I never had a school uniform growing up, but sometimes I wish I did. I can’t tell you how many mornings I spent agonizing over my clothes, trying to find something cute to wear. Of course, some things never change; I still spend way too long trying to pick out an outfit. This is where a uniform comes in! And no, I don’t mean pleated skirts and peter pan collars, but a go-to outfit that you can throw on whenever you want, for whatever occasion, in whatever season.
Having a “fashion uniform” can be a great thing – not only will you always have an outfit ready to go, but it’ll become your signature. Your own personal brand, if you will. People will come to recognize your style and start saying things like “wow, that shirt is just so you,” and “I bet [your name] would love this skirt.”
To find your own style uniform, start by looking in your closet at clothes you already have. What articles of clothing do you have a lot (if maybe a few too many) of? Maybe you have a dozen pairs of ripped jeans, crewneck sweaters, or plaid shirts. Whatever it is that you feel your best in, whether your best is confident, comfortable, or sexy as hell.
A great go-to look is a button-up shirt with a pair of cropped pants. This look can be dressed up or down and is good for pretty much any occasion. A white shirt with ripped jeans and sneakers can be fun and casual, while a silk shirt with crisp black pants and a pair of pumps can easily be worn to a nice dinner out. This is many fashionista’s favorite look — go to any street style blog and you’ll see this ensemble pop up everywhere.
A sweater/skirt combo also makes for a killer outfit. There are so many different types to choose from, whether it’s a paper-thin cashmere pullover or a chunky knit that barely shows off the hem of your skirt. Endless opportunities.
Though “uniform” might imply it has to be an entire outfit, this rule doesn’t apply here. Your uniform can just be a signature piece that you can throw on with anything, like a tailored blazer or a pair of awesome sneakers.
And remember: uniform doesn’t mean boring. Think of your uniform as the blueprints of an outfit — a structure you can hold on to but can change whenever and however you’d like. Once you’re comfortable with your style, it’s easy to venture out of your comfort zone and try new things. But until then, you can’t go wrong with a great outfit staple!