Walking into school one morning, it occurred to me that, although we are a public school, girls tend to have an unspoken uniform: sweater, scarf, and boots. While many may refer to this as the “typical white girl” outfit, there is a reason it is so widespread. The look is comfortable and warm yet put together, allowing for an easy, go-to look on early mornings. It can be easy to get lost in the shuffle of similar-looking garb, but essentially, it’s all in the details. The smallest update can take you from being one of the crowd to standing out from the crowd, allowing a level of personalization to your ensemble that shows off your unique sense of style.

This year, the typical knit sweater has taken on a life of its own with everything from elbow patches to gems to Christmas trees. Especially for the holiday season, choose a sweater with quirky studs or put your grandma’s old brooches to good use for a vintage vibe. To add your own flair to the classic sweater, add elbow patches with your favorite fabric. For the easiest application, use iron-on glue, or, if you have a hand for the sewing machine, use some fancy stitches and a sparkly thread for a festive touch. Elbow patches can also be a fun way to update your favorite flannel with some rustic suede.

Patterned tights can be the best way to bring some life to your essential basics. Find a pattern or color that suits you and your personal style, whether it be argyle, plaid, or electric blue, and pair them with your go-to black dress or skirt. Choose a knit or especially soft tight for extra warmth in the winter season. To add to these layers, personalize your standard Uggs or tall boots with colorful boot toppers or leg warmers. If you have shorter Uggs, roll your leg warmers over the tops for a cozy look.

Boots are a wintertime staple – and there’s no way around it, everyone is going to be wearing them. To take your own stand in the army of leather boots, choose carefully. Go for kitschy buckles, a rugged, off-colored stain, or even vintage velvet. Though the typical black Doc Martens are a must-have, when going for another pair, try the burnt red shade or dark forest green. Though these colors are not by definition neutrals, their darker shades allow them to be worn with almost anything. The phrase “what goes around, comes around” applies to just about every era of fashion, and thus velvet has made a comeback. With it have come old-fashioned oxfords and creepers, all in varying shades of velvet. Once again, in a deep burgundy or green, these classics can add a vintage, warm, and festive feel to your ensemble. With boots coming in hundreds of styles, you are bound to find a pair that has not yet walked the halls of North Penn.

Of course, an outfit is not complete without a hairstyle to match, and the top bun has quickly traveled from the beauty gurus of YouTube to the teenage populous as an effortless, put-together style. To make the bun your own, find a headband that fits your style, be it a velvet bow, a jeweled ribbon, or a dainty floral. If you’re feeling creative and own a glue gun, find a pretty fabric at your local craft store or cut up one of your grandma’s old patterned sweaters to turn it into your own one-of-a-kind headband. You can wear the fabric alone by tying it in a knot, or find your favorite trinkets and get gluing for a truly unique style.

Armed with these tips and your gingerbread latte, your style will be sure to stand out in the crowd – because ultimately, it’s all in the details.

Stay fabulous,

Abby