Fall Fashions of 1974
Childhood, Stuff I hate September 1st, 2009A good friend of mine sent her kids off to public school yesterday. This year her school district implemented a uniform policy that the kids understandably hate.
I can guarantee it’s not as bad as the fashion dictated by my Catholic grade school.
The requirements?
Green and gold plaid jumper no higher than an inch above the knee, preferably below.
A choice from a wide selection of either white or green socks.
Shoes judged to be sensible by a panel of nuns.
Failure to comply resulted in death.
The upside is I never had to worry about what to wear any day of the week. For 18 years. The downside? Plaid is dead to me.
If you have school-aged kids, do they wear uniforms? What do the styles look like nowadays? Do your kids hate it? Tolerate it? Maybe even like it?
Stumble it!
September 1st, 2009 at 8:00 pm
thankfully I’ve never had to wear a uniform for school and neither has my son, but, I have invented my own ‘uniform’ which consists of wearing the same tshirt and sweatpants for days in a row!
September 1st, 2009 at 8:36 pm
I happen to come from a country where uniforms are compulsory, and I liked it. You look cute!!! Why are the other girls wearing veils? Was the pic taken at a rehearsal?
September 1st, 2009 at 8:42 pm
I also attended Catholic school for 12 years. My grade school uniform was a similar green plaid, but with a split jumper top that did not flatter the chubby girls like me. By the way Kathy, where is your head scarf? The other girls have their heads sensibly covered.
Both of my boys attend Catholic schools and I love, love, love uniforms. There is never an argument about what to wear, and I save $$$$$ on clothing. They do benefit from a cooler summer uniform, whereas I had to wear the all-weather wool jumper back in the day.
September 1st, 2009 at 8:45 pm
My Catholic school had the exact same uniforms for the girls. We wore black pants and blue shirts. Period. I didn’t care though because that’s all I knew.
My daughter went to a charter school for the last 5 years and they wear khaki pants or skirts and a large choice of polo shirts – so things have changed quite a bit.
Now for the record, I would have thought you were a total cutie. You look a lot like the first girl I ever held hands with, in 3rd grade… including the dress!
.-= Jeff´s last blog ..I Didn’t Get The Job =-.
September 1st, 2009 at 8:49 pm
Our uniform was an awful green with a white blouse. It was UGLY! You’re right though, I never had to worry about what to wear to school. Unfortunately, that’s probably why I have a difficult time now!
.-= Sniffie and the Florida Furkids´s last blog ..Toes Tuesday and Two friends in need =-.
September 1st, 2009 at 8:59 pm
In middle school, kids were forced to where uniforms – dress pants/skirts in khaki or navy and polo shirts in solid colors.
My daughter hated it, but I didn’t see the big worry.
For some reason, when they moved up to high school, the dress code went to “whatever”.
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September 1st, 2009 at 9:15 pm
I live in Australia and all schools whether they are government run or catholic or private wear uniforms. I didn’t really like wearing a uniform, but it really did save on the hassle of deciding what to wear everyday.
.-= Riayn´s last blog ..Disorganised =-.
September 1st, 2009 at 9:40 pm
I wish they did have to wear uniforms, but they don’t around here.
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September 1st, 2009 at 9:50 pm
I went to a few different schools, all with uniforms (I live in Australia, we wear uniforms here) and one of my uniforms was literally like a potato sack. It was so ugly but at least we didn’t have to worry about what to wear in the mornings!
September 1st, 2009 at 10:54 pm
Luckily I never had to worry about uniforms in school. Besides I would look dreadful in Jumpers, unless it was about 4 inches below the knee.
.-= Beamer´s last blog ..Mint and white =-.
September 1st, 2009 at 10:54 pm
Not all schools in Australia make uniforms compulsory, but a lot do. I went to 4 different Primary Schools, and 2 High Schools, and the uniforms were awful in all of them. Red, white and navy for one, so red fleece jumpers, with white shirts, and navy skirts, or a horrid little red gingham dress. Two other schools had green tracksuits with yellow polo tops, and another just had a blue uniform but nobody wore it.
High School was an odd form of plaid/gingham for the dress in a blue colour with green and yellow lines through it, and the jumpers (sweaters in your American language) were navy with bottle green polos. The kilts were a nice plaid of green and navy.
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September 1st, 2009 at 11:02 pm
I loved wearing a uniform (of course, I didn’t know anything else). It made getting dressed easy and above all, FAST! In fact, when I went to college I had a hard time choosing an outfit in the morning — felt too much like summer vacation. ;p
In grade school we wore navy blue and white check and got the wonderful choice of navy or white socks. At my high school they got a little more creative — the plaid was brown, gold, gray, and white, so our socks and sweaters, and the guys’ pants, could be any of those colors, plus black (our school colors were black and white). Those of us with older siblings were very glad we didn’t have to wear the old wool skirts and blazers . . . . . . . in an un-airconditioned school.
Uniforms were great when the various Catholic schools in town would all go to the Music Hall for something cultural — you could tell which schools had come by the uniforms. (Also good for rounding up kids at field trips — people remembered that ugly brown plaid.) At that point only one other grade school had our plaid; now my grade and high school use the same one in slightly different colors.
