More than 95% of Columbus School students wear their uniform every day even though they are not required to do so. For the other 5% who wear alternative clothing to school either every day or a couple of times a week, wearing their own clothes to school helps define who they are.

Students are only required to wear their full school uniform when they have physical education. The school sweatshirt should be worn for P.E if weather conditions require. According to the Manual de Convivencia, the school accepts and respects the free expression of their students’ personalities, providing a campus where they can dress  almost however they desire.

Why Wear the Uniform if You Don’t Have to?

Most public and private schools in Colombia and many all over the world have dress codes that require students to wear a uniform. However, according to website Green Garage, many students at schools around the world don’t like the idea of wearing uniform. So why do Columbus School students consistently follow this unspoken dress code when they are not required to do so?  In addition, since money is not an issue for most Columbus School students and they can buy almost whatever clothing they want, why wear same uniform every day?

“In my opinion, students in the school have very fine clothes, so it is not worth for them using them for everyday activities. Also, the uniform serves to establish a sense of equality inside school,” Oliverio Alvarez, 11th grade Spanish teacher, said.

Reality: Most Students Wear the Uniform

As you walk through the halls of the elementary, middle or high schools, students in sweats are all you see. Almost all students wear the dark blue sweat pants, the school shirt, which is covered by a hoodie most of the time, and athletic shoes. Looking more closely, the girls have long hair and wear little or no makeup, the boys have short hair and everyone wears one of five brands of shoes. Once or twice a day you will see someone dressed differently.

“I only like to dress one way to school. I grab my Nike shoes, my Abercrombie sweatshirt and the uniform every morning,” Juanita Rojas, 7th grader, said.

For most students, comfort is essential and the reason many prefer the uniform. Climate is another factor that makes student wear the uniform since the school is often cold and it keeps them warm and cozy.

“When I have to come dress to school I am cold all the time and very uncomfortable for school activities, while wearing the school uniform is pleasant,” Sara Botero, 11th grader, said.

Students Who  Stand Out 

Students who don’t wear  school sweats to school often want to express themselves through their clothing, they want to look more stylish and not follow the crowd. Students that dress for school don’t think about wearing the uniform every day in order to fit in, instead, colors express them and define their personality, separate them from the multitude. Their confidence helps them ignore what other people may think or say about them.  

“I find the schools uniform very ugly, people look as if they were wearing pajamas. I enjoy a lot doing my outfits in the morning,” Camila Restrepo, 10th grade student, said.

“I sometimes can wear my nerdy style that I really like,” Andrea Cardenas, 7th grader, said.

Most students who wear regular clothes to school have no problem with the ones wearing uniform every day, but believe the majority of the people do that in order to fit in. Instead, students who dress to school bring color, attitude, and personality and often think it is boring all wearing the same clothes.

“I think it is okay that other don’t wear different clothes to school. If it is what they feel comfortable with, it’s fine,” Sarah Aristizabal, 11th grade student, said.

The Best of Both Worlds

Most students agree that Columbus School fashion trend is wearing the uniform for almost every occasion. Many TCS students don’t dress up due to the prejudice that they themselves have created. The idea is that people who wear uniform are popular and the ones who don’t are outsiders.

Students with the uniform wear scarfs that complement their outfits expressing their personality and taste.

“I prefer wearing my comfortable uniform and complete the outfit with a scarf and sweatshirt that matches. This makes me look pretty and warm,” Sofia Perez, 11th grader, said.