Students at Holy Cross show off their personalities in many ways, but the limitations of uniforms require them to get creative with their hair, shoes, and accessories at school in ways that do not break the rules.
Socks are often looked past but can be a great way to canvas creativity. From vibrant colors to designs and patterns, they are just as unique as the person wearing them. They allow independence and freedom away from the uniform to put more personality in their outfit.
“I love the fact that the girls can wear decorated socks however they please,” Dean of students, Ashley Gardner said.
Shoes can also add a lot of personality to a LOTA—they can be colorful, vibrant, and fun. Sneakers are an exciting way to express oneself in a subtle way, but in a major way if others are also in the sneaker community.
“I also like seeing the different shoes people wear because having a uniform can make people feel limited so choosing your shoes makes you feel like you have more control,” freshman Kaela Edwards added.
Personalization is all up to the person styling the accessories. In a society where girls are praised for conformity, girls at Holy Cross like to see when people accessorize outside of the norm. The girls like to see the different, unique, and diverse ways others like to individualize their uniform.
“I very much admire people who go above and beyond,” senior Chessie Rios emphasized. “Some people may think it’s weird but I honestly think it’s really cute and fashionable, like trendsetter-ish.”
Fashion is all about authenticity and being yourself. Through individuality, style is personal and brings confidence to a person. Accessories also bring a sense of comfort to a person, allowing them to show off personal commitments, taste in jewelry, or just have to show off. Accessories come in a wide variety and there is always something for someone.
“I like to wear rings, get my nails done, sometimes I put on false lashes, and I also like to get colored hair,” Edwards continued. “Bracelets because, I don’t know, I like the noise they make and there’s like millions of different types of bracelets you can have, have them with every outfit. There’s different colors, and like styles, beaded bracelets, or like metal bracelets, and you can find something that’ll match with your outfit.”
But with going to the Academy comes uniform rules, which not everyone agrees with. Fortunately, the school administration values student input and recognizes the importance of personal growth and self-identity.
“If students are interested in having a conversation about ways that they can express themselves, I’d be interested in hearing ideas,” Gardner encouraged.
