How To...Accessorize A School Uniform

A main concern in the fashion world of prep school students in the city is how to properly accessorize their uniforms. Now more than ever, more and more city schools are joining an old age trend of enforcing school uniforms. Like it or not, you still have to wear it, but how you pair pieces with a uniform can make or break the 5 day a week standard outfit. One Winter trend that is popping up everywhere now is so simple and versatile with any outfit...a blazer. This staple can be worn at schools with a less strict dress code that involves only a skirt and a polo shirt or button down blouse. Because school skirts aren't very well fitted (unless you have an excellent couture tailor), I would suggest more of a cropped tighter-fitted blazer, because it gives you a better figure than a boyfriend blazer. One suggestion is this fitted gray Proenza Schouler blazer, which is a great investment, because of its color; grey matches with almost every color palette, and because of its fabric; a wool jersey is great for versatility and long lasting use. Another great jacket is this navy blue Steven Alan blazer.  This blazer is a great piece to wear over a blouse or polo shirt because it's cropped. Another way to stand out in school is to wear stand out shoes. A suggestion is to look for peep toe boots or booties, because they stand apart from a normal boot. I have fallen in love with Givenchy's peep toe ankle boots, because of their chic zippers, Camilla Skovgaard's suede cutout boots, because of their rough look and amazing traction, Oscar de la Renta's satin and suede boots, because of its romantic ribbon detailing, Marc by Marc Jacobs' peep toe ankle bootie, because it comes in gray and black, and for it's patent leather piping, and Marc by Marc Jacobs' bow back mule, because of it's beautiful back bow detail. And if you like the menswear for women look, I would venture out for an oxford bootie, such as an Yves Saint Laurent, a Manolo Blahnik, or a Giuseppe Zanotti. But of course, a your wardrobe would be empty without bold tall boots by Chloe, Brian Atwood, Jimmy Choo, Miu Miu, and Lanvin. Last but not least, a bag is needed to pull together an outfit. If you are one to carry a handbag to school then why not pull of the English banker look with a Proenza Schouler "IT" bag. But if a tote is more of your style to carry your books around in, then why not tote around this sturdy Jil Sander bag, this classic blue Valextra bag, this breathtaking Nancy Gonzalez crocodile tote, or this imported Yves Saint Laurent leather tote. One obvious tip for uniform dressing is to stick to the dress code. It's always better to play it safe with a longer cut skirt than having to wear an oversized one, because you were baring too much skin for school. Also, because you have to wear the same outfit everyday, why not splurge on that Paige Gamble headband, or that layered Lanvin necklace. Take notes from Gossip Girl, but think more realistically (like sans brightly colored tights).  Just remember, all it takes is one item to transform your boring uniform into a fashion phenomenon.

XO XO,

-Steven