Originally designed for schoolchildren , the uniform has permeated pop culture and graced the runways of luxury fashion houses. Popularized by anime and television series, the school uniform style is making a major comeback in fashion and stores. The "preppy" and "BCBG" styles have reinvented the school uniform, giving it a more modern look.
Uniforms in pop culture
From Clueless to Elite, uniforms are increasingly present in pop culture.
As seen in films, school uniforms are inspired by iconic English attire. The Harry Potter saga is a perfect example. The uniform consists of a shirt, a tie, a sweater or cardigan, and trousers or a skirt. Hogwarts School offers a uniform in four different colors depending on the student's house: red and gold for Gryffindor, yellow and black for Hufflepuff, blue and bronze for Ravenclaw, and green and silver for Slytherin. The character of Cher in the film Clueless is also a fashion icon thanks to her yellow plaid uniform, reimagined by Dior.
In the world of television series, uniforms have also made their appearance. The American series Gossip Girl, which follows the lives of wealthy New York students, is a fan of the schoolgirl style. The style of the character Blair Waldorf is considered one of the most influential in the world of television. The schoolgirl style reimagined by the series has had a real impact on the fashion market. On the European continent, the trendy Spanish series Elite also features the uniform, consisting of a navy or gray blazer with red piping, a white shirt, a red and white tie, navy or burgundy trousers for boys, and a navy or gray skirt for girls.
A uniform makes its way onto the catwalks
The timeless style inspired by British schools reigns supreme in the fashion world. The biggest luxury houses draw inspiration from these outfits to create their flagship pieces for Fashion Week.
For its Fall/Winter 2022-2023 collection, Dior drew inspiration from the iconic Clueless ensemble. A key piece in the collection, it was notably seen worn by French influencer Léna Situations. Chanel, Versace, Prada, Saint Laurent, and many others are vying for the uniform. These fashion houses have recognized the potential of the simple, classic look and updated it to make it more aesthetically pleasing, desirable, and on-trend.
This trend is also found in fast-fashion brands like Zara, Stradivarius, Hollister, and Bershka. Blazers, pleated trousers, and pleated skirts are ubiquitous in stores.
How to adopt the uniform trend
To give the school uniform a modern twist, the only rule is to keep it contemporary. To achieve this look, all you need is dress pants and a blazer, or perhaps a pleated skirt with a polo shirt. Don't be afraid to wear color—it's a major trend right now—and above all, don't forget the accessories to complete your look.
Its return to fashion has changed our view of the traditional uniform. The uniform trend is becoming popular among young people who can then identify with their idols and imagine themselves wearing uniforms to school .