When School and Fashion Collide: What To Do…

​A lot of times in a high school environment, teenagers get in trouble or sent home because of the clothing that they wear while trying to look trendy. We know how tough this can be, but working around these guidelines can help you avoid trouble as well as maintaining a respectable image. We decided to get together and collaborate on the struggles and strict guidelines of high school dress codes. With both of us attending the same high school, we know the rules and regulations of our dress code, and how to stay fashionable while meeting those rules. 

​Trust us, with our school having one of the strictest dress codes around, we know the struggles of following dress code, but changing the rules is nearly impossible. Working with your school is beneficial in many ways, that's why the author of the blog Once a Panther, Always a Panther and I have decided to co-write this blog post on the topic of dress codes. To begin, one tip we have for you to still look fashionable is layering. Everyone hates the "three-inch wide" straps rule. Tank tops or shirts can’t be spaghetti straps and if they are they have to be covered. If you have a favorite summer tank that you absolutely adore but are hesitant to wear it to school, pair it with a complimentary jacket, cardigan, or wrap. 

        Attending a school with a strict rule against shorts can be a tough one, but wiggling around it isn't impossible! When Spring comes around capris and a loose tank top are your second option in solution to a "four-inches above the knee" rule. To all you other lucky ducks that have the old "finger tip" rule can get by with some cute shorts and sandals. Wearing your favorite Daisy Dukes is never a good idea when it comes to school, but keeping them a reasonable length will keep you out of trouble. 

​Do you ever find a super cute pair of jeans, but refrain from purchasing them because they have holes that show your leg skin? Another trick we have for you is to jazz those jeans up! Buy some black tights, or have grandma sew a couple pieces of lace underneath, while looking good but still following school rules. An alternative option to that is to get an old pair of jeans that you don’t wear anymore that are similar to the wash of the new jeans with holes. Then, cut some patches to fit the holes on your new jeans and glue the patches to them with some fabric glue or liquid stitch. If you're on your very last resort, try looking for some wripped jeans on the lower half of the leg while shopping. 

​We know high school can be tough sometimes and dress codes just add to the stress, but with these tips and tricks we hope that you can at least show up to school feeling confident, looking super chic, while still following the rules specified to your school.