Oh, and when I was in school the little girls wore straps, not a jumper top. You felt so grown up when you aged out of the straps — meant you had enough hips to keep your skirt on without assistance. LOL
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September 1st, 2009 at 11:49 pm
We had uniforms at St. Elizabeth’s in Ozone Park, NY. Navy Blue pants, light blue (or yellow) button down shirt and the blue plaid tie. It was a big year in a boy’s life when he switched from the tie that clipped in the back to one that required actual tying.
As I recall the girls wore the split jumper up until 6th grade (plaid to match the plaid skirt, of course) and then switched from the jumper to the blue vest.
The last couple weeks of the school year, it got hot so we no longer had to wear the ties, and the girls could take off their vests. I realized we were all getting older when I looked at the girls when that all shed their vests and across their backs — bra straps! That was an eye opening day.
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September 2nd, 2009 at 12:49 am
No uniforms here. My youngest, (14) would make us move if they were required!
.-= Will´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday 9-02-2009 =-.
September 2nd, 2009 at 2:32 am
No school-aged children, but I am considering wearing something similar to work. Waddya think?
peace,
mike
livelife365
.-= Mike Foster´s last blog ..Sunflower Power =-.
September 2nd, 2009 at 3:41 am
Oh Kathy this is such a great example of the grass is always greener on the other side. I wanted so badly to go to a Catholic school and wear a sassy uniform. But it was not to be.
Of course all of my older siblings attended Catholic school until it closed down (wtf?) when my next oldest sister was in third grade. Yeah, I’m the only product in my family of a full public school education.
But on to your questions:
Yes, my kids attend a Catholic school — nothing like living your dream through your children, eh? They wear a red and blue plaid jumper with the same awesome choice of socks — blue or white.
However, they can wear navy pants and a white polo shirt every day except Wednesday which is when they attend Mass. On those days they must wear their jumpers. Oh right, I have girls. Boys are not required to wear jumpers to Mass.
Except on Holy Days of Obligation.
My kids do not like wearing uniforms. The fourth-grader will go so far as to tell me she does indeed hate it. The first-grader is partial to the jumper; she hates the navy pants.
I suppose both of them tolerate it. My youngest is in pre-school and does not have to wear a uniform until next year in Kindergarten.
In classic the grass is always greener form, she wants to wear a uniform to look like them and they want to wear regular clothes to look like her.
I still love looking at them in their uniforms. And lastly — we can literally stop traffic at the store when we are out and about with them in their uniforms.
I guess it’s like seeing a rare and elusive jackalope live and in person.
.-= cardiogirl´s last blog ..At least they won’t accuse me of Munchausen by proxy =-.
September 2nd, 2009 at 5:13 am
I lived in New England – in the land of 5 months of winter – and we could not wear pants! We were allowed to wear them under our dresses but had to take them off as soon as we got to school. Then freeze all day with our bare legs in a poorly heated, drafty school.
Who writes these guidelines?
.-= Barb – WillThink4Wine´s last blog ..Hairdate 1995.12 =-.
September 2nd, 2009 at 5:34 am
meleah rebbecah — Ah, we all have that “uniform.” I pretty much wear the same ensemble after work. I change it up in winter when I switch from black shorts to black sweatpants. I’m a fashion plate.
fifth — Sorry. I should have captioned that. It was taken after my Confirmation in third grade. I don’t know why I removed my veil before the other girls did. Hmmm, because I hated that too?
Susan — Uniforms of any style were never flattering. Well, they did get a tad better in high school. But if you had a little extra weight on you, it was a challenge. I don’t know why I removed my veil before the picture. Probably couldn’t wait to take it off for the walk home. One time I forgot to remove my veil after mass and walked home from school wondering why people stared at me the whole way. I know my parents appreciated the uniforms. One expense every few years and no screaming matches on the way out the door every morning.
Jeff — Boys had it easier. Except for the ties. Khaki is something I would have preferred. Your daughter is lucky. Aw, thanks! I never felt like a cutie back then. Kids can be cruel.
Sniffie and the Florida Furkids — Yeah, I’m with you. I think wearing a uniform ruined any chance to develop a decent fashion sense in adulthood.
Stephanie Barr — We did get a second choice in high school where the dress/skirt was concerned. We could wear either pants (plaid!!!) or an A-line skirt (plaid again!). I preferred the latter, which helped hide my thunder thighs better than the pants did. Those were horrible unless you were a size 2.
Riayn — I think we’ll see that more and more in the states. I have agreed with studies that show better performance when kids wear the same thing as their classmates.
muskrat — Just wait. See above comment to Riayn.
Katie — I’m so sorry. At least give the girls a waistline! A potato sack is cruel and unusual punishment.
Beamer — That I’d like to see.
Elisha — I have to agree. What you describe sounds hideous. You really can’t meld more than two colors together in a uniform, lest it look like a craft project. The year before I entered high school, I was disappointed they did away with the culotte choice. Kind of like shorts/skirt combined. Matched with a solid navy sweater and it looked almost good. My sister got to wear those and then graduated.
