There’s no better way to improve character and cure self-consciousness than to insist your child dress like a fool during their formative years. Distinct fashion tribes exist at some of Britain’s top schools and a boring old blazer simply won’t do. You can never be overdressed or overeducated, suggested Oscar Wilde. But why not at least aim for both by using this guide to school style?
The Boaters
Harrow insists their students wear boaters at all times while outdoors. Flouting this is cause for punishment. Entrepreneurial types make a quick bob by flogging their hats to Chinese tourists, before buying new ones at a cheaper rate from the school shop.
The Witches
Girls at Marlborough and Downe House wear long black skirts in the sixth form. Rumour has it this puritanical garment was introduced to stop male teachers becoming distracted by short hemlines. Pupils secretly love these witchlike skirts; when it’s cold and wet, nobody can tell they are wearing pyjama bottoms and wellies underneath.
The Eccentrics
Christ’s Hospital provides a Tudor-style uniform to its pupils for free, which includes a long blue coat, knee breeches, yellow socks and a neckerchief. A few years ago, when the school was thinking of updating it, 95 per cent of the pupils voted in favour of keeping it.
The Free Spirits
Bedales doesn’t have a uniform, which fits with its laissez-faire vibe. Model Cara Delevingne was ‘discovered’ there and other gamine girls dream of the same fate, so dress accordingly. Other characters one might spot in the average classroom include punks, goths and new romantics. They’re all secretly sloanes, of course.
The City Blenders
London schools like Westminster and St Paul’s don’t want their boys to be duffed up, so ask them to blend into the city with an urban uniform of suit and tie. An extreme take on the look includes a briefcase.
The Tails
David Cameron’s school uniform has haunted him throughout his political career. The iconic tailcoat, false-collar and pinstriped trousers worn by Etonians is hardly a subtle look. Still, there’s much to be said for knowing how to dress for an occasion.
The Scholars
Winchester ingrains a sense of intellectual superiority in its star pupils from a young age. The Scholars stand out from the fee-paying Commoners thanks to their black gowns. A thick skin is as much of a genetic advantage as a good brain.
The St Trinian’s Tribute Act
Cheltenham Ladies’ College insists the girls dress in shirts, pleated skirts and blazers. Ronald Searle would recognise the desire to untuck, hitch up and generally loosen this look.
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