At Mentor College, fashion might not be a big focus, but it still influences student life in many small ways. The uniform, while serving a practical purpose and enhancing the professional image of the school, can get repetitive at times, especially as students wear it five days a week for ten months. Even against a backdrop of matching uniforms, many students still find subtle ways to stand out, whether through shoes, hairstyles, jewellery, or even how they wear the uniform. Though the school uniform represents discipline and equality, its basic and formal nature can feel uncomfortable. This explains why students often resort to slight modifications or, in other words, uniform customizations. Even with boundaries, students still find creative ways to stay comfortable or express themselves. Rolling sleeves, layering Mentor hoodies, or adding personal touches such as pins on blazers, allow students to stay comfortable while showing personality. “I don’t mind wearing the uniform because I still find ways to express myself, like wearing cool pins on my blazer,” shared Grade 11 student, Olivia Yang. These small details reflect individuality without defying the dress code.
While some may think uniforms limit creativity, many students at Mentor College see them as a chance to be creative in different, but simple, ways. Simple choices like accessories, hairstyles, or other small adjustments show that fashion can still thrive, even with rules. Certainly dress down and spirit days bring a lot of excitement to the halls. Grade 11 student Kaya Gulati says: “It’s the one day we can actually show our personalities.” The change from uniforms to personal clothes makes the school feel brighter and more energetic, showing how fashion can influence confidence and mood. Even with a uniform, students still find ways to express who they are. Uniform trends are about how creativity and individuality can exist, even within a dress code.
Fashion Under the Dress Code UNIFORM TRENDS
Written by: Ayat Biabani Edited by: Ariana Maingi Art by: Alex Redden
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STUDENT TALK
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