Ladybugg — Yeah, I always loved summer for an extra reason — wearing my own clothes! I love how everyone who wore uniforms can remember such detail. Yes, wearing a uniform in public makes it easy to gather up the kids. And you didn’t feel so horrible because all your friends were wearing the same. Cute about the straps. I imagine the well-endowed girls were happy to rid themselves of them if they were too tight. That’s all you’d need is to give the boys another reason to cackle.
Cromely — That’s cute about the tie thing. A milestone indeed. Ah, yes. Bra straps. That reminds me of a particularly embarrassing memory. In sixth grade, we were having races of some kind outdoors. When I ran against another student, I was, shall we say… bouncing to the finish line. Braless. The boys went nuts. After that, I went training bra shopping.
Will — Be glad. I feel bad for my friend’s children because they started school without uniforms and now have to switch. It’s far better if that’s all you knew from the 1st grade on.
Mike Foster — Not a half-bad idea. I hate trying to find something to wear. And with my yo-yo dieting, it’s even harder.
cardiogirl — “Sassy.” Never a word I’ve had used to describe uniforms. As to the “grass is always greener,” I understand that now. But THEN? I hated that my friends who lived nearby went to public school. The hard part was on the first day of school, seeing them run off wearing the newest fashions and there I was in my green and gold ugliness. Although I did always love my saddle shoes. They were a popular choice for many girls. I don’t think I was ever seen outside my habitat wearing my uniform. I would sooner die. Jackalope. Perfect analogy!
Barb WillThink4Wine — Oh, yes! Frozen kneecaps! I’ll never forget! Who writes the guidelines? Nuns who wear thick stockings or men who wear pants.
September 2nd, 2009 at 6:35 am
My kids are in high school and I think at this point, uniforms are silly. Well, I guess I think uniforms are silly anyway–I never got the point. If it was beige slacks with at white shirt or something, okay, if you must.But the plaid?? Really? It’s just another silly hoop that Catholics think is gonna get you to have God love you more. Maybe they ought to quit with the ridiculous rules (CG’s school rule of jumpers on Wednesday, but not if the moon is full and the wind is blowing from the east) and work on the problems they have like weirdo priests and such.
.-= Lin´s last blog ..Semi-Wordless Wednesday (because you know I’m never really wordless) =-.
September 2nd, 2009 at 6:51 am
I uploaded my school pictures to Facebook this week which drew howls of laughter from previous class mates. Not only were the uniforms horrid, but the early 80′s hairstyles were hilarious.
What frightens me is that my daughter now delights in the new fashion on the racks that is clearly 1970′s rip offs….oh dear what shall we do?!?!
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September 2nd, 2009 at 6:58 am
Ummm… and a schmatte on the head?
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September 2nd, 2009 at 7:01 am
I didn’t wear uniforms but I certainly remember the look. I love it!
September 2nd, 2009 at 7:43 am
Oh too bad that plaid is now back in style Kathy!
Thankfully, daughter never had to wear a uniform… we are godless creatures who sent our child to public school. I prefer self-expression in clothing
.-= Maureen´s last blog ..Set The Wayback Machine to 1852 Sherman =-.
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:01 am
Just wanted to make a point about Catholic school uniforms. I have four siblings and the uniform was a godsend for my parents. As the middle sister, I wore the uniforms my sister outgrew. Uniforms are the great equalizer: since everyone is dressed alike, you really can’t tell which families have money and which don’t. Uniforms also eliminate the problem of too short/too tight/inappropriate clothing choices. I have two boys, one in high school and one in middle school, and they don’t mind their uniforms one bit. Kudos to Flynn & O’Hara of Philadelphia, who make very sturdy uniform pants for boys.
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:42 am
My school uniform was brown and gold plaid with brown knee socks. Then how wonderful was high school with the maroon jumper which looked fab with my red hair. I think they were just trying to make us as unattractive to the opposite sex as possible. MB
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:47 am
Living in the UK and going to a catholic school back in the 50′s we, of course had uniforms, Navy tunic dress with a white blouse and navy blue cardigan (do you even remember those) white ankle socks and black shoes. In the summer we had a choice of either a yellow (gold) or a mid blue candy striped dress. In primary school we had navy blue school knickers with a little pocket in them for your handkerchief! We did gym in those. Can you imagine doing gym in your underwear now?
The really good thing about a uniform was that you didn’t have this ‘have/have not’ divide. All kids were equal and there was no peer pressure at all! I wish uniforms were still compulsory. Uniforms were also used to keep kids under control. If kids were misbehaving after school, people knew what school they went to and reported them. You then took your punishment at school the next day. Schools had far more authority over your life back then too.
BTW. You look very cute in your photo
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September 2nd, 2009 at 8:55 am
When I was in Argentina a while back, the school children had to wear an apron of sorts. The apron was blue and they looked like minature fast food employees. Wierd!
.-= Carla´s last blog ..White and Nerdy =-.
September 2nd, 2009 at 9:03 am
Public schools did have a dress code – even in high school but this was the 50′s and 60′s so no pants for girls. On assembly day it had to be white shirts/blouses and ties for boys (assembly day was once a week). I think uniforms are a good idea – they are a great equalizer. We were poor my clothes reflected it. Just another example of how inferior I was to everyone else.
