Students often find ways to express their unique style, even through something that might seem limiting, such as a uniform. While uniforms can be restrictive, students find ways to make strict attire into their form of expression. Their personality can be shown through jewelry, unique shoes, or different hairstyles. This allows them to uphold an image of the school while staying true to themselves. At Woodlands Academy, students might wear different colored sweaters or interchange between a blue and white polo. Whatever it may be, students express their individuality in many different ways.
Why is Expression Important?
Expression allows one to explore different areas and find out who you are. Creativity can be found through different methods, one of them being through daily appearance. Many students at Woodlands find ways to express themselves. Walking through the school halls, you may encounter students wearing Adidas Sambas (a new fashion trend), Converse (an iconic shoe that usually doesn’t go out of style), Golden Gooses (super-star sneakers), and much more. The expression of individuality can also be found in how students put on their hair or makeup.
Another example of this would be how much or how little jewelry they wear. In terms of jewelry, a student may prefer either gold or silver. They might even prefer wearing a bag over a backpack. The way a student dresses around their uniform can present a unique form of originality while still respecting the WA Handbook.
How Can You Stand Out?
Victoria Hirs, a Senior at Woodlands Academy, has gained immense recognition for how she styles her uniform. Even though a uniform can be perceived as dull, she has managed to make it her own. She has included cardigans, elegant shoes, gold jewelry, and glamorous hair in her school outfits, all of which stay within the dress code. In the image below, her choice of accessories was strategic, as she appeared classy. She is a good example of how certain restrictions cannot detract students from expressing their own one-of-a-kind style.
Ultimately, Woodlands Academy students continue to showcase their individuality despite uniform restrictions. Through accessories, hairstyles, and personal touches, they find subtle yet impactful ways to make their style unique. As trends evolve, one thing remains clear—self-expression will always find a way, even within a dress code.