“I can’t wait until I can wear whatever I want all the time,” I complained shifting uncomfortably in my penny loafers time and time again throughout my 15 years of Catholic school. I itched to trade my tights and blouse for jeans and my favorite sweater, and hated how I couldn’t express myself. I thought that I’d love picking daily outfits and showing off my style in college. Although this is often true, there are many mornings where I long for the ease of my high school uniform.
Since graduation, I’ve experimented with fashion and have learned so much about myself and my style in the process. Through trial and error, I’ve discovered many staple pieces for my wardrobe and discovered many of my favorite outfits. However, this has not been a process free from frustration, and it’s far from complete. In fact, discovering one’s style is an endless process. Just as we change along with the world around us, such is true for the ways which we express ourselves in how we dress.
It often becomes exhausting. Keeping up with trends, wondering whether or not something looks flattering, and facing the reoccurring debate of comfy or cute that is an ongoing monologue in my head. I spend so much time considering my outfits each day. Is it a jeans or leggings kind of day? Should I dress up since I’ve worn sweats all week? Do I look like I’m trying too hard?
These questions never entered my head throughout my many years of Catholic school uniforms. Although they were not particularly my taste, I’ve gained a newfound appreciation for the ease which they provided my elementary and high school days. Not once did I have to worry about what other people would think of my outfit when we were all wearing the same thing. Never did I stress about repeating an outfit when I had no other option.
With so many other worries present in high schoolers minds, I’m thankful that I avoided these. Don’t get me wrong, there are a wide variety of perks to dressing however I choose. Early morning classes are much less painful in leggings and a hoodie rather than a skirt and blouse. Dressing nice can add a whole new level of confidence to my day. Having the choice in my hands certainly has its pros and cons, but there are also many days when I regret my old lack of appreciation for the simplicity of my uniform. While I tear through my closet and leave my room with mountains of outfit options piled on my bed, I mentally take back any complaints from my uniform days.