The luxury of a uniform
When I left school I'd had enough of uniforms. Being made to wear the same thing for a decade is enough to awaken the inner sartorial rebel in most people. Given that we're talking here about a period when youth culture experienced a fashion tsunami, with punk, new wave, the mod revival and new romanticism, you can see how the problem was exacerbated. Not that I didn't do my best to bend the rules. A mohair V-neck, taking my trousers in to make them drainpipes, second-hand small-collared shirts from a store on the Kings Road … I even dyed my hair — when I had hair — that unnatural shade of black that comes out of a bottle.
So when the time came to put away childish things I was relieved — now every day was a wardrobe opportunity. But isn't that just the problem? As I've got older, I've realised that uniforms are actually quite useful. Because waking up each day to face the blank page of dressing possibilities can be a pain — and takes too much of the valuable time during which you could be so much more productive. In 2012 Barack Obama revealed to Vanity Fair that he only wore suits in two colours, blue and grey. He explained: 'I'm trying to pare down decisions. I don't want to make decisions about what I'm eating or wearing. Because I have too many other decisions to make.'
• Read more luxury reviews, advice and insights from our experts
Could this be the reasoning behind Steve Jobs's preference for black Issey Miyake turtlenecks, Levi's 501 jeans and 99X New Balance trainers? Or Giorgio Armani's habitual choice of navy cashmere T-shirts and sweaters, navy cotton trousers and white trainers? All designed by himself, naturally.For me it's become a go-to combination of navy T-shirt under dark blue cashmere rollneck in the winter — and similarly hued wool crewneck for summer — Japanese denim dark indigo jeans and brown boots. Then a navy tailored jacket in different weather-dependent weighted fabrics, brown belt, brown leather backpack and glasses to finish it off. Then I'm ready to go.My old headmaster would approve.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Kanye West's wife Bianca Censori stuns onlookers as she steps out in just a sweetie bra and matching thong
BIANCA Censori has once again turned heads in a skimpy outfit that left her nearly nude while out in New York City. The Australian-born wife of rapper Kanye West hit the town in a string bikini made of candied lollies, complete with matching underwear and silver stilettos. 5 5 5 5 The couple were spotted heading into the Mercer Hotel in New York's Soho district. Ye, as the rapper now prefers to be called, followed closely behind his second wife wearing a white hoodie and black jeans. Bianca and Kanye walked into the hotel from a luxury Mercedes-Maybach car. Onlookers looked stunned at Bianca's bold display with many snapping pics of her with their smartphones as she walked by. Bianca is no stranger to capturing people's attention with her barely-there outfits. Just last week in Los Angeles, Bianca who is the head architect for her husband's company YEEZY, was seen wearing a plunging nude bodysuit and some white furry boots. Ditching a bra for the occasion, Bianca's nipples were visible through the nude bodysuit, which also had a plunging neckline. This solo outing comes after we revealed earlier this month that Bianca has started her own business empire. The U.S. Sun revealed at the start of June that Bianca recently set up her first U.S. company. The model's company is called Bianca Censori Inc. Magaluf tourists stunned as they spot controversial A-list rapper browsing crisps in souvenir shop_1 It was registered last month with the state of California. The architect also registered her full name Bianca Censori as an Australian firm, based in Alphington. Alphington is an affluent Melbourne suburb where her parents currently live.
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Royal Ascot revellers reveal the VERY surprising budget brands behind their vibrant outfits - and the prices will shock you
As attendees descended on the racecourse, they donned their brightest and most glamorous creations, from DIY flowers and skirts to charity shop purchases. MailOnline finds out exactly how much racegoers are spending. Click above to watch the video in full.
