SPICE UP YOUR SCHOOL UNIFORM

So you have to wear a school uniform. That doesn't mean you have to look like a clone of your classmates! Myjellybean.com offers tips for cute and simple ways to spice up your uniform and maintain your identity, while still sticking to the rules of your school.

Jewelry

Jewelry is one way that you can show off your style and not be questioned by your teachers. Everyone owns a certain necklace that they love or a pretty pair of earrings that they can’t live without. By wearing different earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings with your uniform every day, you can show off your personal style and look different from your peers.

Belts

You have to wear the same pants as everyone else, but do you have to wear the same belt? If not, you can do a lot to make yourself look unique. Instead of wearing a plain leather belt, choose one with a sparkly or detailed accessory on the front. Or, steal a look from glam celebs like Gwen Stefani, and slip a beautiful colored scarf through your belt loops, tying it in a bow at the front or sides to create your own customized, feminine belt!

Hair Styling

Another way to maintain your identity is by styling your hair the way that you want. A simple ponytail, wavy hair, and even straight hair can show off your attitude and still look nice. Tear pics from your favorite fashion mags and take them to the hairdresser to talk about what style would flatter your features and be easy to maintain. You might even want to consider getting some highlights! Although dying your hair a drastic color may break the dress code, a few simple highlights can show off your style. Don’t be afraid to change your look to stay true to yourself.

Hair Accessories

Accessorize your hair with pretty ribbons, clips - even a gorgeous vintage broach! Barrettes and hair clips are inexpensive. You can find them at accessory shops, hair salons, drugstores, department stores and dollar stores. Headbands are also great for keeping your hair neat and they can help you stand out. Try buying headbands in bright colors, florals, cute patterns, sparkly fabrics, etc. Or if you want to be a stylish vintage chick, scour secondhand stores or flea markets for antique-looking pins and broaches. Slip an elastic through the clasp and tie around your ponytail. Voila, instant style!

Shoes

Many schools require your shoes to be a certain style or a certain color. You want to look fashionable, but not break the rules and you also want to be comfortable, but still look chic. For a comfortable but still fashionable look, try a pair of solid colored flats, which will keep your feet comfy and looking cute. If you prefer to wear sneakers or tennis shoes, try to style your laces the way that you want. Take out those plain white laces and tie up with some different colored strings that you like. You can even alter or decorate canvas shoes for a totally unique footwear look.

Backpacks

Decorate your backpack to show your true individuality. You can buy lots of great stuff at craft stores to sew or hot glue onto your backpack. Sew some beads onto your backpack to make words or little flowers. Buy puff paint or patches to spruce it up. Sew on patches of your favorite bands and singers. Glue on fake butterflies, flowers, whatever strikes your fancy and makes your pack stand out. Glue or sew on small beads, or get markers to write on them - or get your friends to write messages to you. It's a simple idea - and no one will have the same shoes as you, uniform or not.