Up through 8th grade I think uniforms are a great idea. High school there should be a dress code.
.-= Grace´s last blog ..Depressing but well written I think (and you wonder why I was in therapy LOL) and some thing to cheer you up as well =-.
September 2nd, 2009 at 9:15 am
I went to public school, so no uniforms for me. Ironically, I really wanted to wear one! In elementary school, I thought any type of uniform was cool. I tried to get my mom to sign me up for Brownies for years–not to earn badges or sell cookies, just to wear the little brown jumper and matching shirt. In junior and senior high, it would have helped a lot if we’d had to wear uniforms. My family was poor and couldn’t afford a lot of stylish clothes, and I got picked on because of it. Of course, I was also chubby, so any uniform would have fit poorly and looked terrible, I’m sure. It was a no-win situation.
I have noticed that some of the public schools in my county are using a dress code now, and I think it’s a good thing. The kids don’t have the opportunity to let their pants droop low, or their bits hang out, when they’re all wearing khaki pants and collared shirts.
.-= absepa´s last blog ..My baby is growing up! =-.
September 2nd, 2009 at 9:21 am
Oh GOD – FLASHBACK –
My uniform was the same style but blue and black with a bright red tie and a matching red veil for church, (red veil – kind of slutty don’t ya think?)
I still have nightmares of Sister Rosare (Fossil Face) shaking her bony finger and scaring all the kids to death.
.-= sheila sultani´s last blog ..A Perfect Example of Christian Hypocrisy =-.
September 2nd, 2009 at 11:44 am
A Catholic school is one thing, but in the public school system it’s so hard to implement a uniform policy that has any “teeth” to it. You can’t suspend kids for being out of uniform, so if parents refuse to participate there’s really nothing to do about it.
It’s a decent idea, though.
.-= Chris´s last blog ..What Ever Happened To . . . Snap, Crackle, and Pop? =-.
September 2nd, 2009 at 12:08 pm
I was a public school kid, so dress was strictly enforced by my father. Come to think of it, he would’ve made a great Catholic nun. When I was in middle school, he used to make me wear my skirts below the knee. One day I rolled my skirt up and forgot to unroll when I got home–I was grounded.
But I used to love plaid and would always wear my plaid skirt with my pin-striped blouse. Yeah, where’s The Enforcer when you need him???
You were such a cute kid! If I didn’t know better I’d say you loooved that plaid jumper!
)
.-= earthtoholly´s last blog ..White Water Lily (Nymphaea odorata) =-.
September 2nd, 2009 at 12:11 pm
Ours looked exactly the same except they were red,white and blue. The peter pan collars. Oy! And Sisters of Mercy – riiiiight. Erasers flew and rulers snapped on hands regularly and the Mother Superior had a paddle and she wasn’t afraid to use it. Sisters of Mercy….
.-= Pricilla´s last blog ..Is Harry Lost? Or Searching for Something? =-.
September 2nd, 2009 at 12:15 pm
We did not have uniforms. However, the school I take photos at a lot or the paper does require uniforms.
I told you this because??? I don’t know. I just felt the need to be included in the conversation.
September 2nd, 2009 at 12:29 pm
Nice knees.
September 2nd, 2009 at 12:50 pm
I was lucky enough to graduate a year before uniforms became a requirement at the local high schools where i grew up. I like to drive by there sometimes just to mock and laugh at the hypocrites there, because most of them would wear pretty much the same thing to fit in if their wasn’t a uniform policy.
That doesn’t make me a bad person, does it?
.-= C.B. Jones´s last blog ..Third eye out of order. =-.
September 2nd, 2009 at 2:20 pm
No uniforms anywhere in school for me, my children or grandchildren. I happen to think it is a good idea. It doesn’t allow for discrimination or being picked on if your family is poor and your clothes come from Wal-Mart.
But, as for my grandsons, they would die if they were forced to give up their L.L. Bean, Gap, and every other latest hot fashion to hit the market.
Their mother was the same way and we always saw that she had the newest fad to wear regardless of the cost. So it really is our fault that she and our grandsons are fashion snobs.
Come to think of it my parents did the same for me. So there it’s my mother’s fault and not mine!! Whew what a relief!!
.-= Shinade aka Jackie´s last blog ..The Colors Of Transition Southern Oklahoma =-.
September 2nd, 2009 at 3:53 pm
We never had to wear uniforms at my school, but we did have one of those dress codes where skirts and shorts had to be a certain length (to the knees). I think I would have rather had had a uniform policy because at least then I could have bought clothes that I liked. I’m 5’3″ so, as you can imagine, shorts and skirts that stop at the knee or mid knee aren’t exactly flattering. They just make me look shorter.
On a side note, I gave you an award on my blog. You can pick it up here: http://www.justbloggled.com/2009/09/i-love-lucys-bees-knees-and-my-bengay.html. Congrats!
.-= Staci´s last blog ..I Love Lucy’s Bees Knees and My Bengay Moment =-.
September 2nd, 2009 at 4:09 pm
So did you really hate the uniforms or as someone above said, was it all you knew, so how could you compare it with anything else? On one hand, I would think it’d make life a lot easier. On the other, I would never have gotten to wear those tangerine super-wide flared pants with matching vest if we’d had uniforms.
