Customizing My Uniform To Suit Each Season
Summer is upon us and I cannot be happier for the longer days and warmer temperature! To me, summertime also means splashes of wardrobe colour in addition to the happier and brighter days of the year! Thus the beginning of a new season is a beginning of a revamped wardrobe, turning a whole three hundred and sixty degrees around from classic cold-weather style to a bright, bohemian beach-inspired aesthetic that I want to be able to execute right from the get-go!
Although immensely fun, the transition of my wardrobe feels a little haphazard at the beginning, growing into its element over time. So as we take our first steps into summer 2019, I’m looking to an old concept, to mould my summer fashion standards.
Customizing My Uniform To Suit Each Season: The Uniform
Now don’t mistake my reference to the pinafores and skirts we wore back in school, paired with {tasteless} blazers ~ where we standardised ourselves to fit into the crowd. Quite the contrary, actually!
Yes, the uniform dressing I’d like to talk about does not refer to a repetitive outfit {that sounds like a complete snooze}, but a dress code as a safety net {open to interpretation}, which is both comfortable and fashionable while encapsulating your personal style. For me, it is an artistic way of knitting up functionality, aesthetics, and lifestyle which grows to become my identity.
Gone are the days of adhering to standard lost-in-the-crowd apparel ~ express your persona to set yourself apart!
Customizing My Uniform To Suit Each Season: Uniform in the Making
Putting together your uniform is not a daunting or harrowing process, rather a fun way of exploring your comfort levels, your personality, your preferences, and your concept of fashion. It’s a simple game you play by putting your outfit together, piece by piece, much like a jigsaw puzzle.
You could choose to pick some interesting looks from the internet, but having a unique code put together from scratch has a simply unparalleled appeal. To break it down, you begin by identifying 3-4 basic elements that make an outfit; tops, bottoms, shoes, and an outer layer if need be.
It’s now time to personalise your uniform by asking yourself ~
- What tops are my favourite kind? {colourful, neutral, fitted, oversized etc.}
- What is my preference for bottoms? {skinny leg, wide leg, high rise, low rise etc.}
- What kind of shoes do I reach for first? {flats, heels, wedges etc.}
~ and so on.
My best advice would be to keep the answers open-ended and general, giving yourself more flexibility in your style statement. Say, I choose tunics, palazzos, and wedges as my uniform. This way, I have given myself a style statement that now people will identify me with. And I’ve also put it together based on my level of comfort and personal expression, regardless of the season.
On days I cannot make up my mind about my day’s outfit, this code is a life saviour that really brings out my emotions and my personality in a unique way.
Customizing My Uniform To Suit Each Season: My Uniform
Here’s why my current uniform works in this specific case:
1 | Flowy Palazzos | I love to cut a dramatic silhouette in a striking pair of palazzos, but it’s got to be comfortable. So, these wide-legged, flowy, high waist palazzos with a comfortable elastic waist have become my go-to for summer.
2 | Chanderi Tunic | A cotton-silk kurta maybe a summer wardrobe staple, but when it’s an asymmetric Chanderi silk kurta with a Shantoon slip featuring Warli embroidery like this one, it becomes a little statement all on its own.
3 | Wedges | My neutral style can feel a little bit predictable at times, so I’m switching things up with a muted golden sandal. It’s interesting, yet subtle, and I love it so much more than I expected! Going to be wearing these a lot this summer.
Yes, having a uniform gives me the freedom to pick and choose a style statement of my own liking rather than what is popularly dictated.
Customizing My Uniform To Suit Each Season: Why have a uniform?
Well, simply put, I’d like to think of this year as one to radiate my uniqueness ~ in any and every form! And, the concept of a ‘Personal Uniform’ really breaks the shackles of what forms the crux of fashion fads and seasonal trends. Atypical apart, a uniform oozes confidence, individuality and personality, and works as a quick fashion formula when you are too confused to pick one. Yes, it gives you a generic framework to work within, all the while keeping your look fresh and uniquely you!
Having a uniform {or several uniforms for different occasions} makes streamlining and shopping days more fun {than stressful} too. I.e. you’re sure about your style, you have a financially savvy lifestyle, and you additionally save sartorial time and effort every single day. I can safely say that it feels so good to just go with the flow!
I would like to leave you with my last thought as to why I think a well thought out code is beneficial. Well, because it is a representation of who you are. It is the epitome of chic and effortless personal style. It is a big step towards a conscious and smart lifestyle!
A uniform to fit you, not the other way round.
Let me know your thoughts on summer style and having a uniform. Would you prefer having the simplicity of a self-made code or would you rather keep a whimsical open ending to your outfits? I’d love to continue the conversation in the comments below.
