Have you ever considered how the clothes we wear influence our self-identity? Clothing has long been a way for people to express who they are, from ancient times to modern-day fashion. While uniforms create a feeling of unity and tradition, they can also limit how we express ourselves. At Sacred Hearts Academy, students find creative ways to represent their individuality within the confines of their uniform.
Expressing individuality through clothing isn’t just a modern concern; it has been relevant throughout history, from ancient Greece and Rome to the Middle Ages and even during the punk rock movement of the 19th century. Whether through jewelry, shoes or cultural accessories, people have always used their clothing to communicate who they are.
The uniform at the academy, with its distinct sailor-style design, showcases the school’s rich history and tradition. However, beyond tradition, students like Chanel Trantham, a sophomore at the academy, have found subtle ways to incorporate their personality into their appearance, especially in how they accessorize.
“I like to wear my jewelry. I wear my jade, bangles, and a bracelet that one of my ‘little sisters’ made for me, a bracelet from a trip, and two rings. Not to mention my earrings,” Trantham said.
Since there is no direct restriction on jewelry at the academy, Trantham sees bracelets, necklaces and earrings as an opportunity to express herself. Her accessories, such as her bracelet, bangles, rings and team sweaters, are a part of her identity. They show what she has done and where she has been, clearly symbolizing who she is as a person. As she mentions, these items give her a sense of freedom, especially since wearing the same clothes every day can feel restrictive.
“Having the ability to wear something besides having to wear a skirt or the same shirt gives me some sort of freedom,” Trantham said.
But what if the school placed stricter limits on the uniform?
“If the option of wearing jewelry, accessories in general, was taken away, I would feel very restricted because now it would be like everyone is the same and nobody can express themselves as their own type of person,” Trantham said.
While uniforms provide structure and equality, they also encourage students to be creative within a limited framework. Although it may feel restrictive, Trantham mentions that the overall attitude and vibe you give off can show your personality more than any clothing can. Personal expression can extend beyond accessories, with students finding ways to stand out through their actions, kindness and unique perspectives, proving that individuality can shine even in uniformed settings.
“Despite what you wear, how you act can show how you are as a person, what you believe in and what kind of vibe people can read off of you when you meet them. If I saw someone break the dress code, which is normally because they wear hoodies, I just think they’re tired of the dress code. Not everyone can wash their jackets every day or find a jacket within the dress code, let alone buy a school jacket. You never know what someone is going through behind the scenes,” Trantham said.
