When I think back on high school, I don't miss football games. I don't miss the classes, the clubs, or even the friends I lost touch with. There is only one aspect of high school that I miss terribly and wish I could have brought to Georgia Tech. My school uniform.
I'm a huge proponent for school uniforms. I've heard all the arguments against them, but I don't care. I will go to my grave supporting my khaki skirt and navy polo (or button up on Chapel days). There are a few reasons the school uniform is God's gift to high school, and don't worry, I am going to share them with you.
1. You don't have to pick your outfit in the morning.
Every morning in high school, I had to leave my house at 7:45 am. That's kind of early. But thanks to my school uniform, I could roll out of bed at 7:40 and leave already dressed to the nines. I never had to stress about what to wear. I didn't have to get up thirty minutes early so I could figure out my outfit. I didn't have to lay out clothes the night before. My decision was simply "khaki or plaid skirt today?" In the words of Kendrick Lamar, "I ain't stressin'."
2. There will be fewer photos of your middle school style choices.
I think everyone in middle school owned a few too many Aeropostale graphic tees and jeans. Silly bands. Heelys. Things with glitter. Accessories made of duct tape or candy wrappers. Crocs (No? Just me? Okay.). Thanks to my timeless and trend-immune school uniform, there are very few photos of me wearing some middle school fad that I swore was always going to be cool. Instead of embarrassing photos of me in glitter shoes, what do I have? Pictures of me looking bomb in plaid and a button up.
3. The uniform levels the playing field.
There's way less competition on who wears the nicest clothes, which is definitely important. At a private school, there's always going to be someone with more money or whose parents let them buy nicer clothes. Instead of having to compete with who has better clothes, everyone has the same clothes. You just have to wear them better. Got to love the ruthless spirit of adolescent private school girls.
4. You're always dressed to the nines.
In my pre-driving days, my mom would sometimes make me run errands with her after school. Instead of wandering around town in too tight jeans and a tee, I'd be looking classy af in my uniform, complete with Sperrys that color matched the bow in my hair.
5. Your former uniform makes a great costume.
In college, everyone wants to dress as a school girl for Halloween. Some may call it "Britney Spears" to be more appropriate, but we all know what they really are. As a former uniform wearer, you don't have to frantically ask around for a too short plaid skirt, because you already have one (or five). Scholars and ballers mixer? You're ready.
Nothing beats the classic simplicity of a school uniform. I was fortunate to wear one for twelve years. Sadly, Georgia Tech has not jumped on board the collegiate uniform train, so for now, you can catch me at the mall buying leggings and oversize sweaters.