.-= JD at I Do Things´s last blog ..I Get Zapped so you don’t have to =-.
September 2nd, 2009 at 5:55 pm
I never wore one and I really dislike them. Some schools here are getting rid of the kilt for girls and I say way to go. It’s quite popular in the strip clubs … you know for the dancers … it’s just to freaky of a thing for me. Men are weird, LOL. Wear pants.
.-= DrowseyMonkey´s last blog ..I Wanted to Hate It =-.
September 2nd, 2009 at 5:58 pm
Looks almost exactly like my Catholic school uniform except ours were blue and then once we became 7th graders they were skirts instead of jumpers, itchy wool skirts that is. Needless to say I hated every last minute of wearing those things!
.-= NanjoDogz´s last blog ..Save A Dog =-.
September 2nd, 2009 at 6:32 pm
Lin — I agree with you that plaid is a bad choice. What’s wrong with a nice solid? As long as everyone looks alike, who cares? We could have all looked like tiny MBA graduates instead. Don’t start me on the weirdo priests.
Sphynx Cat — I have an early 80s picture of me that made it into our local paper. Still debating whether to post it. Our school was doing a 50′s theme and I wore a tight sweater backwards, like Laverne and Shirley. I don’t know how that picture made it past the editors. Did I mention it was tight? Ah, your daughter doesn’t know any better.
feefifoto — Schmatte? Had to look that up. I think I might actually still have my veil from school. A long one. I mostly wore the small round doily-type kind, folded in half like a taco and fastened with a bobby pin. So attractive.
Document Scanning Services — You love it because you never had to wear it.
Maureen — Yep, too bad. Not going near it. Self-expression in clothing is precisely why schools are banning it. Can you say muffin top?
Susan — God. Flynn & O’Hara. Haven’t heard that name in years. You’re right. Uniforms are the great equalizer. God knows there were enough things to pick on kids about. At least clothing wasn’t one of them. Small blessing, eh?
MaryBeth — I considered that theory, too. Nothing less sexy than a plaid ill-fitting jumper to kill the hormones.
Babs Beetle — That sounds adorable the way you describe it. I bet you looked cute. Do you have any pictures to share? Gym in your underwear? No way! And you’re right. You were completely identifiable if you did something bad outside of school. I don’t know how the schools are run now, but man, we lived in fear of any nun or teacher. Kept us in line alright!
Carla — That’s funny. Poor kids.
Grace — I remember when pants were introduced in the early 80′s. We thought we hit the jackpot. I know I wouldn’t have had the best selection of clothes to wear if not for the uniforms. I was just glad I looked decent when we got to dress up for picture day or some other special occasion.
absepa — I liked my brownie uniform, believe it or not. I think it was the sash that did it for me. Don’t worry. I was chubby (by 70s standards) and didn’t wear clothing very well. “Their bits…” Too funny. But, yes, a good thing indeed. I cringe when I see some of the kids who wear pants below the waist. I don’t know how the schools let the get away with it. Looks terrible and I’m embarrassed for them.
sheila sultani — Wow! Red? Yes, slutty. Absolutely. It surprises me. I had a Fossil Face nun, too. Scary, scary woman. I won’t say I wished her dead, but pretty close.
Chris — I wonder if more parents than you think would like the idea. At the very least, it’d save them money.
earthtoholly — Oh, you poor thing. There was only one girl whose mother sewed her dress hem below the knee. We all pitied her. And thanks. I never felt cute at that age. The self-conscious creature that I was.
Pricilla — Cripes. You were a walking flag! We lived in fear of the nuns as well. Honestly. All it took was The Look and you cowered.
Lisa — LMAO. You are always welcome to leave any ‘ol comment so you’re part of the discussion. Even if it’s to tell us what you ate for breakfast.
Geakz — Yeah, those are some knocked-kneed beauties, aren’t they?
C.B. Jones — No, it doesn’t. It makes you honest and keen. Sheep wear what all the other sheep do.
Shinade — What can you do? Kids want what all the other kids have (or don’t have). It’s sad, actually, because it teaches the wrong message in school. Supposed to be about academics, not looks. OK, that’s as Pollyanna as I’ll get in this post. I’m a realist at heart. I know the game.
Staci — I knew of only a few students who looked really good in their uniforms. Usually the “bad girls” and we wanted to be like them. Except for the one girl whose jumper was up to her crotch. We thought she was slutty. I’ll hop over to your blog soon. Thanks!
JD at I Do Things — Yes, I did hate them, mostly because none of my neighborhood friends went to my school. They always got to wear whatever they wanted. I couldn’t wait to get home, get out of the uniform and into my regular street clothes. Became a different person. Super-wide pants!
DrowseyMonkey — I think that’s Britney Spears’ fault. Sexin’ up her uniform in one of her first videos. Way to make porn out of something innocent, Brit.
NanjoDogz — I can’t imagine itchy wool. At least I never experienced that. I wish our grade school uniforms would have been navy and gold. That didn’t happen until high school. So some progress was made eventually.
