracelets, earrings, necklaces and rings that fit your desired style. Visit stores and second-hand shops to find distinctive pieces to add to your collection. Find brightly colored jewelry if you want it to stand out against your uniform. Switch your jewelry up daily to create a new style.

5. Browse through your closet. Find scarfs, belts, purses, headbands and hair clips. Consider pairing these items by color to your uniform and matching them with the style of your jewelry. Visit a craft store to purchase decals, charms, gemstones or clothing paint to create changes to the accessories in your closet. Affix decorations to your old items for a new look. Examples include adding beading to purses and belts for a bohemian look or adding metal studs and rhinestones to accessories such as headbands and backpacks for a rocker look.

6. Place pins or broaches along the collar of your uniform shirt to add style and color. Wear a sweater, vest or leather jacket over your shirt, if allowed. Add a patterned tie around the collar or wear a colorful handkerchief in the pocket for a funky look. Add suspenders over your shirt, if possible.

7. Dress up your uniform by pairing a uniform skirt with various colored or patterned tights or leggings that reflect your style such as polka dotted, skull and cross bones or striped tights. Add knee-length socks or leggings to accentuate colors or patterns.

8. Pair your newly accessorized uniform with matching shoes for a preppy look, knee or ankle length boots for a rocker look, heels for a glam look and clogs for a bohemian look to complete your style.

References

• My Jelly Bean: Accessorizing a School Uniform