BTS 🙂
Love your post and the uniform concept! I feel like during summer my favoured uniform is a tank top, in addition to a midi skirt and sandals with a low heel.
I do love the idea of a uniform, Prachi. Perhaps it is the changing nature of seasons…
I can hardly wait for sunshine weather to finally kick in! I adore your look, and also love uniform dressing. My present uniform is comfy trousers + tank top/airy blouse tucked in + cardigan + flats.
Lovely! Thanks for sharing, Anvika. 🙂
Makes it that much simpler to prepare in the AM when I know what choices are at my disposal, and layering guarantees I’ll be comfortable in the occasionally unpredictable temperature in my office. Love this!
I, at times, feel predictable with the uniform concept but have come to appreciate the peace of mind that it brings. 🙂
I live in a warm year around climate, so I needn’t bother with clothes for specific seasons. That said, I adore your posts and this one is perfect!
Thank you, Debbie. So glad you liked it!
Absolutely love this post!! A uniform is great for travelling and for those days when I don’t have the brainpower to come up with a new outfit.
Thanks for sharing, Dharmik. Have a great day!
Oh yes! Having a strategy for progressively “feminine” tops/kurtas with bottoms/palazzos, and pretty, yet sturdy shoes cuts down decision fatigue.
Yes 🙂 I want to save my fun styling for the weekend and worry less overall.
Whenever I switch up my closet with choices for the next season, I experience a few weeks of not always knowing which combination of tops/bottoms/shoes/ and so forth feels good. So yes, a ‘Uniform’ appears to be the ideal arrangement!
Finding formulas that look and feel good, but are you, work the best!
I make sense of my style all over again at the beginning of a new season, and can pick a range of outfits without much consideration about it ~ which is actually how I like it. 🙂
I get confused easily these days, so knowing what works would be ideal.
Well, this outfit has me sold. I recently purchased a stunning Chanderi kurta and find it to be such an effortless but chic look!
Thank you, Ankita. I’ve been interested in creating some formulas for some time.
I have to concede my go-to is always Levi’s and Vans with a weather appropriate top. However, because of you, Tanya, I have learned to capsule each season so that I am not distracted by different things in my wardrobe.
That’s great to hear, Kavya. A “uniform” additionally saves me money to buy better quality clothes that last longer even if they are worn more often.
Summer can be tricky in Australia as it can be very cold. Btw I re-read the Capsule Wardrobe post you featured last year. Major! I love your taste and style, Tanya!
Thank you so much, Srishti.
I am retired and used to wear a “uniform” for work, and have always cherished the uniform concept. I think the suggestions for a beautiful season appropriate kurta and pants are a great idea.
I do perceive “the uniform” as that thing, that when we put it on, brings a sigh of relief because it is a portrayal of our best, most quietly radiant selves.
I would never want to give up my sweats and yoga pants “uniform.” My approach to comfortable is “being me” but I am mindful to keep it from getting sloppy. Thanks for your beautiful work and inspiration, Tanya!
I hear you, Anindya. 🙂
Personally, my uniform doesn’t have to be boring! Chanderis are a work of art and can be made a lot more in vogue with a sleeve design, accessory or ‘third piece’ ~ shawl, and so on.
Thank you for sharing, Tarini. xx
I’m taking care of my new born and no longer dress in professional apparel; hence my uniform has become Jeans and Tees. Perhaps I need to re-discover my personal style and learn to love it. Thanks for your tips!
Well, for this season, keeping my look clean and lightweight is a priority.
I didn’t notice it until I read your blog, but I guess I’ve had a uniform this winter ~ dark or gray leggings, beautifully embroidered kurtas, and wedges with a warm shawl thrown over my shoulder. Cozy, comfy, and office appropriate. 🙂
I really love the effortless statement of a signature style or “uniform” as well.
Uniform dressing is the best! It is fantastic to simply put on a similar variation consistently for work. It just makes me feel pulled together without too much effort.
Yes, Mallika. I’ve been cherishing creating a sort of “uniform”, so I don’t have to think so much each time I get dressed either.
Love your outfit, Tanya! I too keep a couple of uniform outfits ready for days when I am in a rush or simply would prefer not to bother creating an outfit…
Instead of having lots of choices, many of the same eliminates the need to choose.
I love this because I’ve had a uniform for as long as I can remember (and I’m in my 30s now). It is leggings or skinny jeans with an over-sized top or sweatshirt.
The best decision I ever made, Jane. The comfort and easy is worth it ~
Love my uniform! It makes dressing simple and easy and I don’t sit around idly “making an outfit”. Also, the best is thing is, I don’t end up donating bags of clothes that I don’t wear! Win-win! Thank you, love your blog!
I absolutely love the uniform concept, and find that I naturally gravitate towards that.