Remember the back-to-school shopping scramble?  Maybe you’re in the midst of it right now.  My family used to go to Kmart and buy every folder, package of looseleaf paper, and pencil case in sight.  Then my grandmother would take us to get new shoes.  Do you remember when you only owned two pairs of shoes?  When you only needed two pairs of shoes?  And picking your outfit for the first day of school was nearly as huge a drama as what to take for lunch?

I didn’t have a school uniform, but most people I know did.  They ranged from a simple black skirt and white shirt to some seriously hideous plaid pleated things.  It would have been nice not to have to worry about looking trendy, but I would have looked awful in most uniforms anyway, so I’m not sure if it would have been worth it to have one.

But for those of you who do have to wear the same thing every day – or whose kids do – here’s a list of ways to jazz up even the dreariest school uniform without being called to the principal’s office for infractions every other day.

• Socks and tights are pretty obvious, because they’re cheap and come in so many crazy colors and styles.  Did you know that legwarmers are back in style though?  Especially for younger girls, these are a fun way to add some warmth and color, without the fuss of tights – and they’ll fit with any kind of shoes, since she’ll need something for her feet anyway.  They can be used as arm warmers as well!
• Hair accessories are another obvious choice: colorful banana clips, flower ponytail holders, bright printed or sweater-knit headbands, scarves for the neck or hair.  For a more subtle addition to a school wardrobe, try a thin headband with a plaid flower.
• A high school girl I know suggested replacing plain buttons with colorful or fun shaped ones.  If you don’t know how to sew on a button (and like braiding hair, everyone should know how!), check  out this video tutorial.
• If the rules are really tight, and you can’t even rock some purple tights, get a funky lunchbox or backpack, and throw in a cute stainless steel water bottle.

Seventeen magazine’s back-to-school fashion report included tie-dyed bow headbands, chunky gold beaded bracelets, bright bangles, soft printed and plaid scarves (a lot like our houndstooth tichels!), colorful suede and camouflage-print flats, and knee-high leather boots.  Hopefully, everyone will find a way to work some personality and color into their everyday appearance, while remaining within the limits of their school dress code.  Let me know what works for you!