Schools Out: Finding The Style Uniform That Sticks

Even the most experimental people in fashion aren’t immune to the style uniform. You like what you like, you fit in where you fit in, and that often results in some sort of unifying moment or theme in which you live your life. If we think back to school, the foundation on which we built ourselves, it’s the same idea. Regardless of whether or not you had a uniform, we were all trying to distinguish ourselves, be it through accessories (read: that regrettable wristband phase), music, or the company we kept. And while we’ve somewhat broken out of our little boxes with age, fashion and subculture still cultivate a sense of belonging. Trends—like our lives—are transient, but what remains constant is the uniform on which we modeled our sense of self.

So, for COOLS’ June fashion editorial, we wanted to pay homage to that time of year when school lets out and you get to run free—even if your uniform stays with you. We also asked our skateboarder models about their style uniform and what it says about them, below.

Malachi: “My personal uniform can be vibrant at times or all-black at others. It varies. I tend to dress in many ways because it helps me express myself and my moods. I would say my style would be a mixture of New York punk culture mixed with island boy style ’cause I’m a Trinidadian punk kid from the east coast. You can also say I’m very fond of hood style streetwear because I grew up in the hood as well.”

Ursula: “I feel like my personal style would be described ‘as calm athletic streetwear with rainbow sprinkles on top.’ Usually, I’m wearing calm skate clothes but with a colorful twist. Sometimes I like to channel the ’70s or even ’90s—I think it speaks to who I am as a person, as skating is a big part of my identity. I think clothing can speak volumes to someone’s personality if they let it, oftentimes subconsciously, and I like to play around with that idea.”

Thomas: “My clothing is an extension of myself. My inspirations may vary depending on what I’m into at the time; sometimes it’s an artist I’m listening to or a character in a show. Right now, I’m really into the Italian mob clothing style from the late-’90s and early-2000s, but that will change next week.”

Cobo: “I just wear whatever is comfortable and not too flashy. I’m a function-over-fashion kind of guy.”