September 2nd, 2009 at 7:00 pm
Yes mine are required to wear a strict dress code but you know what? After a year, they got used to it. Most of the summer they chose to wear school clothes. So here is their dress code:
Slacks: Students shall wear plain, basic slacks. They shall not have slits, laces, glitter, studs, etc. Pockets shall be sewn on the inside with slit openings, in other words, no patch pockets, no cargo/carpenter pockets, no outside sewing to attach the pocket to the slacks. Slacks shall fit appropriately and be worn at the waist. Colors may be solid black, navy blue, or tan. Denim slacks are not allowed.
Skirts/Jumpers: Girls may wear plain, basic skirts or jumpers. Skirt length shall be no shorter than five inches from the bottom of the knee. They shall not have slits any higher than five inches from the bottom of the knee. They shall not have laces, glitter, studs, etc. Skirts shall fit appropriately and be worn at the waist. Colors may be solid black, navy blue, tan, or plaid (plaid shall be navy, green, with yellow, red, and white stripes).
Shirts: Shirts will have a collar (examples include but are not limited to oxford or polo) or turtleneck, and must be neatly tucked inside the slacks/shorts/skirt. Inappropriate garments shall not be visible through the shirt (examples include but are not limited to logo tee-shirts and dark colored undergarments). Colors may be solid black, navy blue, light blue, or white. The only logo shirts allowed must be school-logo shirts approved by the Administration.
Sweaters/Sweatshirts: Plain pullover (any neck style) or button-up knit sweaters or sweatshirts may be worn, but must be worn over the dress code shirt except when wearing the school-logo hooded sweatshirt approved by the Administration. No logos, zippers, hoods, jackets, etc. are allowed unless it is a school-logo hooded/non-hooded sweatshirt approved by the Administration. Colors may be solid black, navy blue, light blue, or white.
Shoes: Shoes must be solid black, solid white, solid brown, solid navy blue, or a combination of two of these colors. No other colors are allowed. Brown hiking boots slightly higher than the ankle are also acceptable. No open-toe or open-heel shoes or sandals are allowed.
Fairly simple and easy to shop for.
Jessica
.-= Jessica´s last blog ..Sunset on the Beach =-.
September 2nd, 2009 at 7:19 pm
I had to wear a uniform like yours (but with saddle shoes–remember those?) My boys go to a Christian school that has a very laid back uniform, khaki or navy dress pants and a polo in burgundy, white or navy. They call it a uniform, but I think it’s more of a dress code.
When we were in Nashville the public schools had a very strict dress code, and I have to say that they looked much nicer than the public school kids here in California where there is a very liberal dress code. Gosh, I’m starting to sound just like my mom.
.-= Tina t´s last blog ..Can Just One Person Save a Marriage? =-.
September 2nd, 2009 at 9:21 pm
OMG that is one of the ugliest outfits I’ve ever seen my son had to wear a powder blue collared shirt with navy pants..not anything as bad as that.
Hugs…I may never wear plaid in honor of you..
Dorothy from grammology
grammology.com
.-= Dorothy Stahlnecker´s last blog ..Life is filled with bad things =-.
September 3rd, 2009 at 3:25 am
OMG! the local catholic elementary still has those very same plaid uniforms…
.-= Roschelle´s last blog ..100 Pediatric Health Blogs every Mom should read =-.
September 3rd, 2009 at 7:14 am
Most of the public schools I’ve seen implement a uniform make the students look like they all work at Best Buy. I think I’d rather wear the dress.
.-= Shieldmaiden1196´s last blog ..Conversations I Hope You Never Have =-.
September 3rd, 2009 at 9:01 am
I see you chose to go with the white, lightly below the knee knee-sock selection. You asserted your individuality among those green-socked lassies!
September 3rd, 2009 at 10:38 am
SCORE!!!!! And another POINT for the virtues of homeschooling!!!!
hehehehehe
.-= Crabby Blogging Lady´s last blog ..Graffiti “Artist” Gets Prison… and Loads of Disgusting Sympathy =-.
September 3rd, 2009 at 11:40 am
as a parent, it sure would make picking out an outfit every morning a lot easier.
.-= staciesmadness´s last blog ..You Capture- Old Sign =-.
September 3rd, 2009 at 12:41 pm
My 2 oldest kids go to a Christian school and they have uniforms. It’s basically a white shirt (polo or button down) and navy/black/khaki bottoms. Pants, skirts, jumpers, etc. They don’t have a required sock color or shoe style – just no sandals.
Then, on the first Friday of every month, they have to dress up. Girls have to wear skirts or dresses (not in uniform style), boys have to wear a tie.
My son doesn’t mind it. He’s in 3rd grade and doesn’t really care about what he wears to school, as long as it doesn’t hurt. My daughter doesn’t like it. She’s in 6th grade and HATES her uniform. Mostly because they have to tuck their shirts in and since she’s overweight, it makes her feel icky. I LOVE it. I hate having to worry about what they’re going to wear and it’s so easy to just ensure they have a white shirt and uniform pants every day.
.-= Christy´s last blog ..Thoughts =-.
September 3rd, 2009 at 2:10 pm
I used to teach at a parochial school. Oh, how I remember those uniforms.
