The Unofficial RHS Uniform

If any of you walk around the school corridor, when not in school uniform, you may notice several trends in the choice of clothing. When uniform comes off, individuality is supposed to shine through. However, how is it that we all independently decide on wearing the exact same outfit? A surprisingly familiar sight may include: Schoffels, Canterburys, Uggs, Birkenstocks, Knekki hair ties, any form of Adidas shoe or Ralph Lauren jumper. So welcome to The Unofficial RHS Uniform.

The girls uniform is often complimented by the obligatory vibrant Knekki hair tie, if you either haven’t got one of these hair bands in your hair or on your wrist, I’m shocked how the trend hasn’t reached you yet. Another staple in the girls uniform is either a pair of Uggs, Birkenstocks or Adidas shoes. Let’s face it, we’ve all got a pair! These are a classic addition to every girls outfit. In terms of clothing, a popular choice may be a pair of jeans, white linens or just any piece of clothing salvaged off Depop or Vinted. Fashion trends spread through the school corridors at record speeds, before you know it, everyone is wearing the same thing. I know this isn’t an item of clothing, but I’m sure we’ve all seen them lingering around the cubby holes – I’m talking about either a Frank Green or an Owala. At any games session or tournament, you’re never going to be short of viewing either of these water bottles.

The boy’s unofficial uniform is equally as easy to spot. A Schoffel thrown over a quarter zip (bonus points for a Ralph Lauren one) is a staple, could potentially be paired with a pair of chinos or jeans. Ralph Lauren jumpers are another firm favourite, any colour, any style, there’s one in your wardrobe. Footwear tends to follow a similar pattern, Adidas, Nike or Reebok trainers or deck shoes combined with a pair of Canterbury’s has been a trend for a while. A recent popular trend, has been the introduction of the gilet – the gilet offers a strange middle ground between a coat and not a coat, and the weird sense of sophistication that comes with it. However for boys we cannot ignore the joggers and puffer jacket combo, which competes quite highly against the Schoffel.

Of course there is nothing wrong with any of these trends, I am equally a victim to these. They are practical, stylish and approved by the RHS critics: ourselves. From Knekki hair ties to Ralph Lauren jumpers, some trends are just impossible to escape.