So It’s Back to School…

Whether you’re really excited about the start of the new school year or if you’re already having nightmares, one thing is clear: when school does start, you’re going to need some new clothes.

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of looking stylish during class, I have a small disclaimer: the outfits I’m about to suggest are not meant to replace any school uniform. If your school imposes you to wear one, you shouldn’t try to surprise everyone by wearing something completely different.

Every school who has it’s own uniform DOES allow a certain degree of individuality – it’s just a matter of you making the best of it (in fact, if you’ll tell me your school uniform and what you can and can’t wear, I’d be happy to give you some tips. Just write me a comment at the end of this article).

But, if your school DOESN”T have a uniform, it’s time to take out a pen and paper because… you’re going to get some phone numbers! (Well, I’m just giving you clothing advice – talking to girls is up to you.)

Let’s get started with….

The best clothes to wear at school

Class is somewhat of a formal event but this doesn’t mean you should be wearing a suit. You’re young so you should be allowed to express your individuality. This is why a mixture of formal and casual (or semi-formal as I like to call it) is best.

Here are some of the things you can put on your shopping list for the start of the new year:

• 2 or 3 dress shirts
• 1-2 slim ties
• 1 pair of non-pleated khakis and 2-3 pairs of jeans
• 2 pairs of leather shoes
• 1-2 cardigans
• 1-2 vests
• 1-2 scarves
• a stylish backpack or men’s bag

The proportions may vary depending on what you like to wear most. You don’t have to buy everything that’s on that A-list, just enough to rotate your clothes every 2-3 days.

Here’s another list with things that you can wear in school but which have a slightly smaller impact as far as your personal image is concerned. The reason I’ve included them is because you might like them more and because they might fit your style better. Let’s call this the B-list.

• a plaid shirt
• a pair of sneakers
• a polo shirt (you can wear a slim tie with it)
• a simple t-shirt (like the rest of your friends) but make sure you wear a vest on it to stand out

The B-list has somewhat more casual clothing, but you can mix-and match the two lists. It all depends on how you see yourself.

Which shirt to get?

The shirts that work for school are the same that I recommend to everyone else who wants to be stylish. Long-sleeved dress shirts with thin stripes or small checks are best, while larger patters are second.

You may also go for short-sleeved shirts but these are considered to be more casual than their long-sleeved “cousins” (and you miss out on the opportunity to roll up your sleeves).

After you buy the shirt, pay a visit to your tailor to have them adjusted so they sit on you perfectly. After that, just add an accessory (a slim tie, a vest or a scarf) and you’re ready for your first day!

What colors work best for school?

While you may take the opportunity to look stylish during class, keep in mind that school is a place where you learn. You should keep a balance between looking sharp and serious at the same time. You wouldn’t want girls to be passing too many notes to you during biology class, would you?

Wear mostly black, blue, white, medium or dark brown and medium or dark green. Don’t wear flashy colors. At most, wear just a tint of color (for instance a red slim tie). Keep yellow, pink and light green for when you’re going out.