.-= Sherry @ EX Marks the Spot´s last blog ..Just Being Grandma =-.
September 3rd, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Now it’s all “khaki or navy pants, no jeans – and a polo in one of these various colors.”
It sure does simplify the laundry. But it’s expensive, too, because then there’s no overlap between ‘school’ clothes & ‘everything else’ clothes.
.-= Wendy´s last blog ..I Love Old People But =-.
September 3rd, 2009 at 4:58 pm
We almost had to wear uniforms at my school, but I think they prefer having a really strict dress code instead. I always follow it, but a lot of people always have to go home and change.
September 3rd, 2009 at 5:21 pm
Never wore a uniform to school, although I think they’re a great idea.
Rofl Stuffz
.-= Rofl Stuffz´s last blog ..Border Patrol Fail =-.
September 3rd, 2009 at 5:45 pm
Jessica — Please tell me you copied and pasted that out of the manual because that’s a lot of damn instructions to follow. It sounds to me like your kids have a lot of nice choices, though. Albeit solid-colored. They must look very smart when dressed for school!
Tina T — Do I remember saddle shoes?! Why yes I do! I wore them all through high school. And don’t worry. I’m my Mom, too.
Dorothy Stahlnecker — See, it’s the green. Green’s not the greatest color anyway. Green plaid? Sinful.
Roschelle — Do you live near Philly? We got these at Flynn & O’Hara. Thousands and thousands of kids got them there.
Shieldmaiden1196 — We know where they won’t be looking for a summer job then.
Jenn Thorson — Yes, let’s say I did! It was probably all that was clean.
Crabby Blogging Lady — I’d dare any parent who home-schools their kids to make them wear a uniform to the dining table anyway.
staciesmadness — Absolutely. And not a lot of loads of laundry either.
Christy — Does your son mind wearing a tie? I always felt bad (and still do) for boys/guys who wear ties. God, that’s one thing I’m glad we don’t have to wear. Looks like it hurts and don’t they sweat when it gets hot? Ugh. I feel for your daughter. I wasn’t a skinny minnie either.
Sherry at EX Marks the Spot — Neat flashback, eh?
Wendy — I still think kids would badger their parents for more clothes for school if there wasn’t a code.
Regan — If they’re making kids go home and change, I’d think they’d prefer instituting a uniform policy. Not much to argue over then. I hope for your sake they don’t, though.
Rofl Stuffz — They are, actually. Overall. But I wish I’d had a choice from some of the other uniforms described here. Sound much nicer than what I had to choose from.
September 3rd, 2009 at 6:55 pm
Never had to wear a uniform to school. Glad about that. Always thought they were ugly and goofy looking. It does make things easier for the school though.
.-= Karen, author of “My Funny Dad, Harry”´s last blog ..Hurry Up And Wait–Bring A Book Along! =-.
September 3rd, 2009 at 7:07 pm
Somehow, my siblings and I all avoided the uniformed schools. There’s plenty of photos around with some really God-awful outfits and I’ll be damned if I’ll let anyone see ‘em. They’re staying in those storage boxes, where they belong. (What was I thinking??)
.-= kathryn´s last blog ..Mom of the Year, Not. (Thanks, Elton) =-.
September 3rd, 2009 at 7:11 pm
I never had to wear school uniforms, although it would have made my childhood easier. I could have done without the teasing: “Oh, do you have an older brother? Cuz those look like his hand-me-downs” UGH!!
.-= Margaret (Nanny Goats)´s last blog ..Wanna Flick My Bic? I Got a Million of ‘Em =-.
September 3rd, 2009 at 7:44 pm
Oh, they don’t send them home to change. They either have to go to the nurse to get new closes, or have their parents bring in clothes for them.
September 3rd, 2009 at 9:11 pm
I don’t think I have any full length school photos. I’ll see if I can find one. I do have a ‘First Holy Communion’ photo though
.-= babs – beetle´s last blog ..I’ve eaten in some funny places, but… =-.
September 5th, 2009 at 9:57 am
Back in the days when I was in school in England we also wore uniforms. It was great to finally become a senior when we could wear long pants instead of shorts!
.-= Robin´s last blog ..Memories – Trying to Remember =-.
September 5th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
The uniforms haven’t changed a bit. My grandaughter is wearing nearly the identical jumper to school every day.
.-= Buggys´s last blog ..Just Flippin’ Funny =-.
September 5th, 2009 at 1:37 pm
Oh, gosh … I didn’t have to wear a uniform at my primary school (4-11) but did at the next one. It was a gymslip (what you called a jumper) in navy blue, with horrible box pleating – and yes, just above the knee, with white socks, a white shirt and a tie in red, blue and gold, for the first two years. And a ‘purse belt’ to cinch in the middle bit and show off every last bump and bulge. Stockings NOT allowed. Sensible shoes, and navy blue blazer too, with the school motto on the pocket.
After that it was marginally better because we could wear stockings, and we could lose the gymslip in favour of a skirt, but any uniform infractions resulted in ritual humiliation and suitable punishment – because the humiliation wasn’t enough, of course.
Hmm. Could that be why I very seldom wear either navy blue or a white shirt?
