Dear Cleo,

I go to school with a dress code, and although it isn’t very strict, I still find myself feeling like everything looks the same, and I’m tired of blending in with the crowd. Do you have any advice on how to revamp my school style so that it stays within the school guidelines, but is unique and creatively expressive in its own way?

Sincerely, 

Fashionably Late

Dear Fashionably Late, 

Dress codes can be hard, especially when you love fashion as a form of creative and personal expression. It’s completely valid that you feel discouraged by the guidelines of your school. But there are plenty of ways to spice up your wardrobe and maximize your closet so that, even in dress code, you still feel like YOU. As a high school student interested in fashion, I have discovered plenty of small touches to add to an outfit that will set you apart from everyone else wandering the halls.

I want to emphasize that there are countless different “aesthetics” that drive fashion, but it is not necessary to follow a single style strictly. A closet with variety gives you the opportunity to dress to your own vibe each day, whether that be baggy, chic, maximalist, or anything else you can imagine. The point of fashion is to explore and step outside the box of conventionalism. So you shouldn’t feel like you have to follow a singular aesthetic – don’t be scared to push the boundaries.

In terms of dress code, pushing the boundaries is likely to earn you a one-stop ticket to detention, so finding subtle, interesting additions is key. My favorite way to elevate a look is through accessories. Accessories are the easiest way to tailor an outfit to your liking, as they seldom violate any rules for dress. I would highly recommend investing in some jewelry, such as earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings. Even if you consider yourself to be someone who is more minimalistic, finding pieces such as plain silver or gold rings and earrings can greatly alter the whole vibe of an outfit, and these simple pieces are fairly easy to find. For maximalists, thrifting pieces at vintage stores, flea markets, and thrift stores is the way to go. Although vintage jewelry can sometimes be quite expensive, there are plenty of affordable options, especially at flea markets with one-of-a-kind pieces. The styling of jewelry depends on the overall outfit, but don’t be afraid to play around – try stacking your necklaces and rings or mixing metals. The world is your oyster!

When attempting to plan an outfit each day, there are a few things that I like to consider that make the creation a little bit easier. Sometimes, getting dressed feels daunting, especially when you’re within the confines of a dress code. My first suggestion is to choose a single piece of clothing that you know you want to wear, and once you have that, finding the rest may feel more doable. Second, consider how you want to feel. Maybe it’s cold and you want a baggier pair of jeans (just not blue jeans) and a big scarf, or maybe it’s sunny and you’re feeling a skirt (as long as it’s the school-approved one with the SHC emblem). Lastly, don’t be afraid to mix and match, especially when it comes to silhouettes. Try pairing a skirt with a boxier polo and some cool sneakers, or baggy jeans with a scarf and ballet flats. And remember, clothing is gender neutral no matter what the advertising says, so if you feel like it, buy polo shirts from the “boys’” section. 

Overall, fashion is all about mixing it up. Even with a dress code, there are so many different ways to make your clothes more personalized – you just have to take the leap and try some new things. It takes some effort to find what you like, but when you do, you get to discover a portion of yourself along the way.