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
The super-lightweight Sainsbury's dress that's great for chucking over a bikini or keeping cool
AS much as we love the glorious sunshine, finding the right clothes that won't make you drown in sweat can be quite the challenge. But luckily, Sainsbury's has come to rescue yet again - this time, with a gorgeous frock that's not just affordable but will also keep you cool. BUY IT NOW The mega supermarket has seriously upped its fashion game in the recent years and their latest Strappy Tiered Midaxi Summer Dress is no exception. The perfect choice for sun-soaked holidays and warm weekends, our blue midaxi summer dress has been designed with tie-straps at the shoulders and a flattering, tiered hem. Crafted from a lightweight, modal blend, the show-stopper of a frock will keep you comfortable throughout the season. Whether you're off to the beach, have booked a sunny holiday abroad or are simply going out for a date, this dress can be easily styled up or down. For a more casual ensemble, you can finish your look with a pair of mule sandals and a tote bag. Heading out for some refreshing Aperol Spritz with your friends or significant other? Team the frock with strappy sandals, a slick-back bun, some jewellery and you're bound to make heads turn. The gorgeous summer wardrobe must-have runs in a huge range of sizes too - from UK 6 to UK 24. Whatever your size, it may be worth going up one - as one customer, who's between 10 and 12, said their brand new size 12 was ''tight'' on them. And did we mention the wallet-friendly price tag? Thrifty fashionistas can snap up this fabulous dress for just £22.50 - and you'll be rewarded with a whopping 22 Nectar Card points too. 'I adore this colour', cries Dunnes Stores fan as she tries on €40 'ultra-feminine' dress What's more, the frock also boasts a timeless design - and it's sure to remain a firm staple for the summers to come. So if you're looking to get your hands on it, you may need to run to your nearest store before it gets sold out. Shoppers have also been loving the butter yellow Cutwork Midaxi Strappy Dress they say "fits like a dream" thanks to its elasticated back, and suits all body shapes. Hottest fashion trends of 2025 Fabulous' Fashion Editor Clemmie Fieldsend shares the biggest trends from the high street. The East/West Bag Baguette bags have had a good run, after returning from the 1990s' shoulders of Sarah Jessica Parker to modern-day fashion icons, like Hailey Bieber. In 2025, the East/West bag is a similar but elongated shape and has long, thin straps that are easy to throw over your shoulder. They've been on runway models' arms at nearly ever designer show - think Burberry, Givenchy and Bottega Veneta - and are hitting the high street now, too. Powder pink Bright fuchsia pink had its day after the release of Barbie in 2023 and now the more polished and expensive-looking pale shade is taking over for 2025. Pantone may say that it's the year of Mocha Mousse, but the catwalks say otherwise! From Prada to Erdem, the subtle look was all over the spring/summer catwalks, worn head-to-toe or on its own. If the sugary shade is too girly for you, then look to sharp suiting for a androgynous take on the colour. The shell jacket The '80s classic is back, but with a sleek and minimal new twist for 2025. We all know we're likely to see rain for most of spring, so your practical coat of choice should be a cagoule jacket. Depop revealed one of its big trend predictions for this year is retro sportswear, with surges already seen in '80s windbreakers'. Seen everywhere from the stylish streets of Copenhagen to the Miu Miu catwalk, now mums who have an emergency raincoat crumpled underneath their pushchair are very much in fashion! The turn-up jeans While the shape of jeans remains the same for this year and barrel-legs will still be everywhere, the way we're styling them is different. This season, transform your wide-leg, baggy denims into turn-ups. For this look, size doesn't matter, so while deep turn-ups are a hit from jean trend-leaders Citizens of Humanity, a slight fold is still just as good - but only as it's just one single fold. Peep-toe shoe Get your pedicures booked in sharpish, as this season your toes are the main event. After a long hiatus, the peep-toe has been welcomed back into the fashion fold, with brands like Hermes, Miu Miu and Tory Burch showing plain and embellished footwear in this style. From mules to pumps and clogs (yes, clogs will be around too!), there are lots of different styles that are set to sweep the high street. Sheer blouses See-through looks have always lived on the catwalk, but have rarely filtered into everyday life - until now. Designers Ralph Lauren and Tom Ford loved sheer looks on their S/S '25 catwalks and M&S even had sellout success with its black sheer pencil skirt last season. Expect to see more sheer looks lining supermarket aisles and high street shops in the form of skirts, tops and frocks. It's also in the colour of the season, which instantly ticks the box for on-trend fashion. The stunning summer wardrobe staple is currently priced at £32 and comes in sizes six to 24. Describing it online, the Sainsbury's team say: "An elegant choice for summer outings and sun-soaked holidays, this yellow midaxi dress comes in a strappy style. "Designed with cutwork embroidery, a v-neckline, adjustable straps, finished with shirred detailing at the back. Finish your look with mesh ballerina pumps." Unsurprisingly, it has already scored countless five-star reviews, with one fan writing: "Love colour, style and fit of this dress. Comfortable and lovely material.'' A second wrote: "This is stunning dress which because of the double layer renders it non see through, excellent fit true to size and great length. As you can tell I love this dress."