September 5th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
This is the same fashion as in 1954 except we were not given leaway on the socks and shoes, they were uniform also. I really didn’t mind as I still can never decide on what to wear.
.-= zizzybob´s last blog ..Beverly’s Pink Saturday =-.
September 5th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
Karen — Ugly and goofy are exactly the words I’d use to describe this.
kathryn — But you have a blog! You’re obligated to post them. It says so in the manual.
Nanny Goats — Yep, there’s a hazard right there for wearing your own clothes. I wasn’t a fashion plate either.
Regan — Still a huge pain. I bet kids don’t do it twice.
Babs Beetle — Oh, please do post your Holy Communion photo. I did and yours can’t be worse than mine. I bet you look adorable!
Robin — Oh, I bet you looked so cute in your shorts. That’s what I love about English uniforms.
Buggys — Sorry to hear that.
Jay — OMG. Who needs another bump at the waist?!? That’s criminal. Yes, it sounds like the damage was done.
zizzybob — Brutal!
September 7th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
Be glad you had such cute uniforms. I went to grammar school in the 1940s-50s and spent 8 years in blue serge pleated skirts and middy blouses. It was a thrill to move on to high school and graduate to plaid!
.-= Bev´s last blog ..Afterglow =-.
September 8th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
I take it you were the “nonconformist” in the white knee socks?
I remember seeing Catholic school girls wearing stuff just like this when I was growing up.
I was sixteen in 1974 and fortunately went to a public high school, where I was able to wear my hair as long as it is now.
My son was also fortunate not to ever have to wear a uniform for school, either.
September 9th, 2009 at 9:32 am
When I was in kindergarten, I went to a Catholic school. You didn’t have to wear uniforms until first or second grade. We thought the older girls looked cool because they had “stairs” (pleats) in their skirts. Ha ha. I bypassed it because I went to public school after that. But then I went back to Catholic school during 8th grade, but we didn’t have uniforms. We had a dress code.
The assistant principal rented belts out for $2.00 per day and gave the money to charity to save boys from having to go home and get a belt when they forgot one.
.-= Chris@TheSnackHound´s last blog ..Sustain Your Party With Sustainable Cups =-.
September 10th, 2009 at 10:17 pm
Looking for a St.Gabriel 1969 girls uniform.
Can anyone assist me in finding this?
Thanks in advance
September 13th, 2009 at 7:40 am
Bev — And pleats are almost never a girl’s friend. Unless you’re a size 0.
Libertine — I’m surprised I wore white socks. I was absolutely a conformist. That’s what catholic school will do to you. Yeah, the hair. The boys in our school were constantly monitored for too-long hair. I’m surprised the nuns didn’t take scissors to it right there in the school. They’d have gotten away with it, too.
Chris — You were lucky to just have a dress code for high school. All catholic schools around her are strict with uniforms. The belt rental is a hoot!
Debbie Kennedy — Hope you find what you’re looking for. If you’re in the Philadelphia area, contact Flynn & O’Hara, makers of school uniforms around here.
September 15th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
Funny! Ours were red and black plaid and I don’t remember if we were allowed such autonomy as picking out our own socks… hmmm. Ahh, the good ole days of not having to change clothes 3-5x before leaving home.
.-= Heidi@trulyengaging´s last blog ..Contest, Giveaways, Discounts and News! =-.
September 16th, 2009 at 4:53 am
Heidi — Wow, I feel special that I was at least allowed to choose my socks. Red and black plaid actually sounds nice to me. Anything better than green and gold.
September 18th, 2009 at 2:43 am
it seems nice fashion…
thank u very much
.-= Tsamy´s last blog ..Cholesterol and Heart Disease =-.
September 18th, 2009 at 8:16 am
We were polled at the end of last year to determine if there was a desire for uniforms. I am a fan of kids being allowed to express themselves through clothes, hair, etc. (within reason) so obviously I voted no. My kid was SO happy that enough parents voted like me to not have uniforms. So my 8-yo is currently expressing herself as an indie-rocker. Who knows what she will be tomorrow?
.-= Rhiana´s last blog ..Chasing, Spacing =-.
October 5th, 2009 at 10:32 am
I went to a christian academy in 78′ to 80′ and we had to wear a plain brown jumper and a gold shirt. I hated it soo much! I would take clothes with me to change as so as school was over. To this day I don’t wear brown!
October 16th, 2009 at 10:28 am
You look cute Kathy! Just like the kids at old St. Thomas the Apostle where I suffered!
.-= Chris Casey´s last blog ..For an aspiring writer, reality sets in, and that is okay =-.
December 1st, 2009 at 11:12 pm
I had to wear a uniform in elementary school and high school. Perhaps I was just used to it, but I found that it did help in terms of preventing kids from making fun of one another about the clothes they wear. So even though the plaid skirts are ugly, at least everyone looks the same and there is less competition with brand name clothing.
January 22nd, 2010 at 11:02 pm
Those look like the uniforms my neices wear at their school in Cool Springs Tennessee!
January 28th, 2010 at 3:13 pm
I would never wear a uniform to school. If one had been implemented while I was in school, I wouldn’t wear it; even under penalty of death. I would also not force my child to wear a uniform.